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Charles Berry {B.3.} was born at an unknown date and place. Since the whereabouts of his father, the elder John Berry, prior to 1753 are not known, the only certainty as to the birth place of Charles is that it could be either northern Ireland, Scotland, Pennsylvania or Virginia, although, most likely, not the latter state. For several of his children, approximate birth dates are available with the earliest date being 1757. However, there is no certainty that this is the eldest child, so estimating his birth date based on this information produces questionable results at best. Since Charles first appears in Augusta County records in 1746, apparently living in his own household, he must be at least 21 years old at this time, which would place his birth date at least at 1725, and probably somewhat earlier. Charles married a woman by the name of Mary, although her surname has not been documented. Charles and Mary produced at least nine children, and since they appear to have remained in Augusta County throughout their lives, it follows that all or most of their children were born there, as well. Since the marriage date and place is unknown, it is quite possible that some of their children could have been born prior to their move to Augusta County, Virginia. |
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Neither Mary's surname, nor the identity of her parents has been established with certainty, but several lines of evidence point to three parental candidates, one of which, seems more likely than the others. This evidence also suggests that her maiden name may have been Mary Cunningham. The most important source for the interpretations that follow is the will of a Thomas Cunningham. Before Thomas passed away in 1782, he identified three people as being responsible for the welfare of his three underage daughters. One was his soon-to-be widow, but the other two he identified as James Harris and Mary Berry, Jr., who are clearly not Cunninghams.291 With the knowledge of his certain, imminent death, it seems likely that he would have selected close relatives, like siblings or first cousins, to care for his children, if any were living in the vicinity. Based on this interpretation, it seems likely that James Harris was probably married to a sister or cousin of Thomas Cunningham, and that Mary Berry, Jr. is most likely a sister or possibly first cousin to Thomas. If she was his sister, then, clearly, her maiden name would have been Mary Cunningham. Another interesting aspect to this will is that Mary is identified as Mary Berry, Jr., which probably means that her mother's name was also Mary (or a derivative such as Margaret). As will be noted below in the timeline analysis, Charles Berry's wife is Mary, so the Mary of Thomas Cunningham's will is most likely Mary the wife of Charles Berry. Further strengthening this interpretation is the fact that Thomas left the care of his daughter, Sarah, to Mary Berry in his will, and that Charles Berry not only was a witness to this will, but also, subsequently, gained custody of the same child not long after Thomas Cunningham's death. |
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So, who were Mary's parents? Thomas Cunningham seems much too young to be her father, but there are several Cunninghams (Robert, Hugh and David) living in Augusta County by the late 1740's, as shown on the Beverley and Borden Grant maps (see Figure 3 and Figure 8/Tables I and II). Robert Cunningham purchased Beverley land in 1742, but his wife's name was Martha, which probably eliminates him as a parental candidate.21 Hugh Cunningham purchased Borden land in the fork of the James River in 1748, but was married to a woman by the name of Sarah, which eliminates him.21 David Cunningham purchased Beverley land in 1749, but his wife's name was Ann, which also removes him from the list of potential parental candidates.21 From Augusta County records, three other candidates can be found: Samuel, James and John Cunningham. The oldest one appears to be Samuel, and based on his apparent age, he seems to be the most logical choice. Samuel died about 1747, had a wife and daughter named Mary. John and James were both married to a Margaret, and John, who appears to have lived in Staunton, had a daughter named Mary. |
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Charles Berry passed away in Augusta County, Virginia sometime between April and September 1789, and, since Mary is mentioned in his will, she must have survived him, although the date of her death is unknown. It seems quite likely that she remained in Augusta County for the rest of her life. It appears that both Charles and Mary died in Augusta County, and were probably buried there, as well, possibly on the family farm. |
Timeline of Charles Berry and Mary Berry/Mary Cunningham (?)
