Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Mary L. Elder about 1867; children: 4, William H., James J., Lettie G. and John Elliot
Number of Children: 4
Background
Education:
Biographical Sketch:
Son of William and Anna (Gayfer) Berry. Before the civil war, he was engaged in farming and mining in the Upper Peninsula. He enlisted in Co. A 16th. MI Infantry Aug 2, 1861 for 3 years and re-enlisted for the war in the same company and regiment. Served as a private, Corporal, Sergeant, 1st Lieutenant Captain. He was in the 3d Brigade, 1sr Div., 5th Army Corps. Rec'd an honorable discharge at the close of the war. He was commissioner of the State Land office from 1893-95. Employed in Detroit as a wholesale hardware clerk for several years after the end of the Civil War then went into real estate there. In 1878 moved to Otsego Co. and engaged in grist-mill, saw-mill and general store business in Berryville and later a general store in Vanderbilt. First Commander of the G.A.R. Gen. Harker Post 264 in Vanderbilt and a delegate to State and National Encampments. Also President of the Soldiers' and Sailors" Assoc. of Northern MI.
At the time of the civil War, he was engaged in mining and farming in the Upper Peninsula. He enlisted in Co. A, 16th Michigan Infantry on August 3. 1861. After his first three year term expired, he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment. He worked his way through the ranks from private to Captain before receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war.
For a number of years after the war, he worked as clerk for a large wholesale hardware store in Detroit. He also entered the real estate business in Detroit for few years before moving to Otsego County. There, in Berryville, he engaged in a grist mill/ saw mill/ general store business. In Venderbilt, he also operated a general store. He was an abolitionist before the civil war and subsequently,a Republican.
Notable Facts:
Wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg in the right arm.
Removed from office as land commissioner, March 20, 1894.