John Holland BERRY

Notes:

John's birth record at Fall River identifies his parents as John H. and Eliza A.; father's occupation seaman; father's birthplace South Carolina; mother's birthplace Fall River. (Fall River Vol.123: Pg.108)

John's marriage record to Lillie E. Shippee names his parents as John Berry & Eliza A. Elsbree. (Attleborough Vol.352: Pg.83)

John was 52 when married in September of 1912, and 70 when he died. However, the marriage certificate gives his age as 59, and the gravestone appears to give his birth year as 1854. However, the official record for his second marriage in July 1884 gives his age as 24, more in agreement with the 1859 date as recorded at Fall River, MA.

In the 1870 Federal Census, census, he is age 10, and in 1875 he is 15. At the age of 15 he is listed as a jeweler on the census.

In 1880 he and Mabel are living in Providence; he is 20 and she is 16. John "works in jewelry.".

In 1900, John H. Berry and his third wife, Laura, are living at 222 Swan St. in Providence. With them is "Eliza Alison," John's widowed mother. John's occupation is given as "silversmith." According to census data, John & Laura have been married 3 years; and, at age 19, Laura has had three children, none of whom is still living.

In the 1910 Federal Census, John & Nellie are living at 10 Bowditch Place, Providence, with their two young daughters, Helen & Loretta. The census data states that they have been married four years, and that this is a second marriage for both. Grandma Allison, age 77, is in the home. John is a silversmith in a jewelry shop, and Nellie is a bench hand in a jewelry shop.

In actuality, they were officially married in 1912, and it was a fourth marriage for John, and a second marriage for Ellen. Apparently they had been together since 1906.

From my mom, Edna:
"Both my parents worked in making jewelry, and of course you know that until recently RI was the jewelry capital of the world. That bracelet I gave you once was made of yellow gold by my father as a gift for my mother. For graduation gifts for Helen and Loretta, he gave them watches with bands made by either himself or where he worked. He gave me a bracelet which I still have, though not for graduation, since he had died by then. He had made that also. Elsie had a pendant with a semi-precious stone."

At one time I thought maybe our grandparents had twins that died. John & Ellen Berry had boy/girl twins who were born 27 Oct 1923 in Providence. They both died two hours later. However, the death records for these infants show that the parents lived in Pawtucket and were born in Scotland. There is a another couple named John & Ellen Berry in the 1930 census, living childless in Pawtucket; according to the census data they were married c 1924.

John married Mabel Frances Collins 30 Dec 1879, RI. Mabel (daughter of Asel Collins and Helen M. Unknown) was born Between 1863 and 1864, RI; died 31 Dec 1883, Providence, RI. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

John 20 & Mabel 16 are living in District 48, Providence, RI, in the 1880 Federal Census.

1. John F. Berry was born 1880, RI; died 13 Sep 1880, RI.
2. Sarah Melvina Berry was born 22 Oct 1881, Providence, RI; died 22 Feb 1946.

John married Lillie Eveline Shippee 26 Jul 1884, Attleborough, Bristol Co., MA. Lillie (daughter of George Shippee and Mary C. Wilcox) was born 28 Mar 1867, Cranston, Providence Co., RI; died Aft 1 Jan 1920. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

This was his second marriage, at age 24, and her first marriage, at age 17.

1. Everett L. Berry was born 27 Feb 1885, Providence, RI; died 25 Nov 1885, Providence, RI.
2. Florence B. Berry was born Abt May 1887, RI; died Aft 1 Jun 1900.
3. Edith Alice Berry was born 8 Sep 1888, Providence, RI; died 1 Mar 1889, Providence, RI.

John married Laura A. Blanchard 13 Oct 1897, Providence, RI. Laura was born Jul 1880, Coventry, Kent Co., RI; died 14 May 1918, Providence, RI. [Group Sheet]

1. Laura Ada Berry was born 5 Nov 1897, Providence, RI; died 16 Aug 1898, Cranston, RI.
2. Evelyn Elizabeth Berry was born 10 Feb 1900, Providence, RI; died 23 Apr 1900, Providence, RI.