| 16 April 174621 | Augusta County,
Virginia, Order Book I, page 35
Charles Berry, surety for John Pattison |
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| 18 May 174921 | Augusta County,
Virginia, Will Book I, page 159
Agnes Patterson's bond as administratrix, as above, with sureties Joseph Cannady, Charles Berry. |
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| 29 Nov 1749204 | Augusta County,
Virginia, Will Book 1, page 201
Know all Men by these Presents That We Elizabeth Berry Thomas Berry and Charles Berry are held and firmly bound unto John Lewis the first Justice in the Commission of the Peace for Augusta County for and in Behalf to the sole Use and Behoof of the Justices of the said County, and and their Successors in the sum of five hundred pounds Cur Money To be paid to the said Jn Lewis his Executors, Administrators and Assigns: To the which Payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves and every of us our and every of our Heirs, Executors and Administrators jointly and severally, firmly by these Presents. Sealed with our Seals. Dated this 29th Day of Nov. 1749 The Condition of this Obligation is such that if the above-bound Eliz. Berry Adm of all the Goods, Chattels and Credits of James Berry deceased do make or cause to be made a true and perfect Inventory of all and Singular the Goods, Chattels and Credits of the said Deceased which have or shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of her the said Elizabeth Berry or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for her and the same so made do exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the County Court of Augusta at such Time as she shall be thereunto required by the said Court and the same Goods Chattels and Credits and all other the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said Deceased at the time of his Death, which at any time after shall come to the hands or Possession of the said Berry or into the hands and possession of any other Person or Persons for her do well and truly Administer according to Law: And further do make a just and true account of her Actings and Doings therein, when thereto required by the said Court and all the rest and residue of the said Goods Chattels and Credits which shall be found remaining upon the said Admn. Account, the same being first Examined and allowed by the Justices of the Court for the time being Shall deliver and pay unto such Person or Persons respectively, as the said Justices by their Order, or Judgement shall direct pursuant to the Laws in that case made and provided And if it shall hereafter appear that any Last Will and Testament was made by the said Deceased and the Executor or Executors therein named do exhibit the same into the said Court making request to have it allowed and approved accordingly, if the said Eliz Berry being thereunto required do render and deliver up her Letters of Administration, Approbation of such Testament being first had and made in the said Court Then this Obligation to be void and of none Effect or else to remain in full Force and Virtue Sealed and Delivered In the Presence of Eliz. E. Berry Thomas Berry Charles Berry |
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| 29 Nov 1749204 | Augusta County,
Virginia Will Book 1, page 202
Eliz Berry Tho Berry & Charles Berry in open court acknowledged that their bond for ? Eliz Berry trust and faith full Admin of the Estate of James Berry decd which bond is ordered to be recorded. |
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| 1752180 | Conveyances In Borden
Tract 1741-1780
Charles Berry, 326 (acres)--12p (pence)--1752 (year of purchase)--140 acres sold to Robert Gamewell, 1753, for 20p 5s (first land transfer prior to organization of Rockbridge County) |
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| 20 May 1752396 | Augusta County,
Virginia Deed Book 4, page 226
