James BERRY

Notes:

The surname is sometimes spelled Barry in court records.

The following information is adapted and/or quoted 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]:

James Berry bought land in 1770 in Accomack Co., VA. He bought a portion of Whitelaw's tract A140, which is north of Mappsville and east of present US Route 13 up to Temperanceville. In 1782 James Berry left 4 acres to John Berry, alias Hickman, and directed that the balance be sold, which was done the next year, to Thomas and Robinson Custis.

James Berry's will, dated 11 Mar 1782 at Accomack Co., VA, mentions no heir at law within the United States. It does mention John Berry, alias Hickman, son of Sarah Hickman; John is to receive 4 acres of James's land. It also mentions a friend Levin Joynes; estate is to be sold and proceeds divided between Rebeckah and Allah, sisters who are daughters of William Berry of the Parish of Burt, County of Donnegal in Ireland, and eldest son of uncle Thomas Berry. James's clothing is to be divided between John Berry, alias Hickman, and Nathaniel Polk. Executors: friend Levin Joynes, David Bowman, and Alexander Stockly. Witnesses: Joseph Matthews and Henry White.

On 14 Oct 1767 at Accomack Co., VA, James Berry witnessed the will of Edmund Allen.

On 25 Sep 1771 at Accomack Co., VA, James Berry was named administrator of the estate of Robert Walker. On the same date he was named as security on the administration of the estate of Thomas Justice.

On 27 Apr 1774 at Accomack Co., VA, James Berry was granted administration of the estate of William Rowley.

My notes:
By the wording of James's will, it can be assumed that John Berry, alias Hickman, is his biological son and heir, although not born within marriage. Another possibility is that James could have been John's guardian or caretaker and that their relationship was neither biological nor legally binding. However, the wording of the will, naming John and his mother, implies that James is the father.

James's friend Levin Joynes may have been a son of William & Margaret Joynes. They had a son named Levin; William Joynes died in 1775. (source: The Joynes Family of Accomack and Northampton Counties, Virginia, compiled from court records by Susie Warren Johnson)

James — Sarah HICKMAN. Sarah was born Abt 1743. [Group Sheet]

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:

Tinney married first to widower Jacob Bishop as his second wife. She was named as Tenny B. Hickman of John. Jacob's first wife was Polly. She married secondly to widower William L. Mears, orphaned son of Sarah "Sally" Mears.

Tinney Mears is identified as wife in her husband's will of 12 Jul 1834, and is named as daughter in her father's will of of 14 June 1843. Her father's Revolutionary War Pension File also names her as daughter and an heir.

(source for above information: M.K. & Barry Miles in Miles Files Version 7, Eastern Shore Public Library website)

In the 1850 and 1860 Federal Censuses, Tinny/Tinney Mears is residing at Maccomack, Accomack Co., VA. Her age is given as 62 and 74, respectively. In 1860 she is near relatives and extended family, including brother Charles Berry.

Tinney is an Irish surname.

Tinney married Jacob Bishop 1 Aug 1821, Accomack Co., VA. Jacob was born Abt 1775; died May 1828. [Group Sheet]

Tinney married William L. Mears 10 Jun 1829, Accomack Co., VA. William was born Abt 1790; died 1838, Accomack Co., VA. [Group Sheet]

James married Catherine Rew 18 Jan 1818, Accomack Co., VA. Catherine was born Abt 1798; died Aft 1 Jun 1860. [Group Sheet]

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:

In the Federal Census of 1850, William P. Berry age 50 is living at Accomack, Accomack Co., VA.

He may have been older than his age as given in the census.

William married Mary R. Hall 8 Jan 1829, Accomack Co., VA. Mary was born Abt 1788; died Bef 1 Jun 1850. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

In the Federal Census of 1850, Samuel & Susan, both aged 45, are living at Accomack, Accomack Co., Va. They have two children: Sally 3, and Elizabeth 1.

Samuel married Susan Unknown Abt 1845. Susan was born Abt 1805, VA; died Aft 1 Jun 1850. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

In the Federal Census of 1850, Charles & Margaret L. Berry, ages 40 & 38, are living at Accomack, Accomack Co., VA. They have the following children in the household: Mary A. 16, William P. 13, Sarah J. 10, Pamelia 6, & John 2.

In the Federal Census of 1860, Charles & Margaret, ages 50 & 39, are still at Accomack. Children with them are: William 23, Permelia 15, John 12, George 9, & Margaret 4.

In 1870 Charles is age 60, apparently a widower, living at Metompkin, Accomack Co., VA. With him are George 17 and Peggie 15.

