John Calvin Berry ¹

  General Notes:

There is some confusion about how John Calvin Berry fits into the family. Some researchers have concluded that he is a son of Garrett Berry of Madison County, KY. However, information, combined from several documents, makes it clear that John Calvin was not the son of said Garrett, but was, instead, the son of John Berry and Mary (Grimes) Berry, and possibly the grandson of Garrett Berry. The documents used in this conclusion are:
guardian documents from Fayette County, KY.,
apprentice documents from Fayette County, KY.,
the marriage of John Calvin's sister, Susan B. Berry, to John Marmon,
John Calvin's letter of 1842,
and John Calvin's deed involving land willed by James Grimes to his daughter Mary Berry, and her children.
Wth the exception of Susan's marriage, the above documents are listed in the 'Life Events' section for John Calvin Berry (following this section). See the section for Susan B Berry for the marriage information. ³

  Noted events in his life were:

• Probate: Will - James Grimes, 6 Jun 1828, , Fayette, Kentucky, USA. ⁴ JAMES GRIMES LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT [Grimes #9]

That I James Grimes labouring under great affliction but sound memory and calling mind the state of mortality do or dain to be my last will and testament, that after my death my body -tly buried to return to dust, from whence it came. It is my will and desire that after all my just debts is paid, if any my property should be disposed of in the following manner, and is my further will that the property named to each legatee should undergo a valuation before it is moved in order to give an opportunity of a fair settlement for each of my children have ------an equal share proportion of my estate.

Item - I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Sary all of my farm lying between the Boonesborough road and Boggs fork - being about two hundred and forty six acres of land together with all improvements appurtenance during her natural life and at her death to be divided between my sons James Grimes and Lewis Grimes give to James Grimes one hundred acres of said track adjoining the meeting house having ??pect to water and timber for each pace and all my farming tools, the household and kitchen furniture, the riding carriage, twenty head of sheep, twenty head of geese and all the present stock of hogs and her wheels [?] and -, and half of the crop now growing and one half of last years crop of hemp now fit for market, also as there is a quantity of rails lying at the creek and timber and timber to make more, she shall dispose of them to the fairness as the case may require and she may think proper and the following Negroes Dennis, Humphrey, Morgan Jiminay[?], and ----Mattey [?], Spencer, James, and Allen which Negroes together with all the perishable property to be equally divided at her death amongst the hole [sic] of my children and legatee except Humphrey, which is hereafter named and disposed of and should not all of their legatees [?] be equal on a division, it is to be made up to those that lack in seond [sic] [?] division of the property, which is at the death of my wife.

Item-I give to my beloved son William Grimes a Negro by the name of Jacob, a woman by the name of Levian and Clarry her child to have and to hold forever.

Item-I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Mary Bary and my son John Grimes and children all that track or parcel of land lying between the Boonesborough road and the station track beginning at a rock on the Boonesborough road as the corner for the division line, giving to Mary Bary that part where the widow Jones formerly lived, and one hundred acres of land running the line having due regard as to the water for -place and one Negro girl by the name of Tenah and a Negro boy by the name of Jonathan to have and to hold forever.

Item-I give and bequath to my beloved grandchildren, the heirs of John Grimes, dec., Mary B Grimes, Sary Bryan Grimes, -Leonidas Grimes, George G. Grimes the balance of the track of land as named above adjoining Mary Beary the Boonesborough Road and John - to have and to hold forever.

Item-I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter, Elizabeth Garnett a Negro boy by the name of Martin to have and to hold forever.

Item-I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Phebe Gray a Negro boy by name Jinsor [?] and Negro girl by the name of Terelda to have and to hold forever.

Item-I give and bequeath to my beloved son James Grimes after my wife's death one hundred acres of land which has been designated in first item above to have and hold forever.

Item-I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter, Pamelia Bledsoe a Negro boy by the name of William to have and to hold forever.

Item-I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Melinda Porttelow [Partlow?] one Negro boy by the name of Henry to have and to hold forever.

Item-I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Sary Smith one Negro boy by the name of Howard to have and to hold forever.

Item-I give and bequeath to my beloved so Lewis Grimes part of the track of land and improvement whereon I now live being fully explained in the first item, and when he comes to be twenty-one years of old, then to have the Negro boy by name Humphrey which fully understood by myself and wife, and his horse bridle and sadle [sic] have and to hold forever, also a bed and furniture.