THIS INDENTURE made this twenteth Day of May in the year our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty two BETWEEN Benjamin Borden of the County of Augusta in the Colony of Virginia eldest son and heir at law and also the only acting Executor of the Last will and testament of Benjamin Borden late of Orange County Gentleman deceased of the one part and Charles Berry of s.d Augusta County in the same Colony of the other part Where as the s.d Benjamin Borden the testator in his life time was seized in his Demesn as of fee of and in several tracts and parcels of Land situate Lying & being in the Colony of Virginia aforesaid as also of some Lands and tenements in New Jersey and being thereof seized made his last will and testament in Writing bearing Date the third day of April one thousand seven hundred and forty two and there is and thereby among other things did declare it to be his Will that all Land and Estate that he had in New Jersey Should be sold and all his Land at B----?-- and his Land on Smith Creek and North Shanado and all his Entries every where and all his Land on the Waters of James River and all the rest of his Lands should be sold excepting five thousand acres of Land that is all good and except the Land he then lived on and did constitute and appoint his wife Zeruiah Executrix and his son the s.d Benjamin Borden and his son in Law William Fornby Executors of his said will, and to Execute deeds for the Lands he had sold and had by his said Will ordered to be sold as by his said will duly proved and remaining of Record in the s.d County Court of Frederick ----?---- being thereunto had may more fully and at large Appear and whereas the s.d William Fornby hath failed to prove the will or act as an Executor and the s.d Zeruiah hath failed to act as an Executrix and whereas the s.d testator in his Lifetime had agreed to sell and Convey the fee simple of Estate and in three hundred & twenty six being more or Less acres of Land Lying and being in that part of Orange County Commonly Called Augusta in the Colony aforesaid unto the s.d Charles Berry for and in Consideration of the sum of twelve pounds Current Money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the s.d Charles Berry Which Land in part of a large tract of Ninety two thousand one hundred acres granted the s.d testator by Patent Bearing date November the sixth in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty nine as Relation being there unto had may more full and at large appear and is bounded as follweth /Viz/ BEGINNING at a black oak by the Creek/being a branch of Joseph Kennedys Mill Creek and Runneth thence North Sixty five Degrees West one hundred and thiry Eight poles to a stake th: North twenty five degrees East one hundred and Seventy two poles to two black oak grubbs ditto North Seventy five Degrees East Seventy two poles to a white oak saplin th: South Eighty one degrees East one hundred & seventy four poles to a post in James Roseboroughs line being Beverley Manner Line the: with s.d Line due South one hundred & Eight Six pols Crossing the Creek to three small Chesnuts growing out of one Root thence due West Eight six poles to a white oak by s.d Creek thence Down the several Courses of said Creek to the Beginning Now this INDENTURE witnesseth that the s.d Benjamin Bordin for and in Consideration of the premises and of the sum of twelve pounds Current money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the s.d Charles Berry the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged Hath Given Granted bargained Sold Aliened Released and Confirmed and by these presents doth Grant bargain Sell Alien Release and Confirm unto him the s.d Charles Berry his heirs and assigns forever all the Estate Right title Claim and Demand of him the said Benjamin Borden his heirs and assigns of in or to the said three hundred & twenty six be it more or Less acres of Land and the premises with teh appurtenances and the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainers and every part and parcel thereof together with all houses Gardens Orchards Woods underwoods Swamps Marshes Low Grounds Meadows feedings within said bounds and the Rivers and Waters and Watercourses therein contained and all other property Commodities and Hereditaments Whatsoever to the s.d parcel of acres of Land belonging or in any wise appurtaining TO HAVE & TO HOLD s.d three hundred and twenty six be it more or less acres of Land and all other of the before Granted bargained and sold premises and every part thereof with their and every of their appurtenances to the only proper use and behoof of him the said Charles Berry his heirs and assigns forever in as Large and ampile maner as is intended by the s.d will and the s.d Benjamin Borden for himself his heirs and assigns Doth Covenant promise and agree to and with the s.d Charles Berry his heirs and assigns that he the s.d Charles Berry and his heirs and assigns shall forever hereafter have hold use occupy possess and enjoy the s.d parcel of acres of Land and premises with teh appurtenances free and Clear and freely and clearly acquited and Discharged of and from all and all manner of person or persons whatsoever the Quit Tents hereafter to gro due and ----?