Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1913-10-04
Prominent and Influential Citi-
zen Victim of Heart Failure.

Henry Cornelius Berry one OF the
best known and progressive citizens
of the city. died very suddenly at his
home. 600 South Queen street, Wed
nesday evening at 6 o'clock Of heart
failure. lie had suffered from the
disease since 1907, and during that
period it would not have surprised his
friends had his death occurred at any
moment
few moments previous to his
death Mr.. Berry was working on his
front lawn. A neighbor saw him fall.
The alarm was given and the family
rnshed to his assistance but when
they reached him life was extinct
Drs. Sponsellor and Clay we're hastily
summoned. and after an examination
stated they believed death had been
instantaneous. The news quickly
spread over the city, and was every
Where received with sadness.
Mr. Berry was the son Of Mr.. and
Mrs. Joseph Berry, and was born at
Mooreneld, w. Va, September 20,
1853, thus making him so years old
when called from earthly scenes to
try the inexorable laws Of eternity.
At the age Of IA years the family
moved to Martfnsburg. Here Mr..
Berry grew to manhood, and after
completing his education he opened a
large dry goods store on North Queen
street in the rooms now occupied by
the Hub and Justice Harry S. Thomp-
son. Here his business grew to large
proportions and he was regarded as
one of the best and most successful
merchants in the city. By applying
business methods to this work and
through fair and honest dealing with
his friends he grew in favor with the
people and thoroughly established
himself among them.
After many years of a successful
business career Mr. Berry in 1900
disposed Of his store, and moved to
Thomas, w Va, where he became
general manager Of the store for the
Davis Coal and Coke Company. HIS
long experience and business training
assorted themselves, and the manner
in which he conducted the business
placed him in the front rank among
the employees of the company. His
close confinement and strict attention
to duty undermined his health, and in
1907 he suffered an attack OF heart
failure His condition became so
serious that it was necessary for him
- surrender his position He then
moved to Stanton, Va where he
was engaged in business for three
years, and in 1910 he returned to this
city and since made it his home.
In politics Mr.. Berry was affiliated
wit hthe Democratic party. and was
always ready to lend it whatever as
sistance he could. During the lasr
administration of President Cleveland
he hel da government position at the
Huntsville distlllery. but when the
administration changed he was sue.
Ceeded by a republican.
At one time he was member Of
the CITY Council from the old First
ward, and in October 1911, he was
a2ponted City Sergeant, succeeding
David Stuckey, and served until July
g. 1912 when the present incumbent
6. A. Westenhayer entered upon his
duties.
When the old board of trade was
organized Mr. Berry was one Of its
prime movers. IN fact he was the
leader and the service he rendered
VIII never be forgotten. He was in
strumentai in bringing 10 Martins
burg the interviewer Knitting NH.
the Auburn Wagon Works. ana many
other manufacturing establishments.
In 1899 Mr. Berry was married to
Miss Kate Edwards, daughter OF Mr..