Item-It is also my will and desire, that all my married children eaqual [sic] legatees, William Grimes, Mary Beary, Nancy Bradley, Elizabeth Garnett, Sary Smith, Phebe Gray, Parmelia Bledsoe, Melinda Partton, James Grimes, John Grimes, Caroline Embry who have received a portionable [sic] part of their legatees of my estate, which is charged to them in a book kept for that purpose which accts [sic] charged is to be duly regard [sic]. On the settlement in the manner and form the following:

Item-It is also my will and desire that all the residue of my estate, that is not herein disposed of to be -??uted together and commissioners be appointed who shall put fair estimate on it, also to judge the value of the property - win, settling the estate giving each legatee his amount including the book amount so charged against him as far as either of them shall be in arrars to - property or money to make up there dividend eaqual [sic] of the property or money should be in hand, ?? not to wait until it can be moved. Given from under and as my last will a testament revoking all others or parts there. Leaving my three sons William Grimes and James Grimes and Lewis Grimes as my soul executors in conjunction with my wife and Enonch [sic] ????birth (Cutbirth?) Given under my had and seal this 6th day of June 1828.

James Grimes
His X mark

James Grimes
His X mark

This will be received without surety
Acknowledged in the presence of
William Curry

The foregoing writing purporting to be the last will and testament of James Grimes deceased was produced in Court and proved by the oaths of William Curry, John Davis and Benjamin Grimes the subscribing -thereto and ordered to be recorded which is truly done.

Att.
H. Rodes
Clerk FC

• Court: prenuptual agreement re Mary (Grimes) Berry's marriage to James H Cravens, 13 Sep 1828, , Fayette, Kentucky, USA.
[The following Court records were found in Fayette County, KY:
Presented here as further proof of the mother/son relationship between James Grimes Berry and Mary/Polly (Grimes)(Berry) Cravens.]

Whereas there is a marriage shortly intended to be solemn in heaven betwe en James H. Craven of the County Of Jessamine and ???? Berry, the widow of John Berry ??? late Polly Grimes Berry ??? Whereas the so Polly Berry wishing to secure to her children and Heirs her estate to which she now has title, real, personal ?? at her ?? death. Now therefore, this indenture made this 13th day of September 1828 between the said James H Craven of the County of Jessamine of the first part and Polly ? of the County of Fayette of the second part and James Grimes ? ? County all of the State of Kentucky of the third part.? that more effectively to secure to the heirs of said ? now living, at her death said estate now proposed by her agreed, and for that purpose the said Polly doth hereby con-? unto the said James Grimes in trust for her children as said, all her estate real, personal and mixed. In consideration whereof, and for the further consideration of one dollar have paid to the said Polly by the said James Grimes receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have granted, gained and ? sold, and by these persons do grant, gain and sell unto the said James Grimes heirs ? in ? as aforesaid all her said estate real, personal and mixed, amount which are the following slaves to wit: one Negro girl named Tenah and Negro boy named Jonathon ? ? of said female slave. To have a nd to hold said ? unto him the said James Grimes ????? till the death of the said Polly and then to her said heirs ?? equally divided among them, which the said James H Craven covenants on his part shall be done, and the said Polly ? on her part, that she will not for herself or heirs claim ? to or have any of the estate of said James H Craven, if she survive him the said James, but do agree that said estate descend wholly to his said James children. In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals th? and date above written.

James H Craven
Mary Berry
James Grimes

But it is hereby understood between the parties, that the ? Hereby conveyed is to be and remain in the possession of ? H Craven and said Polly Berry after their marriage ? lifetime of said Polly, then to go in trust as herein ? ? our hands seals the date above.

James H Craven
Mary Berry
James Grimes

Commonwealth of Kentucky Fayette County Court:

I James C Rodes clerk of the County Court for the ? do certify that this writing was this day produced to me ? office and acknowledged by James H Craven, Mary ? James Grimes, Jun. Parties thereto, to be their act and the purposes therein contained , and ordered to be ? which is truly done. Given under my hand this 13th September 1828.