-- to our Sovereign Lord the King his heirs and successors for and in Respect of the s.d premises only excepted and foreprized and Lastly it is further covenanted and agreed by and between the parties to these presents that the s.d Benjamin Borden and his heirs the s.d parcel of acres of Land and premises with the appurtenances unto the s.d Charles Berry and his heirs and assigns shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents IN WITNESS whereof the s.d Benjamin borden hath hereunto set his hand and seal the Day and year first above Written Sealed and Delivered in the presence of B Borden (seal) At a Court held for Augusta County the 20th day of May 1752 Benjamin Borden oldest son and heir at Law of Benjamin Borden decd in Open Court acknowledged this his deed for Land Indented to Charles Berry which on the motion of the s.d Berry is admitted to Record. Test. John Madison Ct. C |
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| Aug. 1753369,402 | Congregations of
New Providence and Timber Ridge Presbyterian Churches
Petition Signers for Reverend John Brown Archibald Alexander, Francis Allison, Robert Allison, Francis Beaty, Charles Berry, Thomas Berry, William Berry, Magdalena Borden, Samuel Buchanan, William Caruthers, James Coulter, Robert Coulton, Samuel Davis, William Davis, John Davison, John Douglass, David Dryden, Thomas Dryden, Samuel Dunlap, James Eakin, Walter Eakin, John Edmiston, James Edmiston, William Edmiston, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Robert Gamble, Edward Gaor, Jacob Gray, Samuel Gray, William Gray, James Greenlee, William Hamilton, John Hawely, John Handley, Joseph Hay, Samuel Hay(s), Edmund Hearken, George Henderson, Robert Henry, Thomas Hill, John Houston Sr., John Houston Jr., Matthew Houston, Robert Houston, Samuel Houston, Joseph Kennedy, John Kerr, John Keys, Rodger Keys, Robert Kirkpatrick, William Lockridge, John Logan, John Lowry, John Lusk, James Lusk, William Lusk, Daniel Lyle, John Lyle, Matthew Lyle, Samuel Lyle, John Macky, Agnes Martin, Charles McAnelly, Edward McColgan, James McClung, James McClung Jr., widow McClung, Alexander McCluer, Nathaniel McCluer, Halbert McCluer, John McCrosky Sr., John McCrosky Jr., Alexander McCrosky, Samuel McCutchen, Samuel McDowell, Neal McGlister, Thomas McMurry, Baptist McNabb, John McNabb, Thomas McSpeden, Alexander Miller, John Mitchell, John Montgomery, Alexander Moore, John Moore, James Moore, John Patton, Samuel Paxton, Thomas Paxton, Nathan Peoples, Patrick Porter, Robert Reagh, William Reagh, Robert Robertson, James Robinson John, Robinson, Matthew Robinson, William Robinson, John Roseman, David Sayer, John Shields, John Smiley, William Smith, Widow Smith, John Sprowl, Andrew Steele, Samuel Steele, John Stuart, James Thompson, James Trimble, Moses Trimble, Alexander Walker, Alexander Walker, James Walker, John Walker, John Wardlaw, William Wardlaw, Robert Weir, Moses Whiteside, William Whiteside, Ann Wilson, John Winiston |
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| 21 Nov 175321,212 | Augusta County,
Virginia Deed Book 5, page 475
THIS INDENTURE made the Twenty first Day November in the year of Our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred and fifty three BETWEEN Charles Berry of this County of Augusta in the same Colony of the other Part WITNESSETH that for & in consideration of the sum of Twenty Pounds five Shillings Current Money of Virginia to the s.d Charles Berry in hand Paid by the s.d Robert Gamwel at or before the Sealins and Delivery of these Presents the Receipt whereof the doth hereby Acknowledged and thereof Doth Release Acquit and Discharge the s.d Rober Gamwell his heirs Executors and Administrators by these presents he the s.d Charles Berry Hath Granted bargained sold aleined Released & confirmed by these Present Doth Grant bargain sell alien Release and Confirm unto the s.d Robert Gamwell in his actual possession now being by Virtue of a bargain and sale to him thereof made by the s.d Charles Berry for one whole year by Indenture bearing Date the Day next before the Day of the Date of these present and by force of the Statute for Transferring Used into Possession and to his heirs and assigns forever one certain tract or parcel of land containing one hundred & forty acres sold by Benjamin Borden unto the s.d Charles Berry as app--?