BERRY, Braxton C. (1840-1916)

BERRY

Posted By: Cynthia Peterson (email)
Date: 6/17/2007 at 14:58:38

Obituary for Braxton Carter Berry:

Braxton C. Berry

After a residence in Tama county of more than fifty years and in Iowa of nearly sixty years, Braxton C. Berry, one of Tama's most highly respected citizens, died at this home in this city last Thursday,February 3, aged 75 years, 9 months and 11 days. He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on April 18, 1840, and his youth was spent in that county. At the age of 17 he came west, first settling at Vincennes, Lee county, Iowa, where he grew to manhood, holding the position of postmaster at that place for a time. At Vincennes he was married to Miss Mary Billups, seve children being born to them, two of the children and his wife preceding this in death.

More than fifty years ago he came to Tama county, establishing his home on a farm at Grand View, some six miles southeast of this city, where he lived for some years later buying a grocery store in Tama and moving here to assist in operating it. His partner in the business was S. E. Peek, now and for some years living in Marshalltown. Retiring from that business some thirty years ago he entered the employ of the C. & N. W. Railway company and for twenty-two years served that corporation faithly as baggagemaster and billing clerk.

On December 17, 1885, he was marred to Mrs. Mary Lash, and to them on child was born, Mrs. A. P. Peterson, of Des Moines. Other surviving children are Harrison, living on the Pacific coast; John F., of Bettendorf, Iowa; Braxton C., of Belleville?, Kansas; Charles M., of(unreadable).....................Mrs. Lumpkin, of Sioux City.

Mr. Berry's health has been? firm for several years but he (unreadable word) rapidly during the six months preceding his death. During this last illness he had the constant and loving care of this devoted wife and younger daughter. Mr. Berry was on of the city's most exemplary citizens, his quiet and consistent life giving him the strongest possible claim on the respect and confidence of all who knew him. In religion he was a Quaker and belonged ot the Friends' church at Le Grand and was always true to his professions. He was a devoted member of the Odd Fellows' lodge and his influence in the councils of Tama Lodge, No. 152, was always salutary. He was a member of that organization and of that lodge for more than thirty years.

Funeral services were held at the Baptist church on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. O. H. Sisson, assisted by Rev. Wm. C. Cleworth. Music was furnished by a male quartette. Members fo the Odd Fellows and Rebekah lodges attended in a body and in regalia, expressing by their presence their grief at the passing of one who so eloquently, in his everyday life, exemplified the teachings of their order.

The remains were laid to rest at Grand View cemeter.

Copeland-Peterson Family Genealogy
 

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