J. C. Rodes, Clerk

• Court: Guardian Bonds, 10 Sep 1832, , Fayette, Kentucky, USA. ⁵
Know all men by thes Presents, that we, Lewis Grimes and Armstend Blackwell are held and firmly bound unto the commonwealth of Kentucky in the just and full sum of five hundred Dollars, current money: To the payment of which, well and truly be made, we and each of us bind ourselves and every of our Heirs, Executors, and Administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. Sealed and dated this 10th day of Sept. 1832.
THE CONDITION OF THIS OBLIGATION IS SUCH, that if the above bound Lewis Grimes his Heirs, Executors, and Administrators, shall well and truly pay and deliver to Sally B. Berry and John C. Berry Ophan of John Berry deceased, of whom this appointed Guardian, all such estate as now is or hereafter shall appear to be due from him to said Orphan, when he shall attain to lawful age, to demand the same, or when thereto required by said Justices of the said county for time, and faithfully execute his office herein, in such a manner as to save harmless and indemnify the said Justices their heirs, executors, and administrators, from all trouble or damage that ma arise about the said Estate--then this obligation to be boid, else to remain in full force and virtue. [signed] Lewis Grimes
Test
? ? Rodes clk [signed] Armstend Blackwell

• Deed: James G Berry in family land transaction, 2 Feb 1834, , Fayette, Kentucky, USA. ⁶ John C.[alvin] Berry witnessed deed to sell James G Berry's interest in land that was inherited from his grandfather James Grimes who died in 1828. The document sets forth, not only the sale of the land, but more importantly, provides documentation that James G Berry was the son of Mary (Grimes, Berry) Cravens. Although the document incorrectly identifies Mary's first husband, and James father, as John Berryman, other documentation makes clear the his name should be Berry.

This Indenture made this eighth day of February in the year of our Lord o ne thousand eight hundred and thirty four between James G. Berry and Lucinda his wife, of the County of Fayette and Commonwealth of Kentucky on t he one part and James H. Cravin (sic) of the County of Fayette and Commonw ealth aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth that the said James G. Berry and Lucinda his wife, for an in consideration of the sum of two hundred dollars current money of Kentucky to them in hand paid the receitp whereof is hereby acknowledged have granted bargained and sold and by these presents do grant, bargain, seel and confirm unto the said James H Cravin his heirs and assigns containing all the right, title, claim interest and _ ______ whatever which we now have or hereafter expect to have at the death of Mary Craven formerly Mary Grimes before her first marriage with John Berryman (sic) dec'd both at law and equity in tend to a certain tract of land situate in the County of Fayette on the waters of Boone Creek n ear the Town of Athens and whereon the said Cravins now reside and left to the said Mary by the will of her father James Grimes dec'd. Togeth er with all and singular the premises thereunto belonging or in anywise ap pertaining, to have and to hold the interest hereby conveyed with the appu rtenances unto the said James Cravin (sic) his heirs and assigns and the s aid James G. Berry and Lucinda his wife for their heirs Executors and admi nistrators the aforesaid interest in said track of land and and (sic) prom ises unto the said James Craven his heirs or assigns against the cla im or claims of all and every person or persons whatever do and will forev er defend by these presents. In witness whereof the said James G. Berry a nd Lucinda his wife have hereunto set their hands and seals this day and d ate first above written.

James G. Berry
Lucinda Berry

Signed and acknowledged in presence of

John H. Craven
John C. Berry
George Day

Commonwealth of Kentucky Fayette County to wit

I, James G Rodes. clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do ce rtify that this deed from James G. Berry and Lucinda Berry his wife to Jam es H Cravins (sic), was produced to me on the 12th day of August 1834 a nd proved by the oaths of John C. Berry and George Day two subscribing wit nesses thereto and on this day said deed was again produced to me: and sa id Lucinda Berry being by me p____ ex (sic) am __inded separate and apa rt from her husband declared that she did freely and willingly seal and de liver said ______ and wished not to retract it and acknowledged said ____ __ again shown and explained to __ her act and deed and consented that t he same ____ be recorded whereupon said deed together with the foregoing c ertificate hath been duly admitted to me and in my office. Given und er my hand and this 18h day of Setpember 1834.

J G Rodes, Clk FCC

• Court: John Calvin Berry's apprentiship terminated, Aug 1834, , Fayette, Kentucky, USA. ⁷
"On motion of Wm North to whom Jno C. Berry was heretofore bound It is ordered that the indenture of apprenticeship be cancelled and annulled Lewis Grimes the Gdn to said boy and all other parties concerned being present in ct and consenting thereto. Which is certfd."