John married Ellen COLEMAN 10 Sep 1912, Providence, RI. Ellen (daughter of Joseph COLEMAN and Elizabeth SLACK) was born 4 Apr 1877, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England; died 26 Oct 1953, Warwick, RI; was buried , North Burial Ground, Providence, RI. [Group Sheet]

1. Helen Eliza Berry was born 21 Jul 1907, Providence, RI; died 21 Mar 2000, PA.
2. Loretta May Berry was born 11 May 1909, Providence, RI; died 19 Jul 1977, Warwick, Kent Co., RI.
3. Elsie Louise Berry was born 11 Nov 1911, Providence, RI; died 24 Apr 1975, Providence, RI; was buried , Highland Memorial Park, Johnston, RI.
4. Edna Virginia BERRY was born 25 Mar 1918, Providence, RI; died 20 Nov 2010, Warwick, Kent Co., RI; was buried 24 Nov 2010, Woodland Cemetery, Washington & Knotty Oak Sts., Coventry, RI.

Notes:

In Sarah's birth record at New Bedford, MA, John's birthplace is given as North Carolina.

However, Eliza Virginia's birth record says he was born in Horntown, VA.

In the 1855 MA State Census, John H. Berry 27 VA seaman and Eliza Berry 22 MA are living in New Bedford.

In the Federal Census of 1860, John H. Berry is 29, his wife Eliza is 25, daughter Sarah M. M. is 2, and son John is 6 months. John H. Berry is a seaman, and his birthplace is given as South Carolina. The family is living in Ward 6, Fall River, Bristol Co., MA.

In 1863, John H. Berry 40 VA mariner is on a Civil War Draft Registration List from Fall River. I think it's he, but the age should be closer to 30, not 40.

In the 1865 RI State Census, the family is in Ward 5, District 73, Providence: John H. Berry 33 SC mariner, Eliza A. 30 MA, Sarah M. 8 MA, John H. Jr 5 MA, and Eliza V. 3 mos.

In the Federal Census on 5 Apr or Aug 1870, John H. Berry 38 and Eliza A. Berry 33 are living in Ward 5, Providence with their children Sarah 13, John H. 10, and Eliza V. 5. A young man, Charles Iakeray (?), is boarding with them. John's occupation is given as "whaler." Again, his birthplace is given as South Carolina, but his marriage certificate and ship's crew list both say he was born in Sandy Hill, MD. Perhaps his parents lived in both places at various times. The family is living near John W. & Mehitable Butts, ages 64 & 60. Could they be related to Eliza? (According to a genealogy at Rootsweb, this is John Wood Butts & Mehitable Wentworth.)

At one time, Providence was a port for 9 whaling ships (https://www.gutenberg.org/files/55152/55152-h/55152-h.htm).

My mom, Edna, at one time thought her grandfather John was born in North Carolina. I haven't been able to positively determine where he was born. However, the birth record of my grandfather, John Holland Berry, says that his father John H. Berry was a seaman, born in South Carolina. This agrees with the census information.

Notice in Fall River Daily News 29 July 1871 shows that John died before daughter Jennie died: "In Providence, 28th, Jennie, daughter of Eliza A. and the late John H. Berry, aged 6 years, 4 months and 20 days"

John probably died at sea. This needs more research to confirm. It is clear that he died sometime between the 1870 Federal Census and the time of his daughter's death as reported on 29 July 1871, noted above.

By 1875 Eliza Berry is a widow, still living in Providence, along with daughter Sarah 18, son John H. 15 (a jeweler), and granddaughter Ada (illegitimate). Eliza later remarries, to Leon Allison.

"I found a reference in an old book called 'Old Somerset on the Eastern Shore of Maryland,' by Torrence, which said Sandy Hill was 10 miles south of Snow Hill, MD . . . Snow Hill is at the head of navigation on the Pocomoke River, so a few hundred years ago when ship travel was the norm, folks could get from the Virginia Counties on the Eastern Shore up to Snow Hill fairly easy." (from M. K. Miles, compiler of Miles Files Version 7 on the Eastern Shore Public Library Web Site)

"Abstract of Protections granted to American Seamen at the Port of New York, during the 1st Qtr of 1844: 25 Jan 1844, John Berry age 16, height 5'5", light complexion, nativity: Chincoteague Virginia

Horntown, VA, is on the VA Eastern Shore near Chincoteague Bay. Horntown Road leads there from Rt. 13.

