PERKINS, William Oscar, musician, born in Stockbridge, Vermont, 23 May, 1831. He was graduated at Kimball union academy, Meriden, New Hampshire, in 1853, and studied at the Boston music-school and under private teachers here and in Europe. The degree of Mus. D. was conferred on him by Hamilton college in 1879. He resided in Boston from 1857 until 1884, when he took up his residence in New York. His work has been principally that of a conductor and voice-teacher. He has composed numerous part-songs and hymns, and has compiled and edited many collections of vocal music.--His brother, Henry Southwick, musician, born in Stockbridge, Vermont, 20 March, 1833, was graduated at the Boston music-school in 1861. He taught music in New York and Massachusetts, and later also in Iowa state university in 1867-'8, Iowa academy of music in 1867-'71, and in other institutions. Since 1872 he has lived in Chicago, Illinois, and in 1875-'6 he visited Europe for study. He has conducted more than 200 musical conventions and festivals in various parts of the United States, is known as a composer of vocal music, and has published a large number of music collections.--Another brother, Julius Edson, singer, born in Stock-bridge, Vermont, 19 March, 1845; died in Manchester, England, 25 February, 1875. He received his musical education in Boston, and studied also in Paris, Milan, and Florence. He filled various operatic engagements in Italy in 1870-'1, and in Wargaw, Poland, in 1872, and in 1873 joined Mapleson's Italian opera company. In 1874 he made his debut in London, and the same year he married Marie Roze, the second soprano of the company. His voice was a basso profundo, and he was an excellent vocal and dramatic artist. He composed some songs and pieces for the piano.