• Deed: Bill of Sale of Negroes, 9 May 1836, Carrollton, Greene, Illinois, USA. ⁸ "James H Cravens & wife Recorded May 9th 1836
Bill of Sale of Negroes [Carrollton, _______________KY]
James G Berry & Others [Illinois. Deed Records, p. 540 ]
Known all men by these presents that we James H Cravens and Mary
Cravens of the County of Greene and State of Illinois for and in consideration of the
sum of three hundred dollars to us in hand paid at or before this _ealing and
delivery of these presents this receipt whereof we do herby acknowledge have
bargained and sold transferred and assigned and by these presents do bargain and
sell transfer and assign unto the said James G Berry, John H Marmon and John C
Berry their executors, administrators and assigns a Negro Boy slave called and
known by the name of Jonathan now about fifteen years of age of a light complexion
about five feet four inches high. Also a negro woman Tener about eighteen years of
age of a dark complexion - and also Tener's child named Margaret about two years
old of a light complexion and all other increase which said Negro woman Tenor may
have from and after the signing and sealing of these presents. All of which said
Negroes are at this time in the State of Kentucky and in the possession of Lewis
Grimes. Together with all our right[s], title interest claim and demand of in and to
the said Negroes above described. To have and to hold the said negroes above
bargained and sold or intended to be to the said James G Berry, J H Marmon and
John C Berry there executors, administrators and assigns forever. Signed sealed
and delivered in the presence of [me - us?], this 7th day of Dec. 1835.
C. ? Hodges, Sam'l Smith James H Cravens (seal)
her
Mary X Cravens (seal)
mark"

• Deed: Sale of land from James Grimes estate, 3 Jun 1839, Jackson, Madison County, Tenneesee, USA. ⁹ The following is presented here as partial proof that John C(alvin) Ber ry was the son of Mary/Polly Berry and John Berry.

Fayette County Deed Book 16, p.523 6/3/1839
This Indenture made this 30 day of June 1839 between
John C Berry of the t own of Jackson, State of Tenneesee
of the one part and Charles Clarke of t he County of Fayette
and State of Kentucky of the other part Witnesseth
that the said Berry hath sold a certain tract of land situate and
being in t he County of Fayette and State of Kentucky and
on the waters of Boone's cr eek containing 25 acres for the
sum of four hundred dollars to and in hand paid
the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the 25 acres
refered (sic) to is the one equal and undivided forth part
of 100 acares of land willed by James Grimes to his daughter
Mary Berry since Mary Craven having intermarried with
James Craven and for the more particular identification
of this land, the will of the said James Grimes is refered
to and by these presents I bind myself my heirs and
assigns to warrant and for ever defend the title of said 25 acres of l
and unto the said Clarke his heirs and assigns forever against
the claim of all and every person or persons claiming or to claim.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my ha nd and seal
this 3rd day of June 1839
[signed] John C. Berry

State of Tennessee, Madison County,

Personally appeared before me Montgomery B Stewart
Clerk of the County Cle rk of said County the within named
barganor John C. Berry with whom I am personally acquainted
and also acknowledges that he executed the foregoing
deed for the purposes therein contained.
[seal] Given under my hand and seal of office at office
in the City of Jacks on on the 3rd day of June
A. D. 1839
M B. Stewart, Clerk

[court certification of M.B. Stewart as clerk followed the above]

• Residence: Jackson, Madison County, TN, 3 Jun 1839, Jackson, Madison County, Tenneesee, USA. ⁹ The following is presented here as partial proof that John C(alvin) Ber ry was the son of Mary/Polly Berry and John Berry.

Fayette County Deed Book 16, p.523 6/3/1839
This Indenture made this 30 day of June 1839 between
John C Berry of the t own of Jackson, State of Tenneesee
of the one part and Charles Clarke of t he County of Fayette
and State of Kentucky of the other part Witnesseth
that the said Berry hath sold a certain tract of land situate and
being in t he County of Fayette and State of Kentucky and
on the waters of Boone's cr eek containing 25 acres for the
sum of four hundred dollars to and in hand paid
the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the 25 acres
refered (sic) to is the one equal and undivided forth part
of 100 acares of land willed by James Grimes to his daughter
Mary Berry since Mary Craven having intermarried with
James Craven and for the more particular identification
of this land, the will of the said James Grimes is refered
to and by these presents I bind myself my heirs and
assigns to warrant and for ever defend the title of said 25 acres of l
and unto the said Clarke his heirs and assigns forever against
the claim of all and every person or persons claiming or to claim.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my ha nd and seal
this 3rd day of June 1839
[signed] John C. Berry

