Charles Berry (1792-1884)

BERRY, CRAIG

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 11/14/2015 at 20:03:43

From Nevada Representative December 24, 1884

Mr. Charles Berry.

Mr. Charles Berry, a former resident of this City, and the father in law of Mrs. Laura A. Berry, recently died in Clarinda, Iowa. The following sketch of his life and character written by his pastor, and taken from the Clarinda Herald of Dec.10, 1884, will be of interest to his old friends and acquaintances in Story county.

Mr. Charles Berry died at the residence of his son, Mr. Wm. Berry, on Saturday morning Dec. 6th, aged 92 years, 1 month and 4 days. Father Berry was born Nov. 29th 1792 in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. In 1819 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Craig. Seven children were born to them, three of whom are still living. Father Berry was the oldest man in the county. His life was one that was full of interest, and reflected the beauty of 92 autumns. Father Berry lived under the administration of every president of the United States. He has witnessed the marvelous growth in every section of our wonderful commonwealth, and until the end of his life he watched with deep interest the ship of State. In 1827 Father Berry and his wife removed from Virginia to London, Ohio, where they lived until 1849. In 1849 he removed to the eastern part of this state where he lived until 1860. In 1854 be buried his faithful companion at Burlington, Iowa. When 68 years old he stated with his sons for Colorado. This trip he made by team in company with others. In speaking to the writer about this trip he said he always pitched his tent on Saturday evening and rested on God's Holy Day, and he said, "I lost no time by this, for I always overtook the rest of the party during the week." He remained in Colorado until 1876 when he returned to this state and until his death has made his home with his son, who with the true and loving hear of son did all in his power to contribute to the comfort of his father until the last. Just a short time before he died we sat by his side and talked to him saying to him he was near the end, and he replied "I await the coming of the Lord." When death closes the eyes of the aged in the sweet sleep of Jesus we feet helped. When one that has walked the ways of life for 92 years, much of that time through night, and storm, disappointment and bereavement and has felt all the time the sustaining power of God--we do not wonder that they are quite willing to put off the sandals, lay aside the pilgrim stuff and be wrapped to rest.

Father Berry was for more than half a century a faithful member of the Presbyterian church. He was a man that honored God in all his ways and ordinances. He was always in his pew on the Lord's day. He never forgot the assembling together for worship, and the fruits of the spirit of "love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance," abounded with him. Yes, he was a good man, a loving father, a kind grand father and a true follower of the Lord Jesus. May his mantle fall on children and grandchildren. He has gone to his rest. Charles Berry "being dead still speaketh."