History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River, Oregon. Compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon

J.W. BERRY AND FAMILY                  D.M.C.            1881

     J.W. Berry came to Hood River in the summer of 1881, he was accompanied by his wife and five children.
     He bought forty acres of land from the state and built a log house and log barn upon it. He cleared a portion of the land and put in crops as speedily as possible. The family came to Hood River in a covered wagon drawn by a span of bony horses. These horses helped him in many ways in starting his farm as well as in earning money by doing team work for his neighbors. Mr. Berry was in the prime of life, strong, energetic and determined. He was also a minister of the Gospel affiliating with the United Brethern Church. He soon communicated with Bishop Castle of that denomination located at Philomath, with the result that ten additional families of that faith, located in Hood River in a short time. A strong church was organized (the first organization in the valley) and Mr. Berry was chosen as pastor.
     He did not continue as pastor more than a year when he was succeeded by Rev. Woods who had bought the John Hinrich's place.
     In the fall of 1884 Mr. Berry sold his farm to Mr. Widener and moved to Philomath. He died at Philomath that fall from typhoid fever. While the family lived at Hood River the two older children, Ulysses Elmina were pupils at the Barrett school, and a son was born a short time before the family moved away.
     U.G. Berry, the oldest son, now keeps a grocery store in Portland. Elmina is Mrs. Frank Prindle of Fossil, Oregon. Another daughter is Mrs. George Carr of Carlton, Oregon, J.K. Berry lives at Walton, Oregon. Milton D. Berry (the son born in Hood River) is located at Juneau, Alaska. Another son went to the Philippine Islands and died from the results of exposure while there.

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