State of Tennessee, Madison County,

Personally appeared before me Montgomery B Stewart
Clerk of the County Cle rk of said County the within named
barganor John C. Berry with whom I am personally acquainted
and also acknowledges that he executed the foregoing
deed for the purposes therein contained.
[seal] Given under my hand and seal of office at office
in the City of Jacks on on the 3rd day of June
A. D. 1839
M B. Stewart, Clerk

[court certification of M.B. Stewart as clerk followed the above]

• Letter: Letter from John Calvin Berry, 16 Mar 1842, , Platte, Missouri, USA. ¹⁰ [The following letter was written by John Calvin Berry from Platte County, Missouri to his brother-in-law John H. Marmon, residing in Carrollton, Illinois. In this letter he identifies two brothers of his father, John C. Berry, James Berry and William Berry. James and his four sons and two daughters are living in Platte County, MO. William is visiting at the time of John Calvin's arrival and lives in Morgan County on the Osage River. He also tells us there is a cousin, William G. Berry, whose great grandfather was the brother of John Calvin Berry's grandfather.]

Western Historical Manuscrip Collection
23 Ellis Library
Univeristy of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Missouri 86201-5149

March the 16th, 1842
Dear Brother After traveling the State of
Missouri through from east to west I have at length arrived in this beautiful, delightful, notable and far famed country; and it is a beautiful too as fair as eye ever looked upon, or covetousness ever desired. But let me cast my eyes which will, over the beautiful and undulating prairies, which are interspersed throughout this part of the country, to the woodlands, as heavily timbered and as fertile as any which the Rosebuck ever bounded my wandering gaze ____ to Illinois. I do not make this last observation because I am growing homesick, or from any undue attachment to that country, nor is it, trust, the offspring of a morbid fancy. But, when I reflect upon the relative situation of the two counties, with regard to market, that of Illinois, appears far the more preferable. The natural advantages, which afford great facilities for the transportation of produce to the south and from thence to Europe, far excel those of this state, to say nothing of St. Louis and Alton, which afford a great market at home. It is true, however, that this state has the Mississippi on the east and Missouri flowing through the center, but a large portion of land, bordering on those rivers, is sterile and unproductive and will never be the means of bringing much wealth into the state. But in ascending the Missouri river after passing through the counties of St. Charles, Montgomery, Warren and Callaway, the face of the country a___ quite a different ____. The soil is more dark and fertile and the country generally more beautiful. I arrived at Lexington on the ninth day after I left home. I there found David Lock with whom I stayed several days, and by whom was very kindly treated for which he and family have my most sincere thanks. I also found several old acquaintances with whom the time lapsed off very pleasantly. I then visited Richmond in Ray County where I found several gentlemen from Fayette, KY. I returned from there to Lexington and on this day two weeks ago I went to Independence where I remained two days. It is pleasantly situated high, drye, and commodious. I came from thence to Liberty and proceeded to Platte County, where I now am. I found our relatives in Platte and not in Clay, as I expected. I came upon them, like a clap of thunder in a clear sky, when they were least expecting me. I found more of the Berry family here than ever expected to see. Uncle James has six living children, two daughters and four sons; and, besides his family Uncle William is here at this time, though he lives in Morgan County on the Osage River. He is now about 55 years old and having been affected with a consumptive cough for nearly twenty years is nearly worn out. There is another family, William G Berry, living in about a mile off. His grandfather's father was a brother to my grandfather. But still am greeted by the affectionate name of cousin and ____ ____ ____, he has quite a pretty daughter, who is about sixteen. I have made several acquaintances since I came here and one amongst the number Mr. Rogers is Adjutant General of the militia. He has a very pretty farm, 8 or 10 Negroes, and by the by a very good looking daughter. The general is an enthusiastic phrenologist, with however, quite a smattering knowledge of the science and thinks he is wonderfully smart; but I out talked on his favorite theme and he frankly awarded the palm of victory. But fearful least I should grow weary, I will change the subject. This upper Missouri, although its facilities to transport produce to market, are not as great as those of Illinois, is destined to be wealthy and a man with plenty of money could do well, when the land comes in to market. Though the land is held by preemption and a family on every quarter section in the whole county, but there are a great many farmers I who have not the money, and cannot get, to enter their land with and the consequence will this. A great many farmers will have to get other persons to enter their lands one half for the other or sell their claims for what they can get. When this land will come into market, I cannot now say, as there is no definite knowledge with regard to the time where a land office will be located. The time of its location, however, will be published six months previously to its location. I wish you, if you can, to sell that house and lot as the money would be of more advantage to me here than the house would be there and also tell Mr. Kay that like him to settle that note as soon as possible. I did not see him after I saw you but I wrote to him from Jerseyville stating what I told with regard to the note you hold against me there is also a ten note in the hands of Hugh Jackson due in July and two dollars to Miller, the singing master, which amounts must be deducted from the note. It is possible that I may remain here during the summer and perhaps settle here. This however, will depend on circumstances. If you can sell that lot also and when I look around a little more I will write you again. I'll give you no directions with regard to the price of the lot but I would not take less than two hundred dollars. I wish you to write as soon as this comes to hand, and also I want you to see Mother or send word to her to let her know where I am, that I am among my relatives and am likely to do well, that Uncle William is here and wishes to be particularly remembered. Uncle James also sends his love and best wishes to her and to you and thinks that it is possible that he may come to see her this coming winter. I wish you to give my respects W. P. Marmon and family, to James the old man and your Mother, and to all inquiring friends. Nothing more at present.
But remain yours J. Calvin Berry

