Charles Perley from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school seat. Patent no. 24151 was issued on May 24, 1859.
The patent is a combination of wood and metal, with a very wide bench. It is mechanically able to fold up from the bottom seat. There are no curves or slopes that mold to the body and no armrests. They were designed to be used on the perimeter of the room when the rest of the school room, church, or other building is full. The folding seat was important for moving, as well as making the rooms easier to clean. There are two marks: "C. Perely and Sons/ 114 Columbia St, NY/ 1858," inscribed with a stamp on top of the base and on the seat back. The base is incorrrectly stamped with the name mispelled. The patent paper signature clearly spells "Perley."
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.