Perry Township was organized in 1816, and was part of Richland County, Ohio.

At first called Leipsic (after the German city), the township was soon renamed Perry to honor Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who led a United States Navy squadron to victory against a British Royal Navy squadron in the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie.

Perry Township was again divided in 1848, when Morrow County, Ohio, was created.

The western half was transferred to the new county, the eastern half remained in Richland County, and both halves retained the name Perry Township.

[6] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a three-year term beginning on the following January 1.