• Tax Record, 1847, , Platte, Missouri, USA. ¹¹
Berry, J.C.
poll 1, slaves 1, slav value 200
horses 0, mules 0, cows 1
value 10, taxable 210

• Land: Pruchased 70 acres in Platte Co for $532 from James M Allcorn, 4 Dec 1848, , Platte, Missouri, USA. ^{3 12} This land in in the section just north of James H. Berry's land in section 22.

Platte County Court Records, land purchase record of John C. Berry:

This indenture made and entered into this eleventh day of March one thousa nd eight hundred and forty eight between James M Allcorn of the Coun ty of Platte and State of Missouri of the one part and John C. Berry of t he County and State aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth that the said J ames M Allcorn for and in consideration of five hundred and thirty two dol lars to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is herby acknowledged doth gr ant bargain sell convey and confirm unto the said John C Berry his heirs a nd assigns forever all that tract or parcel of land situate and being in t he County of Platte in the State of Missouri, viz: The south part of southeast quarter of Section No. (16) sixteen Township No. (52) fifty-two and of Range No (33) thirty-three which south part is west of First Creek and south of an agreed line between James M Allcorn and Robert G. Ware: and also all that portion of the fractional quarter of Section (15) fifte en Township No (52) fifty two and of Range No (33) thirty-three which _ __ south of the aforesaid agreed line between said J M Allcorn and R. G. Ware and south of the branch running west between Benjamin L. Lampton and John F (T?) Miller and emptying into First Creek in all about seventy acr es more or less. together all and singular the appurtenances thereunto be longing or in any wise appertaining to have and to hold the above describ ed premises unto the said John C. Berry his heirs and assigns forever a nd the said James M Allcorn the aforesaid premises unto the said John C Berry his heirs and assigns against the claim or claims of all and every per son whomsoever doth ___ will forever warrant and defend by these _____ __ . In witness which the said James M Allcorn party of the first part h as hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written.

James M Allcorn

State of Missouri
County of Platte

Be it remembered that on this eleventh day of March A. D. 1848 one thousa nd eight hundred and forty-eight before me Patrick N Cumberford a justi ce of the peace written and for the county aforesaid personally appeared J ames M Allcorn who is personally known to me to be the person whose na me is subscribed to the written and foregoing deed as having executed t he same as party thereto and acknowledged the same to be his act and de ed for the purposes therein mentioned. Given under my hand this day and y ear first above written .

Patrick N Cumberford, JP

Filed for record Dec 4 1848

• Tax Record, 1849, , Platte, Missouri, USA. ¹³
Berry, J.C.
poll 1, slaves 0, slav value 0
value 56, taxable 56

• Census: John Calvin, 16 Nov 1850, Pettis Twp, Platte, Misssouri, USA. ¹⁴ line 23 - William Rogers, age 50, m, VA
line 24 - Nancy, age 55, f, KY [nee Layson]
line 25 - Hannah, age 15, f, MO
line 26 - John W, age 21, m, MO
line 27 - Hannah Layson, age 80, f, PA [nee Scott]
line 28 - John C Berry, age 32, m, KY [John Calvin Berry]
line 29 - Susan, age 26, f, KY [d/o Wm and Nancy Rogers, wife of John Calvin Berry]