Sandy Hill, MD, being about 10 miles south of Snow Hill, must be over the border from Horntown into MD, about adjacent to Purnell Bay or Parker Bay.

Sandy Hill is now known as Girdletree, according to some records. Girdletree is on Rt. 12 in MD, just north of Horntown, VA.

The property owned by John's grandfather James Berry was in Accomack County, VA, east of US Rt. 13 between Mappsville and Temperanceville.

John H. Berry is on numerous whaling crew lists for New Bedford; at least two of these give his residence/birthplace as Sandy Hill, MD. He was 5'7" tall with brown hair and florid (reddish or flushed) complexion.

John married Eliza Ann ELSBREE 19 Sep 1853, New Bedford, Bristol Co., MA. Eliza (daughter of Benjamin ELSBREE and Hannah BUTTS) was born 5 Nov 1832, Fall River, Bristol Co., MA; died 4 Jan 1913, Providence, RI; was buried , Oakland Cemetery, Cranston, RI. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

In the 1875 RI Census, Eliza A. Berry is a widow aged 43, still living in Providence, along with daughter Sarah 18, son John H. 15 (a jeweler), and granddaughter Ada (illegitimate). They are living on Colwell St., near Plane.

In 1880, Leon & Eliza Allison are living in District 48 in Providence. Clara Allison, age 32, is in the household. Probably she is Leon's daughter from his previous marriage.

In 1900, Eliza Alison is widowed and living on Swan St. in Providence with her son John H. Berry and his third wife, Laura.

In the 1910 Federal Census, Eliza A. Allison is age 77, living at 10 Bowditch Place, Providence, RI, with her son John, his wife Nellie, and their two young daughters, Helen & Loretta.

According to the death record, Eliza Allison died at age 81 (OS Page 24:225).

See notes for Ephraim Elsbree, Sr., for alternate spellings of the surname.

Notes:

In their marriage record of 1853, both John & Eliza were identified as residents of New Bedford. It was a first marriage for both. John's birthplace is given as Sandy Hill, MD; his occupation is given as mariner. John's parents are named as John and Maria; Eliza's father is named as Benjamin Elsbree (no mother named). (New Bedford Vol.69: Pg.129)

Notes:

As indicated on this family tree, our ancestor John Berry was most likely a son of John Berry Hickman, a Revolution War pensioner, c1763 - 25 June 1843. In his will of 1843, three children of his son John Berry are mentioned (see notes below). According to his pension file, John Berry Hickman (alias John Berry Sr.) resided in Accomack Co., VA.

See notes for John Hickman Berry, father of John Berry, Jr. This family needs further research.

The following notes are from the Miles Files: "John was born circa 1790 at Accomack Co, VA. He was the son of John Berry (Hickman). John died before 14 June 1843. John was named in his father's will on 14 June 1843 at Accomack Co, VA. It was on this date that the will of John Berry Sr. called for the the 3 children of my son John Berry to have $100 each. (NOTE: This probably indicates that his son John was deceased). Source citation: [S688] III Barry W. Miles & Moody K. Miles, Wills and Administrations of Accomack County, Virginia, 1800-1860, p. 60 (will of John Berry Sr.)."

Website:
http://www.espl.org/research.htm
http://espl-genealogy.org/Miles7/p1189.htm#i49249

John & Maria had three children who presumably were still living as of June 1843, according to the will of John's father. (source: M.K. & Barry Miles in Miles Files Version 7, Eastern Shore Public Library website)

John married Maria HOLLAND 9 Oct 1822, Worchester County, MD. Maria was born Abt 1800, VA or MD. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

I found this record at Virginia Marriages to 1800, Ancestry.com:
Holland, Thomas & Selby, Elizabeth, 12 Jan 1799 Virginia Accomack County

Could this couple be the parents of Maria?

