The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1873-08-23
Biographical.
From the Chimney Corner.
James O, 7Berret.


1915. As his father was a tiller Of the
soil, the extent of James education was
derived from two years attendance at
country school. But with him his daily
life was his daily education, and continued
long after he had reached manhood. SO
that in time he became good scholar
great deal more so, in the useful and prae-
teal acceptation of the term, than the
learned ounces who pride themselves upon
having rubbed" their thick heads against
college walls
At the age Of sixteen, young Berret was
thrown upon his own individual resources,
in consequence Of the death Of his father
Unlike most Of the country youth, he did
not run away to the city, but stack to the
pillow. He pursued farming in all its
branches, and worked at il until he was
twenty-four years of age, and became thor
ough in this noble branch Of industry. He
was complete farmer, in every sense
of the word. His success in agriculture
was due to the fact that whatever he un-
dertook to do he did it with all his might
and skill, believing that when anything
had to be done, it ought to be done we'll
the right principle In every calling Of life.
and the sure one to true excellence and
preferment, sooner or later.
While following the pillow, he took con-
siderable interest in county affairs. and in
formed himself on most things which re-
lated to its advancement and material in
terest. In public discussions having ref.
erence thereto he was almost certain 10 be
con hand" whenever his farming duties
permitted to see and hear for himself what
was going on, come rain or sunshine. He
never was without information, or ignorant
of county matters or county interests.
He was not unfreauently selected to act
as secretary or treasurer of the county
gatherings and agricultural clubs. In this
way he never was behindhand or I" in the
dark" as to the best mode Of the cultiya-
ton Of cereals, or the latest improvements
in agricultural implements and machinery.
He was thorough farmer. and was there
fore, standard authority for mooted ques-
lions of dispute in his county.
In 1886 the present county Of Carroll
was set off from Baltimore, leaving Mr..
Benet in the new county. .Who was a
filter man, or knew the wants of the new
county better, or could represent CAROLS
interests in the State Legislature more eff
fciently than young Berret?' Thus, at
the very early age Of twenty-one, he was
elected to represent his "native heath" in
the House of Delegates in the State Legis-
lature, without solicitation on his part.
Legislative honors virtually sought and
found him at his plo,c, in his shirt-sleeves.
For he was in the field blowing, and had
just run out the colts at the end Of the
furrow, when the boy from the post-ofice
handed him over the fence, his commission
Of election, from the Governor, as mem.
Der of the Maryland Legislature.
He took his seat in 1887, and after one
term, he was returned again without oppo-
sition. After serving out his second term.
with credit to himself and his constituency,
he declined reelection.
In 1889 he left the quiet pursuits Of
country life to fill clerkship obtained by
his own individual exertionl, in the Treas
ureris Office, Treasury Department. He
held the position until 1848. when Cover
nor Marcy, then Secretary Of War, tender
ed Mr.. Berret the Chief Clerkship Of the
Pension Office, which he accepted. The
honor was entirely unexpected by Mr..
Berret, as it was unsolicited. He held
the Office one year, and then resigned il.
When taking leave Of those under him,
and about to sever his official connection
Herewith, he was presented with solid
silver pitcher, as testimonial of their es-
TEEN and regard for him as an officer, a
friend. and courteous gentleman. Il was
the first testimonial ever presented to any
officer in the Government Departments.
In 1850 he entered into the prosecution
of claims before the several departments.
in which he was very successful.
In 1853 he was appointed Postmaster
of Washington, which he held for Eve
years. In May, 1858, he very unexpect-
eddy received the nomination Of the De.
mocracy for Mayor Of the; national capital,
and was elected BY large majority. In 1850
he was renominated, and after very hotly
| contested election Mr.. Berret was again
honored by his fellow citizens with the
highest Office within their gift, being re-
turned by handsome majority.
During the Presidency Of Abraham
Lincoln, he rendered Mr. Berret the Com
missionership Of Emancipation in the Dis
trict of Columbia, in the settlement of
claims for emancipated slayes--an Office
he declined.
Although not citizen of MARYLAND, the
State deemed it advisable and to her in
terest to appoint Mr.. Berret State Director
Of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. an
Office which he still holds. Although
differing with him politically, President
Grant paid him the delicate Compliment.
in the Spring Of 1873. Of sending his name
into the Senate without apy iptimstion
whatever to Mr.. Berret) as one Of the
Commissioners Of Police Of the cities Of
Washington and Georgetown, and he was
confirmed without dissenting yote-a
rara comnl;mept ;,daad a, ba MA IN 49,,