• Census, 27 Jan 1860, Carrol Twp, Platte, Misssouri, USA. ¹⁵ Carrol Twp, Platte Co., MO., 27 Jan 1860, page 46, line 30 - 34
line 30 - John C. Berry, age 42, m, farmer, KY
line 31 - Susan, age 35, f, KY
line 32 - William Rogers, age 69, m, VA [Susan's father]
line 33 - Nancy, age 65, f, KY [Susan's mother]
line 34 - Ellen Marmon age 18, f, house help, IL [niece, d/o Sarah B Berry and John Marmon]

[Louis Grimes, John's uncle is on the next page of the census]
[Frances Webber, John's aunt, is two pages later in the census]

• Census: Slaves, 17 Jun 1860, Carrol Twp, Platte, Misssouri, USA. ¹⁶
Caroll Twp, Platte Co., MO., 17 June 1860, page 3, Lines 36-40
Slave Owner: J C Berry
Slave Information
Age Gender Race
----------------------
23 Female Black
10 Male Black
4 Female Black
2 Male Black
1 Female Black

• Deed: of Trust, 5 May 1870, Platte Twp, Clay, Misssouri, USA. ¹⁷
two images attached

page 1:
[Trust Deed Wm T. Christy to E. O. Waller dated 30 May 1870 for deed made between Wm. T. Christy and F. G. Cockrille for purchase of Clay Co land:
N 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of sec 18 and the E 1/2 of NW 1/4 of sec 19 in Twp 52N, Range 32W.
The morthage assigned to J. H. Marmon on 8 June 1871 by Cockrill.
The land appears to be in Platte Twp, Clay Co., MO.]

page 2:
[Wm. T. Christy, et. al., promised to pay F. G. Cockrille $1518]
"...$1518.00 Platte Cith MO. June 5th 1869,
One day after date we promise to pay to the order of
T. G. Cockrille Fifteen hundred and Eighteen dollars for value
received negoteable and payable without ???? or
discounty with ten percent interesdt per annum from
maturity and if the interest is not punctually paid it
shall become part of the principal and thereafter earn the same rate of intrest as the principal debt.
[signed] Wm T. Christy
J L Cravens
John C Berry
..."

• Census, 25 Jun 1870, Carrol Twp, Platte, Misssouri, USA. ^{18 19} Page 3, Carrol Twp, Platte Co. MO., 25 Jun 1870; Parkville PO
line 27 - Berry, Jno C., age 53, m, w, farmer, KY
line 28 - Susan A., age 46, f, w, keeps house, KY
line 29 - Nicholson Ida, age 11, f, w, at home, MO**
line 30 - Layson Margaret, age 20, f, [w], dom svt, MO [*]
line 31 - George, age 5, m, [w], at home, MO
line 32 - Rose Ann, age 13, f, [w], dom svt, MO
line 33 - Wesley, age 11, m, [w], farm hand, MO
line 34 - Lance Frances, age 8, f, b, dom svt, MO
line 35 - Harris Overton, age 24, m, w, farm hand, MO [related to Madison Co Harris families ?]
[* Layson is a name that appeared in the 1850 census for John's father-in-law, William Rogers "...line 27 - Hannah Layson, age 80, f, PA..."; it appears that Hannah is Nancy Rogers' mother. If that is the case then the confusing race designators in the census image should be taken as 'w' not 'm'.]
**[The Rogers family is related to a Nicoll family--I did NOT find Ida in their data at: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=nicoll&id=I0041]

• Court: witness - civil suit, 5 Dec 1870, , Clay, Missouri, USA. ²⁰
James L. Cravens filed a suit in Clay County Circuit Court in 1870. The action was apparently an attempt to recover losses from a cattle deal that went bad. The critical information for this research is that some documents include several members of the the Cravens, Grimes, Rogers, or Berry families and their location.

A summons was delivered, on 5 and 6 of December 1870, to call John C. Berry, W. T. Christy, Lewis Grimes, Joesl Grimes, and Jessie Rogers as witnesses before the court in support of J. L. Cravens claim. The summons was delivered to all of them in Clay County--except John C. Berry was in Platte County. Clay County Circuit Court file 5325 and 5326 in Box 44 at the Clay County Historical Archives, in Liberty, MO.