A Maria Frances Holland was born/christened in Baltimore, MD, in 1797, d/o John Holland and Charity Barney (ancestry.com). However, a Barney genealogy says this couple were John Holland Barney and his wife Charity Barney (maiden name Stiles). It appears to be well documented.

Also, in the 1820 Federal Census, there are two Holland families in Accomack County, VA:

John W. Holland: free white males 1<10, 1 16<26; free white females 1 10<16, 1 16<26, 1 45+; 2 male slaves & 1 female slave; 2 persons involved in agriculture

William Holland: free white males 1<10, 1 10>16, 1 45+; free white females 2<10, 1 10<16, 1 45+; 7 males slaves & 1 female slave; 8 persons involved in agriculture

Either of these two households could include our ancestor Maria Holland.

From Miles Files:

Maria Holland
F, b. circa 1800
Maria was born circa 1800 at Accomack Co, VA. She married John Berry, son of John Berry (Hickman) and Mary Pettitt, on 9 October 1822 at Worcester Co, MD. They were shown only as John Berry and Maria Holland. No other information was given..1
Family John Berry b. c 1790, d. b 14 Jun 1843
Child ?John H. Berry+ b. 1827

Citations
1.[S594] Jody Powell, Worcester Co, MD, Marriage Records, 1795-1865.

Notes:

I have a photocopy of the original marriage register, obtained from the Maryland Archives.

Notes:

"Benjamin Elsbree, stonecutter, house New Boston" is listed in the Fall River City Directory of 1853.

In the 1840 census, there are five Elsbra (Elsbree) family heads listed in Fall River: Hannah (female age 30-40 with two young females and a young male), Henry, Aaron, Benjamin, and Joseph.

Benjamin's household is as follows: 1 FWM<5, 1 FWM 30-39, 2 FWF 5-9, 1 FWF 20-29.

In the 1850 Federal Census, Benjamin Ellsbree is age 36 MA and his wife Ruth is age 32 MA. Their ages do not agree with their marriage record, as he was 40 and she was 35 when they married in 1848. In the household with them are the following: Emery Read 15 MA, Abel Read 15 MA, & Joshua Ellsbree 10 MA. Benjamin is a stone cutter. (In 1860 Ruth is age 44, a widow, and living with Abel Davis and family, next to Emory Davis and family, at Fall River.)

In the 1855 Massachusetts State Census, Benjamin Elsbree is age 48 and wife Ruth is 42. With them are Emery and Abel Davis, both 19, and Sarah Elsbree, 21. Benjamin is a fisherman.

Benjamin Elsbree died at age 48 y 7 m, of typhoid fever. The death record identifies his birthplace as Fall River, and his parents as Joshua & Rhoda Elsbree (Fall River Vol.102: Pg.69), as does the record of his second marriage (to Ruth [Read] Davis) in 1848. (Fall River Vol.37: Pg.78)

Benjamin married Hannah BUTTS 13 May 1832, Troy, Fall River, Bristol Co., MA. Hannah was born Abt 1810, Fall River, Bristol Co., MA; died 14 Sep 1845, Fall River, Bristol Co., MA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Hannah Elsbree, wife of Benjamin, died at Fall River at age 35, cause of death -- consumption (Fall River vital records, vol. 20 p. 50).

She may be a descendant of Thomas Butts & Elizabeth Lake, the first Butts family in southeastern MA and RI.

As yet I have been unable to determine Hannah's parentage. Her death record says she was born at Fall River.

The 1810 census shows a "David Butt" at Troy, Bristol Co., MA; he could be Hannah's father. According to an online tree, this couple was David Butts and Rebecca Crapo (dtr of Francis Crapo and Margaret Beale). The census data shows the household consisted of 3 males under 10, one male 10-15, and one male 45+; 2 females under 10, one female 10-15, and one female 26-44.

It is known that this couple had a daughter Margaret born 1805 in Fall River; she married Philip Cowan in 1823 and died in 1883 at age 77 y 9 m.

