James Henderson Berry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Henderson Berry
14th Governor of Arkansas
In office January 13, 1883 – January 17, 1885
Preceded by	Thomas James Churchill
Succeeded by	Simon Pollard Hughes, Jr.
United States Senator from Arkansas
In office March 20, 1885 – March 3, 1907
Preceded by	Augustus H. Garland
Succeeded by	Jeff Davis
Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives
In office 1873
Preceded by	Charles W. Tankersley
Succeeded by	A. A. Pennington
Member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
In office 1866–1874
Personal details
Born	(1841-05-15)May 15, 1841 Jackson County, Alabama, U.S.
Died	January 30, 1913(1913-01-30) (aged 71) Bentonville, Arkansas, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Profession	Lawyer
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	Confederate States
Branch/service	Confederate States Army
Unit	16th Arkansas Infantry
Battles/wars	American Civil War

James Henderson Berry (born May 15, 1841 – died January 30, 1913) was an important leader from Arkansas. He served as a U.S. Senator and was also the 14th Governor of Arkansas. He helped shape the state during a time of big changes.

Growing Up in Arkansas

A monument in Bentonville, Arkansas, honoring James H. Berry and soldiers from the South.

James Henderson Berry was born in Jackson County, Alabama. His parents were Isabella Jane and James McFerrin Berry. In 1848, his family moved to Arkansas.

James went to Berryville Academy in Berryville, Arkansas, for one year. This school was named after his family. Later, he studied law. In 1866, he became a lawyer in Arkansas.

Service During the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, James Berry joined the Confederate Army. He became a second lieutenant in the 16th Arkansas Infantry.

During the Battle of Second Corinth in northern Mississippi, Berry was injured. He lost his right leg. After he recovered, he worked as a school teacher. He also started his own law practice.

A Career in Politics

James Berry was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1866. He was reelected in 1872 and again in 1874. In his last term, he was chosen to be the Speaker of the House.

In 1876, Berry led the Democratic State Convention. Two years later, in 1878, he became a judge for the Fourth Circuit Court. He served as a judge until 1882.

Governor of Arkansas

In 1882, James Berry was elected Governor of Arkansas. As governor, he focused on two main goals. He worked to reduce the state's debt. He also helped create a state mental hospital. Berry decided not to run for governor again.

Serving in the U.S. Senate

In March 1885, the Arkansas legislature chose Berry to become a U.S. Senator. He filled the remaining term of Senator Augustus H. Garland. James Berry stayed in the U.S. Senate for 22 years.

Later Years

In 1910, Berry took on a special job. He worked with the Arkansas History Commission. His task was to mark the graves of Arkansas Confederate soldiers. These soldiers had died in prisons in the northern states.

James Berry passed away in Bentonville, Arkansas. He is buried at the Knights of Pythias Cemetery. Today, this cemetery is known as Bentonville Cemetery.

Family Life

In 1865, James Berry married E.Q. "Lizzie" Quaile. They had six children together.