Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Berry, Edwin R. 1903
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Sandy Heintzelman sheintz@iserv.net May 26, 2011, 11:24 am

Belding Banner, 15 Oct 1903

The funeral services of Edwin R. Berry were held at the late home Monday 
afternoon at 2:00 o’clock.  There was a very large number of friends and 
relatives of the family present to pay their last respects, and member of Dan 
S. Root Post were present in a body to assist in the last sad rites over the 
remains of their honored comrade.

Rev. J. E. Butler spoke words of comfort from the text, “I have fought a good 
fight, I have finished my course, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of 
righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge will give me at the last day.”

Mrs. J. E. Ferguson sang several selections appropriate to the solemn service.  
Interment was made in Otisco cemetery, the burial service being in charge of 
the G.A.R. comrades, who tenderly laid him to rest in accordance with the 
ritualistic forms of the order.

Obituary

Edwin R. Berry was born in Ulster, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, January 26, 
1839, and was married to Frances A. Tower, Aug. 30, 1862.  Two children blessed 
their home, Lena A. Thompson and Joseph T. Berry.  Two grandchildren, Winifred 
J. and Edwin Berry Thompson, have shed sunshine upon the last few years of the 
life of the departed.

He came to Michigan with his parents from Pennsylvania in the fall on 1850, and 
his boyhood days were spent in Otisco and Oakfield.  In the full vigor of his 
young manhood he responded to his country’s call, enlisting in August 1862 in 
Co. B., 25 Mich. Vol. infantry and served to the close of the war, leaving at 
home a soldier’s bride of a few days, to watch and wait the vicissitudes of 
war.  He participated in 30 battles.  His soldier life was above reproach, 
always ready to do his full duty, and to cheer and keep a needy comrade.  He 
was a universal favorite in the company and regiment to which he belonged, as 
was well attested at the reunion at Schoolcraft last week, for from every old 
comrade came the question, “where is Ed. Berry?” they little thought he would 
in so short a time join the reunion in the bivouac of the dead.

At the close of the war he chose the occupation of a farmer, and with his hands 
alone, he wrought a competence for himself and family.  He held many 
responsible offices in the township at various times.

He was the oldest of a family of seven children, all of whom survive him except 
one.  As a husband he was ever devoted; as a father, kind and affectionate; as 
a friend, faithful and true; as a member of the Grand Army ever loyal to its 
interests and welfare.  As a member of the A.O.U.W. true to the principles of 
the Fraternity.  His family are comforted by the thought that he lived a good 
life and will be rewarded.

He was a charter member of the Dan S. Root Post and has filled nearly every 
office of the order, being Past Commander, also a very efficient Adjutant for 
several years.  He was a very faithful attendant and added much to the 
maintenance of the Post, and there as everywhere will be sadly missed.

His casket was decorated with the battle scarred flag he loved so well, and 
followed through fire and blood in so many battles.


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