A David Butts of Freetown married Content Cleveland in 1790.

In 1820 there's also a Benjamin Butt in Freetown who has 2 females under 10.

Notes:

Much of my information on John Berry Hickman (here identified as John Hickman Berry) has come from Miles Files Version 7, compiled by Moody K. & Barry Miles and posted online at the website of Eastern Shore Public Library [http://www.espl.org/research.htm]. The family data there, added to what I already had researched, solved some mysteries in our Berry ancestral line.

"On 30 Sep 1850 in Accomack Co., VA, it was recorded that John Berry Hickman, who made a declaration before his Court on 28 Aug 1832, and John Berry Sr., whose will was admitted to probate on 31 Jul 1843, were one and the same person, and he was in the habit of indiscriminately signing his name as John Berry Hickman or John Berry Sr. It is certified that the following children of John Berry Hickman or John Berry Sr. are now living: Tinney Mears (formerly Tinney Berry), William P. Berry, Samuel Berry, Charles Berry, and Ann Lewis (formerly Ann Berry)."

"John was named as an heir on 11 Mar 1782 in Accomack Co., VA . . . he was [identified] as John Berry, alias Hickman, son of Sarah Hickman, and given 4 acres in the will of James Berry. At probate it was noted that there was no heir at law within the United States." (i.e. - he was the natural son of James Berry, but not a lawful son)

"John's will, dated 14 June 1843, bequeathed the following: $100 each to the 3 children of my son John Berry; my place where I now live to be divided into 5 lots or shares and distributed, one to my daughter Tinney Mears during her life and at her death to my other living children; one to son William Berry during his life . . . one to my daughter Ann Lewis during her life . . . one to the children of my son James Berry to be applied to their special use by their uncles William & Samuel Berry . . . one to the children of my son Charles Berry to be applied to their special use by their uncles William & Samuel Berry. Executors: sons William P. & Samuel Berry. Witnesses: William S. Hope, John H. Custis, Molly Lewis."

My research:

John Berry Hickman, VA Line, applied for a war pension in 1832 at Accomack Co., VA.

John B. Hickman, alias John Berry or John Berry Sr., was born c1763, according to statements made in his Revolutionary War Pension File (#18445). According to the file, John died on or about 25 June 1843.

In the Federal Census of 1810, "John Hickman of B" is listed in Accomack Co., VA. Next to him is Esther Holland; nearby are listed Ann Holland and Isaac Holland. It is possible that these individuals are related to Maria Holland, our ancestor who married John Berry Jr.

The Federal Census of 1820, "John B. Hickman" is listed at Accomack Co., VA. Robert Hickman is listed on the same page. John's household consists of 2 free white males 10<16, 1 free white male 16<26, 1 free white male 26<45, 1 free white male >45 (probably John himself), 1 free white female >45 (possibly John's wife), no slaves; 2 persons in the household were engaged in agriculture.

The Federal Census of 1830 shows his household as follows: 2 free white males 20<30, 1 free white male 70<80 (probably John himself), 1 free white female 15<20, and 1 free white female 20<30. From this data it would appear that his wife has died. Possibly the young woman is a daughter-in-law. They are listed next to a Stephen Hickman (no household data).

In 1840 "John B. Hickman" is still in Accomack Co; he is listed as a free white male 60-70; also in the household is a free white female 40-50. Other Hickmans listed in the county are Margaret, Henry, Samuel, Richard, William K., Edward, John, & Elizabeth.

