Moses Henry Perley

Who was Moses Henry Perley?

Moses Henry Perley was a lawyer and entrepreneur in colonial New Brunswick.

Born in Maugerville, Sunbury County, Perley played a dominant role in producing the New Brunswick Indian Act of 1844. He had an extensive knowledge of Indian affairs through his travels and communication throughout the province. He was appointed commissioner for Indian affairs and further influenced matters covered under the Indian Act.

Perley also was appointed as emigrant agent for the province and, in 1855, was appointed a fishery commissioner to enforce the Canadian-American Reciprocity Treaty. He died after an illness on board the HMS Desperate near Labrador while engaged in duties associated with this post.