-- by a deed of feoffment bearing Date the Twentieth Day of May MDCCL of Record in the Clerk office of s.d County Relation being there unto had may more fully and at Large appear and is bounded as followeth to wit/ BEGINNING at two white oaks & a black oak & a black oak saplin grubb & runneth thence North twnety five Degrees East Seventy Poles to a white oak Saplin thence South Eight one Degrees East fifty Eight Poles to a white oak thence south eleven & a half degrees west one hundred poles to a black oak and a hiccory thence south fifteen degrees eeast Twenty six poles to a white oak & hiccory by a Dry Valley thence South thirty Degrees est one hundred & forty two poles to two white oaks & a black oak thence North Sixty five Degrees west Ninety two poles to a Post thence North Twenty five Degrees east one hundred & seventy two poles to the beginning And all houses buildings Orchards Ways Waters Water courses Profits Commodities Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever to the s.d Premisis hereby granted or any part thereof belonging or in anywise appeartaining and the Reversion & Reversions Remainer and Remainders Rents Issues Profits thererof and avoce all the Estate Profit Title Interset Use Trust Property Claim & Demand whatsoever of him the s.d Charles Berry of ---?- to the s.d Premises and all Deeds Evidences and writings ---?--- or in any wise concerning the same TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the s.d one hundred & forty acres of Land be the same more or less and all singular other the Premises hereby Granted and Released and every part and parcel thereof with their and ---?-- of their appurtenances unto the s.d Robert Gamwel his heirs and assigns for ever to the only proper use and behoof of him the s.d Robert Gamwel and his heirs and assigns forever and the s.d Charles Berry for himself and his heirs Executors and Administrators doth Covent Promise & grant to and with the s.d Robert Gamwel his heirs and assigns by these presents that the s.d Charles Berry now at the time of Sealing and Delivering of these presents is Seised of a good sure perfect and indefeasible effole of Inheritance in Fee Simple of and in the Premises hereby granted and released and that he hath good power and lawfull and absolute authority to grant and Convey the same to the s.d Robert Gamwell in manner and form aforesaid And that the said Premisses now are and so forever hereafter shall remain and be free and clear of and from all former and other gifts grants bargine Seals Dower Rights and title of Dower Judgments Executions titles troubles charges and Incumbrances whatsoever made done committed or suffored by the s.d Charles Berry or any other Person or Persons whatsoever / the Quit Rents hereafter to Grow due and Paeable to our Soverign Lord the King his heirs & successors / for and in respect of the s.d premises only Excepted & foreprized and lastly that the s.d Charles Berry and his heirs all & singular the Premises is hereby granted & Released with these appurtenances unto the s.d Robert Gamwell his heirs and assigns against him the s.d Charles Berry and his heirs & all & every other Person and Persons Whatsoever shall & will warrant forever Defend by by the s.d presents IN WITNESS whereof the s.d Charles Berry hath herunto set his hand & seal the day & year first above written Sealed & Delivered Charles Berry (seal) in the Presence of (no witness names recorded on document) At a Court held for Augusta County the 20 day of November 1753 Charles Berry in Open Court Acknowledged this his Release for land Indentured to Robert Gamwell which on his motion was admitted to record. Test. John Madison Cl C |
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| 22 Nov 175321 | Augusta County,
Virginia Will Book 2, page 4
John Patterson's account of estate by Joseph Kennedy. Charles Berry. To Joseph Kennedy for 18 1/2 gallons of liquor. To Dr. Flood. John Moore for making a coffin |
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| 175521 | Augusta County,
Virginia Parish Vestry Books,
