Lexington in Fayette County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
James 'Soup' Perkins
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021
1. James 'Soup' Perkins Marker
This monument identifies members of James "Soup" Perkins' family. Frank was a trainer whose career ended when he was killed in 1900. Elizabeth was their sister and Mattie was their mother. The woman identified on the opposite side was Mattie's mother. The Perkins family lived in a home on Thomas Street just behind the Kentucky Association Race Track, where Perkins and his brothers trained and rode thoroughbreds. James "Soup” Perkins began riding at the age of eleven in 1891. He tied a record in 1895 as being the youngest jockey to win a Kentucky Derby. "Soup" died suddenly while in Hamilton, Canada. His wife had his remains brought back to Lexington for burial in No. 2 Cemetery, 21 August 1911.
Yvonne Giles and Anne Butler, PhD
Sign produced with support from a University of Kentucky
Commonwealth Collaboratives Grant
'Young Equestrian Scholars Initiative'
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is August 21, 1911.
Location. 38° 3.062′ N, 84° 28.662′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Kentucky, in Fayette County. Marker can be reached from East 7th Street. Marker is located in African
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Trainers (a few steps from this marker); Cassius Clay Tankersly (c. 1866-1886) (a few steps from this marker); Hostlers (a few steps from this marker); Oliver Lewis (a few steps from this marker); Groomsman (within shouting distance of this marker); African Americans in the Horse Industry Buried Here (within shouting distance of this marker); Farriers (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas 'Tommy' Britton (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.
Also see . . . James Perkins. Biographical sketch by the Chronicle of African Americans in the Horse Industry. (Submitted on March 30, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021
2. James 'Soup' Perkins Marker
Photographed By Fair use / Find a Grave
3. James 'Soup' Perkins
Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 30, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
