James Craig Berry

BERRY, CRAIG, BROWN, MCFARLAND, SCHERER

Posted By: Ruth McDowell (email)
Date: 5/7/2010 at 17:24:46

Afton Star Enterprise - September, 1913

Last Saturday occurred the death of one of the oldest settlers in Union county, J.C. Berry. He was also one of the oldest persons living in Afton, being at the time of his death aged 93 years 1 month and 12 days.

His death was due to old age and an attack of Paralysis.

Mr. Berry was born in Augusta county, Virginia, April 18, 1820. and at the age of seven moved with his parents to Madison county, Ohio. While living there he was married on June 18, 1849 to Miss Sarah C. Craig who survives him. To this union seven children were born, they being Theodore Berry, who died Jan. 2, 1901; James D. Berry, Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, and Mrs. Margaret Scherer of near Afton; Dr. Wm. Berry of Omaha, Mrs. Mary McFarland of Des Moines and Elijah Berry who died in November, 1911.

Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Berry moved to Burlington, Iowa where they lived until 1864, then they moved to Union county, which has since been their home. They first settled in Sand Creek twp. where they lived for about 24 years when they moved to Afton.

When Mr. berry came to this country he came in a wagon drawn by an ox team and the people who followed him to his last resting place all went in automobiles, showing the great progress made during the life of this honored citizen. And we wish to say that Mr. Berry did his share toward making this progress possible.

When a lad Mr. Berry united with the Presbyterian church and has been a humble follower of his Savior ever since. The funeral services were held Monday from the Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. J. N. Strain, and interment was made in Greenlawn cemetery. All the children were present at the funeral.