William J. Berry

As printed in 1911

WILLIAM J. BERRY

William J. Berry, living in Bertram township, owns one hundred and fifty-two and a half acres located on sections 27 and 34. His land is devoted to the production of crops and each year he gathers good harvests, for he follows modern methods of farming. Mr. Berry was born on the home farm in Bertram township on the 28th of January, 1868, one of a family of eight children whose parents were Robert and Nancy Berry, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. Coming to Linn comity in 1851, the father here entered land, on which he built a log cabin, which was the place of above for many years. He at once began the development of his newly acquired land and continued its cultivation and improvement until the time of his demise, which occurred in 1006. The mother still survives and yet lives in Bertram township.

William J. Berry spent his youthful days amid the environment of the free, quiet life of the farm. He was early trained to habits of industry, economy and integrity and these have borne rich fruit in his later life. As he grew in years and strength he more largely assisted in the work of the fields, remaining at home until he was twenty-five years old, in the meantime having acquired his education in the common schools. He then took up his above upon the farm which has since been his home, his tract embracing one hundred fifty-two and a half acres on sections 27 and 34, Bertram township. He has made improvements on his farm, including a good country residence, in the rear of which are substantial barns and outbuildings erected with a view to convenience, and everything about the place is kept in good condition.

In 1891 occurred the marriage of Mr. Berry and Miss Hannah J. Hutchinson, who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, a daughter of C. G. and Hannah Hutchinson. The father was born in Pennsvlvania. while the mother claimed Ohio as the state of her nativity. They had nine children, of whom eight are still living. By her marriage Mrs. Berry has become the mother of one daughter, Hattie May, now a high-school student in Cedar Rapids.

.Mr. Berry is a republican in his political views but has never been active as an office seeker. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. No. 534, at Bertram. Mrs. Berry holds membership in the Presbyterian church, while the daughter is a member of "Westminster Presbyterian church at Cedar Rapids. As the years have come and gone Mr. Berry has not only diligently and successfully pursued his business but has watched with interest the progress of the county along agricultural lines, which has placed it among the foremost sections of this great state.

As printed in History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time (1911). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.