A locomotive of the new line was named in his honor, but it was wrecked in an accident on November 1, 1859 when an ox ran onto the track.

[6] In 1866, Perry donated half of the $25,000 cost for a new library building at his alma mater, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY, and participated in the laying of the cornerstone on July 18.

Among the notables on that trip were William B. Ogden, who had been first mayor of Chicago and later was the first president of the Union Pacific railroad, and John Insley Blair.

[11] They were in Moscow when the Franco-Prussian War began, and in August 1871 the family returned to the U.S.[2][12] After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, he built a home at the corner of Pine (now Michigan Avenue) and Huron at a cost of some $200,000.

One author wrote that "Perry Smith ... made his home in one of the gaudiest town houses created by Cudell and Blumenthal.

Its three stories of Joliet marble, its stairway of ebony enriched with gold, and its dining room with carved panels portraying rabbits, ducks, squirrels, and prairie chicken were famous throughout the Middle West.

"[13] Like many business leaders of the day, at his home Smith hosted lavish occasions, including (for example) a party for Cyrus McCormick's son's coming-of-age.

Later that year he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, where he worked for the nomination of his personal friend, Samuel J.