Topic: Oliver Perry

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (August 2, 1785 – August 23, 1819) was an officer in the United States Navy. As a boy he lived in South Carolina, sailing ships practicing for his future career. He served in the War of 1812 against Britain and earned the title "Hero of Lake Erie" for leading American forces in a decisive naval victory at the Battle of Lake Erie. The city of Perrysburg, Ohio and the borough of Perryopolis, Pennsylvania as well as the village of Perrysburg, New York and its the surrounding township are named after him.

Oliver Hazard Perry was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. He was a son of Captain Christopher Raymond Perry and Sarah Wallace Alexander. He was an older brother to Matthew Calbraith Perry.

Through his mother, Perry was descended from Scotland's national hero William Wallace.