June 2, 1911

DEATH OF CAPTAIN JOHN BERRY

Had lived in Neosho County Forty -five Years.

In the death of Captain John Berry, which occurred last Monday night Neosho county lost one of her oldest and most respected citizens. Capt. Berry came to Neosho county in 1866 and located on a claim two miles due north of Erie where he continued to reside until he was elected sheriff of this county about twenty-five years ago when he moved to Erie and has continued to make this city his home since that time. In 1872, Capt. Berry returned to his old home at Palmyria, Ill., and married Miss Belle McMullien and brought her to his Kansas home and from that time until his death they had traveled life's pathway together. To this union were born eight children, five sons and three daughters. Two of the sons died in infancy and the eldest son, Edward E, died in July, 1901, after he had seen service in the Spanish-American war and was one of Erie's finest young men. The living children are Mrs. J. N. Roseberry of Erie, Mrs. Bird Wheat of El Reno, Okla., Mrs. Chloe Howe of Westphalia, Kansas, Marvin, who is a telegraph operator at West Mineral, Kansas, and Walter, who is at home with his mother.

Captain Berry was a brave and fearless soldier during the war for the preservation of the Union. He was captain of Company A, 32d Illinois infantry. He enlisted in August, 1861, and was mustered out at the close of the war and immediately came to Kansas. During his residence here he always took a prominent part in the affairs that have made this a great and grand county. He was prominent in both politics and business until his health began to fail a few years ago and since that time he has spent much time in the mountains of Arkansas and elsewhere trying to regain his health and while at times he would seem to be better he never fully regained his health. He returned from the Arkansas mountains about three months ago and had not been able to leave his home at any time since then. About two weeks ago his sickness became very serious and his death was daily expected until it did claim him last Monday night. Captain Berry was born in Palmyria, Ill., July 18, 1839, making him 71 years, 10 months and 11 days old at the time of his death.

Funeral services were held at his residence at 4:30 on the afternoon of Decoration day, the same being conducted by Rev. A. M. Maclean of the Erie M. E. church, and the Erie G. A. R. post attended in a body and burial was made in the Erie cemetery.