GEORGE BERRY

BERRY, GIVIN

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 10/12/2019 at 20:48:10

GEORGE BERRY, the fourth son of John Berry and Jennie Givin, was born in Bath County, Virginia, January 16th, 1805. His father was a very prominent man; he served in the Revolutionary War; was a member of the Legislature, besides filling many other important positions. Mr. Berry’s ancestors, both in his father’s and mother’s families were of Irish extraction. November 9th, 1816, his father died, at the age of fifty-two; and his mother, June 25, 1811, at the age of forty-one.

In 1836, Mr. Berry left his native State, and moved to Peoria, Illinois. He taught school there one winter, and the next year he came to this county. He bought the claim where he now lives, rented some improved land, put in some corm, and returned to Illinois for his family, who arrived here June 6th, of the same year. In 1840, he removed to his present residence in Pleasant Ridge Township. His education was obtained in the common schools of his native State. He enjoyed one very rare advantage; he had excellent teachers with whom to spend his time while in school. In this way, and by seven years experience as a teacher, he enriched his mind with many gems of knowledge obtained by a very few in those times. Being a good penman, he also spent some time as a teacher of penmanship.

In 1834, November 18th, Mr. Berry was joined in marriage to Isabel Given. By this marriage ten children have been born, only seven of whom are now living, four sons and three daughters. In 1827, Mr. Berry pledged his faith in the cause of Christianity by uniting with the Methodist Church; Mrs. Berry joined in 1834; four children are also members.

In politics, Mr. Berry was born, educated, and true to his raising, has always been a Democrat. We must remark, however that he has not been blinded by party prejudice to vote for men of his party, regardless of their principles, morals and ability. He always keeps this principle before him: Whatever is to his neighbor’s interest is to his own, and to benefit them is to benefit himself. In 1846, he was chosen delegate to a convention to adopt a State Constitution. In this convention they changed the old Constitution, and when it was finished it was accepted by Congress. In 1839, he was elected Surveyor; he has also filled a few township offices. He takes a warm interest in the work being done by the Grangers. He now lives in comfortable circumstances, and although his health is very poor, he lives happy in the midst of a Christian, loving family.

Source:
Illustrated Historical ATLAS of Lee County, IOWA
A. T. Andreas
Chicago, ILL.
1874

Transcription by Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer