| Biographies Theron Berry Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin | |
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From the 1880 Portrait and Biographical Album, Fond du Lac Co. WI *THERON BERRY*, who is engaged in farming and stock raising on section 33 in the town of Empire, is a native of New York. He was born in Westchester County, on the 27th day of March , 1840 and is a son of John and Minerva (Hyatt) Berry. The Berry family is of Irish descent. The father of our subject was also born in the Empire State, and when quite a young lad , went to live with a wealthy uncle, with whom he made his home until after his marriage. He wedded Miss Minerva Hyatt, who also was born in New York, and proved to him a worthy helpmate through life. The children born of their union were seven in number, four of whom are yet living – Green, the eldest of the family , was employed as one of the business managers of the celebrated Barnam’s Show Company for a number of years, and was killed while serving in that capacity; he left a wife and one daughter, Minnie to mourn his loss. Charlotte is now the wife of Monmouth Briggs, a resident of the town of Eden, and has had four children. Albert, Eugene, Lottie (deceased) and Frank; John, who for a number of years was employed in some of the largest business houses of Chicago, and is now engaged in the clothing business for himself in Huron Dak., was united in marriage with Miss Annie Crow, of Chicago, and to them have been born two children. Walter and Jerome; Laura Jane is now deceased; Eugene departed this life in Westchester county, N.Y., his death being caused by swimming in cold water when he was quite heated; Oscar who has been married and who has two children, Ida M. and George D., resides at Eden where he is engaged in painting; Theron, whose name heads this sketch, completes the family. While residing in New York, John Berry engaged in various occupations, and met with a number of reverses in business on account of his venturesome disposition. For some time he was Captain of a steam boat the Hudson River, and was also Captain of an artillery reserve company. At length after pursuing a number of vocations, he decided to try his fortune in the West and in the fall of 1848 left his Eastern home for Wisconsin. He came to Fond du Lac County with the desire of making a location, and being pleased with the prospects, decided upon a farm, which he purchased . After all arrangements had been completed, he sent for his family, who arrived at the new home in the spring of 1849. The farm on which he located, is the one on which our subject now resides. In a short time he had the land under cultivation, many improvements were made, and at length success crowned his efforts. His failures hitherto had not been due to lack of energy and enterprise , but rather to his too sanguine nature, which did not permit him to view in their proper light the disadvantages and difficulties attendant upon any course. He was one of the most active workers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and had been a resident of Fond du Lac County but a short time when he had broached the subject of organizing a church in the community where he resided. Meeting with some encouragement , he labored unceasingly until his efforts were crowned with success. He was instrumental in founding the only Protestant Church in the town of Empire, and it is ow known as the Empire Methodist Church. He never hesitated when called upon to aid in any benevolent or charitable work , but gave liberally to the support of such enterprises. In him the poor and needy found a special friend. They were never turned from his door empty-handed, but left with such gifts as only a generous heart can bestow. In public affairs he also manifested a deep interest, and took an active part in politics. He joined the Republican party at its formation and remains one of its stalwart supports until his death, doing all in his power to advance its interests and insure its success. He died in the faith which had been his hope and comfort though life, and among his last words were, “I am going home.” He passed away in August , 1880 at the ripe old age of eighty-five years. His example of Christian patience and faith was such as to win all hearts, and is well worth y of emulation. Mrs Berry, who was also greatly beloved for her many excellencies of character was called to her home in 1881 in the seventy -ninth year of her age. Theron Berry, whose name leads this sketch, when but nine years old, came with his parents to Fond du Lac County, and has since been numbered among its worthy and respected citizens. He received his education in the district schools of the neighbourhood, and mid play and work passed his early years upon his fathers farm. Several years prior to the death of Mr. Berry, he assumed the management of affairs, and took complete control of the farm. On his mothers death , he fell heir to the estate, and the farm, which comprises 180 acres, situated on sections 28 and 33, Empire Township, in some of the best in the county. In connection with the cultivation and improvement of his land, he devotes considerable attention to stock- raising, in which business he has been quite successful. Some fine specimens of Durham cattle may always be found upon the farm, and in 1888 he began the breeding of Shropshire sheep. He possesses good business ability, and his prosperity is due entirely to his industry and persevering efforts. Mr Berry ranks among the best citizens of the community in which he resides, and has an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances. He takes an active part in public affairs, has nobly borne his share in the upbuilding and advancement of the county, and has identified himself with its best interests. He has also been solicited to accept public office, but each time has steadily refused preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business and his home. Mr Berry has been twice married. In 1871, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Inez A. Kearns, but after four short years of happy wedded life, the young wife was laid in the silent grave. In 1881, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Florence A. Jackson, a resident of Lamartine Township. Her parents are George W. and Lydia Crowe Jackson. By their union two children have been born, but the younger only is living, namely, Winnie F., who was born Sept 24, 1888. | |
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last modified: 11 Jul 2004 Return to 
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Disclaimer | Privacy Statement These electronic pages may not be reproduced in this format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons without the permission of WIGenWeb ** Ruth Shaw Worthing, The History of Fond du Lac County, as told by its Place-Names, 1976. ** The History of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1880. ** Portrait and Biographical Album of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Acme Publishing Company, 1889. ** A. T. Glaze, Incidents and Anecdotes of Early Days and History of Business in the City and County of Fond du Lac from Early Times to the Present, Fond du Lac: P. B. Haber Printing Company, 1905. ** Maurice McKenna, ed., History of Fond du Lac County, Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912. ** Wisconsin Volunteers: War of the Rebellion 1861-1865 ** Plat Book of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, C. M. Foote & Co. 1893 |