David C. Berry

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

David C. Berry

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

David C. BERRY ranks as one of the foremost citizens of Rockaway, where he conducts a big and enterprising business as a contractor and builder and where he is president of the Rockaway Hardware & Stove Company. He was born at Dover, Morris county, New Jersey, October 11, 1857, son of Stephen C. and Angeline (WESTFALL) BERRY, the former of whom was a native of New Jersey and the latter of whom was born and reared in Pennsylvania. Mr. BERRY was a farmer during his active career and was the owner of a finely improved estate of 100 acres, eligibly located, a part in city limits of Dover, Rockaway township. He died in 1910, and his cherished and devoted wife is also deceased; their remains are interred in Dover. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. BERRY:

Augustus S.;
Mary L.;
Sallie H., wife of George E. MATTOX;
David C., the immediate subject of this review;
Edward H.

To the common schools of his native place, David C. BERRY is indebted for his primary educational training, which he has since effectively supplemented with extensive reading and by association with men of affairs. After leaving school he began to learn the trade of carriage maker, engaging in that line of enterprise for a period of four years, at the expiration of which he became an apprentice to learn the trade of carpenter. For the past thirty-five years he has been a resident of Rockaway and here he now conducts a splendid business as contractor and builder, employing a force of from four to twelve men constantly. Many of the finest homes and business blocks in this section of the county stand as monuments to his skill as a builder. Since 1899 he has been president of the Rockaway Hardware & Stove Company, a growing business establishment that was incorporated under the laws of New Jersey in 1899, with a capital stock of $10,000. Mr. BERRY’ success in life is due entirely to his own efforts and for that reason it is the more pleasing to contemplate.

In May, 1888, Mr. BERRY married Harriet L. MOTT, a daughter of John G. and Caroline (FREEMAN) MOTT, of Rockaway. Mr. MOTT is a carpenter by trade but for the past thirty years he has devoted his attention to the duties which devolve upon him as sexton of the Presbyterian church in this city. Mr. and Mrs. MOTT became the parents of the two following children:

Harriet L., wife of Mr. BERRY;
Emma, wife of George W. WARD, of Rockaway.

Mr. and Mrs. BERRY have three daughters and one son:

Angeline M.,
Helen L.,
Harriet C.,
Robert F., all at the paternal home.

For ten years – from 1897 to 1907 – Mr. BERRY was borough clerk of Rockaway. He has served on the school board and is always found willing to give his unstinted aid in support of any enterprises advanced for the betterment of his home community. His political connections are with the Republican party, and in religious matters he and his wife are devout Presbyterians, in which faith they have reared their children.

This biography was transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003).