Edward Perry, a descendant of early New England settlers, began his career as a farmer's son in Massachusetts before moving to Alabama where he taught, studied law, and passed the bar exam. He served as a judge in Florida before the Civil War, where he rose to the rank of brigadier general in the Confederate Army. Post-war, Perry returned to Florida, becoming a prominent lawyer and Democratic politician, eventually serving as governor. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the adoption of a new state constitution and the establishment of the state board of education. Perry's contributions extended to the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, with his home becoming the Scottish Rite Temple in Pensacola.

Edward Perry's political identity is marked by a blend of regional loyalty and ideological rigidity, particularly in his unwavering support for Confederate values and education reform. His military service and subsequent political career reveal a deeply rooted commitment to Southern heritage, as evidenced by his active role in Freemasonry and the establishment of Confederate monuments. Perry's legislative efforts to institutionalize education in Florida, while simultaneously honoring Confederate figures, illustrate a complex balancing act between progressivism and traditionalism. This juxtaposition of modernizing state institutions with reverence for the Confederacy highlights an intriguing tension in his ideological framework.