JOHN B. HICKMAN, ACCOMACK COUNTY, PRIVATE VIRGINIA MILITIA
$80.00 ANNUAL ALLOWANCE
$240.00 AMOUNT RECEIVED
OCTOBER 10, 1833 PENSION STARTED
AGE 71
Virginia Pension Roll of 1835
Report from the Secretary of War
In relation to the Pension Establishment Of the United States 1835
Copied and indexed by
William R. Navey, P. O. Box 251, Hollyridge, NC 28445-0251
http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/pensions/vapen_h.txt

From Miles Files:

John was born in 1763 at Accomack Co, VA. His military pension file shows that he was age 16 in 1779, which puts his birth at 1763..2 John served in the Revolutionary War in in 1775 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as John Berry (Hickman), a soldier in the Army. On 30 Sep 1850 in Acc Co, VA, it was recorded that John Berry Hickman, who made a declaration before his Court on 28 Aug 1832, and John Berry Sr., whose will was admitted to probate on 31 Jul 1843, were one and the same person, and he was in the habit of indiscriminately signing his name as John Berry Hickman or John Berry Sr. It is certified that the following children of John Berry Hickman or John Berry Sr. are now living: Tinney Mears (formerly Tinney Berry), William P. Berry, Samuel Berry, Charles Berry and Ann Lewis (formerly Ann Berry)..3,4 John was named as an heir on 11 March 1782 at Accomack Co, VA. It was on this date that he was shown as John Berry, alias Hickman, son of Sarah Hickman, and give 4 acres in the will of James Berry. At probate it was noted that there was no heir at law within the United States. (NOTE: It is assumed that he was the natural son of James Berry, but not a lawful son.).1 He married Mary Pettitt on 13 February 1787 at Accomack Co, VA. Thomas Hickman was the security on the M.L.B. of John Berry Hickman and Mary Pettitt..5 He made a will on 14 June 1843 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as John Berry Sr. To son Samuel Berry my lot near Newtown. To the 3 children of my son John Berry $100 each. My place where I now live to be divided into 5 lots or shares & one to my daughter Tinny Mears during her life & at her death to my other living children. One to son William Berry during his life ... One to my daughter Ann Lewis during her life ... One to the children of my son James Berry to be applied to their special use by their uncles William & Samuel Berry. One to the children of my son Charles Berry to be applied to their special use by their uncles William & Samuel Berry. Sons William P. & Samuel Berry Extrs. Witt: William S. Hope, John H. Custis & Molly Lewis..6 John died before 31 July 1843 at Accomack Co, VA. It was on this date that his will was probated..6
(sopurce: http://espl-genealogy.org/MilesFiles/p493.htm#i49249)

John married Mary PETTIT 13 Feb 1787, Accomack Co., VA. Mary was born Abt 1765; died Bef Jun 1843, Accomack Co., VA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Her father may have been William Pettitt.

Notes:

John Berry Hickman m Mary Pettitt 13 Feb 1787, Thomas Hickman sur.

Notes:

The 1840 Federal Census at Troy (Fall River), Bristol Co., MA, has a listing for Joshua Elsbree. This may be our ancestor, although the age may be a bit off; I have estimated both his birth year and death year. The household in 1840 consists of: 1 M 15<20, 1 M 20<30, 1 M 50<60, 1 F 15<20, and 1 F 50<60. Joshua is listed next to Ephraim Boomer.

However, "The Luther Genealogy" p. 279 says Joshua died/was bur 7 May 1839. This appears to be confirmed by his gravestone in North Burial Ground, Fall River.

Joshua married Rhoda BRIGHTMAN 16 Mar 1800, Freetown, Bristol Co., MA. Rhoda (daughter of Henry BRIGHTMAN and Mary READ) was born 2 Jul 1774, Fall River, Bristol Co., MA; died 24 Aug 1854, Fall River, Bristol Co., MA; was buried , North Burial Ground, Fall River, MA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

In the 1850 Federal Census, Rhoda (Brightman) Ellsbree is age 77, living at Fall River, MA, with Samuel R. Brightman and family. This could be her nephew or son-in-law. There are several other Brightman families nearby.

Rhoda Elsbree died at Fall River on 24 Aug 1854 at age 81 y 1 m. She died of "old age." The death record identifies her parents as "Henry & Maria," no other surname or maiden name given (Fall River Vol.84: Pg.67). I found Rhoda's maiden name on several trees at Rootsweb's Worldconnect.

Her gravestone says she died on 23 Aug 1854.

Notes:

At the time of their marriage, Joshua & Rhoda were both of Freetown.