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Submitted: 8/20/10 • Approved: 3/7/23 • Last Updated: 3/10/23 • R363050-G0-S3
SECOND LIEUTENANT CSA
15 Arkansas Infantry
Civil War Confederate
May 15, 1841 - January 30, 1913
Governor of Arkansas
United State Senator
Military Veteran
*Obituary (News Article)
Benton County Democrat
Thursday, January 30, 1913
Senator James H. Berry died at his home in Bentonville, Arkansas at one o'clock Thursday. A great and good man has gone from our midst and a myriad of hearts are bowed with grief. In the words of another we can well say, "he is lost to his family, lost to his country, lost to us." Sen. Berry was born in Jackson Co., Ala., May 15th, 1841. He removed to Arkansas in 1848, settling at Berryville where he attended a private school, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1866. He entered the Confederate Army in 1861 as 2nd Lieutenant of the 15th Ark. Infantry. Was seriously wounded in the battle of Corinth, Miss. Oct. 4, 1852, losing a leg. He was elected to the Arkansas legislature in 1866 and again in 1872. Was elected speaker of the House at the extraordinary session of 1874. Was president of the Democratic State Convention in 1876. Was elected governor in 1882. Was elected to the U. S. Senate to succeed A. H. Garland, who was appointed Attorney General, and took his seat March 25th, 1885. He was re-elected in 1889, 1895, and 1901. He came to Bentonville in the spring of 1868 where he resided until his death. He was married at Ozark Oct. 1865 to Miss Lizzie Quail, daughter of Frederick Quail, a prominent and influential citizen. He was a devoted member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs. E. O. Lefors and Mrs. Alfred Smartt, both of Bentonville, and two sons, Elliott R. Berry of Bentonville and Frederick H. Berry of Van Buren, a sister, Mrs. Sidney Forrest of Ozark and eight grandchildren. In his long and distinguished career no motive actuated him but love of country and a deep desire to promote its best interest. He was the tool of no interest nor the subservient agent of the rich and powerful. With an eye single to the good of all people he discharged every public duty, guided always by a clean conscience, clear head and kindly heart. He was utterly devoid of all semblance to a demagogue, and appealed only to the intelligence and good sense of the people. No taint of corruption ever attached a single public act of his. Here is the record of a statesman to which we can point with pride and say it is white and clean from beginning to end. He reflected honor upon his adopted state and was himself an honor to the whole country. In the social circle he was always affable and deeply interesting as he discoursed upon the history of the past which he helped to make and the eminent men with whom he had served in public places and current events. The avenue to his favor and consideration was open to all who lived right and tried to do it, whether rich or poor, learned or unlearned, eminent or obscure. But he is gone and the world is poorer and the land over there is richer. After a long laborious life he rests from his labors and enjoys his reward.
Contributed on 8/20/10 by nailgal123
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Record #: 363050