CARSON M. BERRY represents a prominent family of South Strabane township. His grandfather, William Gilmore Berry, was born December 2, 1871, in Lancaster county, Penn., which locality has been the home of the family for many years. The parents of William Gilmore Berry came to Washington county when he was a small boy, and he there grew to manhood, receiving a good education. In 1804 he was married to Jane McConnell, who bore him children as follows: John (deceased), William, Matthew, James, Mary (who died during the winter of 1892-93), Elizabeth, Jane and Prudence (both deceased). Mr. Berry was among the first to engage in raising fine-bred sheep, especially the breed known as Black-Top. He first entered that business in 1821, and was afterward recognized as a leading authority in that branch of stock raising. In politics he was a Whig, and was one of the most pronounced Abolitionists, taking a prominent part in all political questions; he served several years as a justice of the peace. For many years he was a member of and ruling elder in the Associate Reformed Church at Robinson's Run, to which he gave liberal support. In addition to general farming, Mr. Berry was interested in a flouring mill. About the year 1850 he retired from active work, and took up his residence in Canonsburg, where he died October 26, 1866; his wife passed away February 25, 1848, and they are both buried in Canonsburg U. P. Church cemetery, they having been members of that Church. John Berry, son of William G. and Jane (McConnell) Berry, was born in 1805 in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., and received a common-school education, to which he afterward added a valuable store of general knowledge. He was married in 1829 to Jane Eagleton, and the following children were born to their union: Jane, Rachel, William, John M., David W. and Carson M. Of these, John M. and David W. were members of Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I.; David W. was mortally wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor; John M. (still living) was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness. After his marriage Mr. Berry remained fourteen years in Cecil township, and then removed to North Strabane township, where he engaged in farming and stock raising, also managing a gristmill. His first wife died in 1844, and for his second, he in 1851 married Mary Barr, who bore him one son, Joseph (now deceased). In politics John Berry was a Whig and Abolitionist always active in the interest of his party. In religious connection he was a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. Carson M. Berry was born December 22, 1843, in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his youth at home and in Canonsburg, receiving his education in the common schools. On November 22, 1871, he was united in marriage to Abigail Thome, daughter of Rev. Bankhead and Margaret (Thome) Boyd. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Berry settled on the farm in South Strabane township where they now reside, and three children have been born to them: Albert, Bankhead and Lizzie. Mr. Berry is a prominent Republican, and in religious connection he and his family are active members of the U. P. Church.

Text taken from page 357 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Sharon McConnell of Fontana, CA as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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