Matthew Calbraith Perry was a sailor in the Navy in the mid nineteenth century. He was an avid sailor, diplomat, naval reformer, and advocate of the steam navy. He served in the United States Navy for forty-two years. First he considered a career as a civilian merchant man, but decided to go into the navy. He was appointed to Lieutenant Perry of the brig Chippewa. Then Lieutenant Perry was promoted to First Lieutenant Perry of the Cyane. In 1821 Perry gained first command of the schooner Shark. He was transferred to the North Carolina. Then he was given the commanding post at the Brooklyn Naval Yards.
Matthew Perry's family lived on the western shore of the Narragansett Bay. His parents were Sarah and Christopher. He was the forth child and was born April 10, 1794. His brother was Oliver Hazard Perry of Battle of Lake Erie fame (commanding officer on the American side).
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