• Land: Sheriff's sale, 23 Sep 1871, , Clay, Missouri, USA. ²¹ Sheriff's sale on 23 Sep 1871 of James L. Cravens' land resulting from Circuit Court action of Aug 9 1871 (James Christy and Elizabeth Christy vs. William T. Christy, John C [Berry], and James L. Cravens)
W1/2 of NE 1/4 sec 7 and
SW 1/4 of NE 1/4 sec 18, and
W 1/2 of NE 1/4 of sec 19, all in Twp52N, Range 32W
which is the same land as the 1872 Trustee sale

Publication: Liberty Weekly Tribune; Date:1871 Sep 01; Section:None; Page Number: 2

• Deed: John Calvin Berry to John H. Marmon, 1 Jun 1875, , Platte, Missouri, USA. ²²
John Calvin Berry and wife, Susan Ann Berry, sell land in Sect 15, 16 and 21 of Twp 52N, Range 33W to his brother-in-law, John H. Marmon. These sections are all adjactent to Sect 22 where James H. Berry had land.

• Census, 10 Jun 1880, Bainbridge, Clinton, Missouri, USA. ²³ page 8, ED 112, Bainbridge, [Hardin Twp] Clinton, Missouri, USA, 10 June 1880, line 31 - 34
line 31 - Berry Jno C., w, m, age 63, farmer, KY, KY, KY
line 32 - S. A., w, f, age 56, wife, keeping house, KY, VA, KY
line 33 - Nicholson, Ines, w, f, age 21, ward, MO, KY, MO [possibly a cousin of Susan: also in 1870 census]*
line 34 - Vance Francis, b, f, age 18, servant, MO, MO, MO [same person in 1870 census]

also on this page:
line 29 - Moore, Jas A, w, m, age 66, farming, KY, VA, VA
line 30 - N.E., w, f, age 56, wife, keeping house, KY, Eng, KY
*[Ida Nicholson marriage in 1883 in Platte Co., was done by W. C. Rogers; image attached]

• Will, 7 Apr 1885, , Clinton, Missouri, USA. ²⁴ John Calvin Berry last will and testiment:
Clinton County Deed Book 50, page 307-309
"...I will and bequeath all my real estate and my personal property to my wife Susan A. Berry...7th day of April 1885..." signed John C Bery
Attest: John M. Grayson and Mag. A. Grayson
page 308
John further appointed Susan executor
At probate court, testimony of Maggie A. Grayson before probate judge V. R. Porter on 9 March 1886. John M. Grayson testified also; page 309 judge Porter approved the will 24 March 1886.

• Monument - Burial, 10 Apr 1885, Grayson, Clinton, Missouri, USA. ² Monument of John Calvin Berry and Susan A. (Rogers) Berry.
John C. berry
Apr 17 1817
Apr 10 1885
Susan A. his wife
Dec 1 1823
Jan 22 1910
Photo take Aug 22, 2008 at the Grayson Cemetery in Clinton County Missouri.

• obit: published 1899, 10 Apr 1885, , Platte, Missouri, USA. ²⁵ page 814 of Paxton's Annals of Platte County, MO.
"April 10-JOHN C. BERRY died near Grayson. He was born in Fayette County, Ky., April 17, 1817. He settled, in 1838, eight miles east of Platte City; married April 14, 1844, Susan Rogers, daughter of General 'William Rogers. He was a brother of James H. and William G. Berry. None of his posterity remain in Platte. Though a farmer, his education was superior, his reading general, and his literary taste cultivated."

John married Susan A. Rogers, daughter of William Rogers and Nancy Layson, on 14 Apr 1844 in , Platte, Missouri, USA. (Susan A. Rogers was born on 1 Dec 1823 in , Bourbon, Kentucky, USA,^{26 27} died on 22 Jan 1910 in Index Twp, Cass, Missouri, USA ²⁶ and was buried on 24 Jan 1910 in Grayson, Clinton, Missouri, USA ^{2 26}.)

  Noted events in their marriage were:

• IRI Record Film #1760742: IRI Record Film #1760742. Individual RecordFamilySearch® International Genealogical Index͐
v4.01North America
IGI Record

John C. BERRY
Sex: M

Marriage(s):
Spouse: Susan RODGERS
Marriage: 14 Apr 1844
Platte, Missouri

Batch number: 5008708

• Souce: IRI Record Film #1760742.

  Marriage Notes:

[Berry and Allied Families.FTW]

Individual RecordFamilySearch® International Genealogical Index͐
v4.01North America
IGI Record

John C. BERRY
Sex: M

Marriage(s):
Spouse: Susan RODGERS
Marriage: 14 Apr 1844
Platte, Missouri

Batch number: 5008708