He is still there in 1880, age 68, living with son John N. & Elizabeth Berry, ages 28 & 25. John is Charles's son.

Charles married Margaret Lewis 31 Jan 1831, Accomack Co., VA. Margaret was born Abt 1809; died Aft 1 Jun 1860. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

The marriage record has her name as Ann Berry Hickman. (source: M.K. & Barry Miles in Miles Files Version 7, Eastern Shore Public Library website)

In the Federal Census of 1880, Anne Lewis is apparently a widow aged 70. With her is son Perry 40, son Samuel 38, and Annie 23, possibly Samuel's wife. They are still at Accomack, VA.

Ann married James Lewis 10 Mar 1836, Accomack Co., VA. James was born Abt 1810, Accomack Co., VA; died Between 1870 and 1880. [Group Sheet]

John married Jane Unknown Abt 1858. Jane was born Abt 1830, VA; died Aft 1 Jun 1860. [Group Sheet]

Catherine married George M. Dix, Jr. 14 Dec 1853, Accomack Co., VA. George was born Abt 1829, Accomack Co., VA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

In the 1860 census, Matilda's age is given as 30; in 1870 it is 38; in 1880 it is 40.

Matilda married Levi Dix 23 Jan 1856, Accomack Co., VA. Levi was born Abt 1832; died Aft 1 Jun 1880. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

In the Federal census, Oliver Berry is age 35, living at Metompkin, Accomack Co., Va, and working as a farm laborer.

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:

Nancy's name and name of her husband came from a posting on the Accomack Co., VA message board at Rootsweb, 3 Feb 2005 by Leigh Young Bundick.

Nancy — Thorogood Taylor. [Group Sheet]

Mary married William C. Colona 28 Jan 1856, Accomack Co., VA. William was born 28 Jul 1830, Accomack Co., VA; died 10 Mar 1911; was buried , Colona Cemetery, Norntow, Accomack Co., VA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

This posting from the Accomack Co., VA message board at Rootsweb mau pertain to this William P. Berry: "I am looking for information on William Perry Berry, who, according to his son, William Aldephus Berry, was born on December 16, 1838 in Virginia and died August 26, 1870 at Detroit MI. I found a reference to a William P Berry born in 1837 to Charles and Margaret Berry at Accomack and am trying to determine if this is the same William P Berry." by Pete Brainerd, 3 Feb 2004, pwmary@comcast.net

This family needs more research.

Sarah married Reuben R. Simpson 23 Jun 1870. Reuben was born 22 Dec 1835, Accomack Co., VA; died 5 Mar 1925; was buried , Simpson Cemetery, Nelsonia, Accomack Co., VA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

In the Federal Census of 1870, she is shown as Amelia Waterhouse, aged 23 VA; she is with her son Frank, 4, and living with her father and family.

Pamelia married Mr. Waterhouse Abt 1865. [Group Sheet]

Pamelia married Sebastian Lewis 24 Sep 1879, Modest Town, Accomack Co., VA. Sebastian was born 1827; died 1909. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

In the Federal Census of 1880, John N. & Elizabeth Berry, ages 28 & 25, are living at Accomack with John's father, Charles Berry, 69.

In the Federal Census of 1900, John N. & Lizzie Berry, ages 51 & 49, are at Metompkin, Accomack Co., VA.

John married Elizabeth A. Hickman 30 Nov 1879, Modest Town, Accomack Co., VA. Elizabeth was born Oct 1850; died Aft 1 Jun 1900. [Group Sheet]

George married Ann Eliza "Annie" Shrieves 14 Feb 1875, Accomack Co., VA. Ann (daughter of George Shrieves and Hetty Unknown) was born Abt 1847, Accomack Co., VA; died 11 Jul 1905; was buried , Parksley Cemetery, Accomack Co., VA. [Group Sheet]

Margaret — Mr. Lewis. [Group Sheet]

John married Sophia S. "Sophy" Baker 10 Jun 1883, Hallwood, Accomack Co., VA. Sophia was born Abt 1840, Accomack Co., VA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

In the Federal Census of 1880, Perry Lewis is age 40, living with his mother Anne Lewis, 70, along with his brother Samuel 38 and Annie 23, possibly Samuel's wife. They are still at Accomack, VA.

Notes:

In the Federal Census of 1880, Samuel Lewis is age 38, living with his mother Anne Lewis, 70, along with his brother Perry 40 and Annie 23, possibly Samuel's wife. They are still at Accomack, VA.