Administrator's Bonds, page 154 John Risk and John Shields processioned as follows, viz: For Robert Campbell, for James Hunter, for James Trotter, for John Shields, for James McCutchion, for Widow Campbell, for Widow Campbell, for Wm. Hunter, for Saml. McCutchen, for Thos. Berry, for John McCutchion, for David Campbell, for Wm. Campbell, for Wm. Ledgerwood, for James Moffet, for Nathl. Davies, for Nichs. Leeper, for Danl. Downey, for George Peny, for Saml. Sprowl, for Thos. Kirkpatrick, for Jno. Kirkpatrick, for Jno. Risk, for Jno. Risk, for Jno. Risk, for James Clark, for John Shields, Jr., for David Cunningham, for Chas. Berry, for James Callison, for James Marten, for Josiah Richarts, for David Hays, for Alex. McFeeters, for James Gilmore, for James Lockhart, for Alex. Richey, for Jacob Lockhart, for John Peny, for Mathew Willson, for John Willson, for Widow Patterson, for John McCillery, for James McCillery, for Arter Hamilton, for Wm. Buntin, for Robert Gamel, for Jno. Buchanan, for Patrick Cooks (deceased), for David Richey; Wm. Brown (said he was going to leave his land and didn't care about it). |
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| 175921 | Augusta County,
Virginia Parish Vestry Books, Administrator's Bonds, page 260
Processioned by James Gilmore and Samuel McCutcheon, viz: For David Cunningham, for Mathew Wilson, for John Buchanan, for Charles Berry, for Robert Gaml, for Thos. Berry, for David Hays, for James Bower, for Alex. Campbell, for Wm. Campbell, for James Moffett,for Arthur Hamilton, for Samuel Downey, for James Callison, for Alex. McFeeters, for David Campbell, for James McCutcheon, for John McCutcheon, for Wm. McCutcheon, for Wm. Sprowl, for Wm. Martin, for James Trotter, for Samuel McCutcheon, for Wm. McCutcheon, Jr., for James Hunter, for Robert Campbell, for John Risk, for James Gilmore, for Francis Donalay, for Wm. Ledgerwood, for Capt. James Lockhart, for Wm.Hunter. |
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| 10 Oct. 176921 | Augusta County,
Virginia Deed Book 16, page 437
Francis Beaty, of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Gent., to his brother-in-law John Tate, power of attorney to sell all lands belonging to Francis, including land bought of John Keer, on Flat Spring Branch, joining the other land where I last lived; also 200 acres joining Charles Berry. Teste: Robert Gay, John and James Beaty |
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| 10 Oct.1770211 | Augusta County,
Virginia Will Book 4, page 404
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I John Berry of the County of Augusta and Colloney of Virginia being weakly of body but of perfect mind and Memory thanks be given to Almighty God there fore Considering the Mortallity of my body Knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die I do Make & Ordain this my last will and Testament that is to say Principally first of all I recommend and Commite my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it and my body to the Earth decently buried at the discretion of my Executor doubting nothing but I shall receive the same again by the Mighty Power of God at the General resurection and as Touching what estate it hath Pleased God to bless me with in this life I give devise & dispose of the same in the following Manner and form Impremis it is my Will and I do order that all my lawful debts and funeral charges be fully Paid and Satisfyed Item- unto Mary my Daughter one Pounds five shillings Curant money of Virginia I likewise give and bequeath unto John Neisbit six shillings and six Pence Curent Money of Virginia Item - I give and bequeath unto John Berry sun of James Berry deced. six Pounds Current Money of Virginia I give and bequeath unto John Berry sun of William Berry ten pounds Current Money of Virginia Item- I give & bequeath unto John Berry Sun of Francis Berry ten pounds Current Money of Virginia Item- I give & Bequeath unto Fra Berry Wheel right five pounds Current Money of Virginia Item- I give and Bequeath unto Mary Berry daughter of William Berry Fowar (4) Pounds Current money of Virginia Item I give and Bequeath to her Sister Elizabeth Berry Six pounds Current money of Virginia Item- I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Berry Daughter of Charles Berry five pounds Current money of Virginia Item- I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Rebecca Berry twenty pounds Curent money of Virginia I likewise Constitute and appoint my trusty friends Alexander Walker Wheel wright & William Edmoston sole Executors of this my last will & Testament and do hereby disanul & revock all other Wills or Testament by me made declaring & Publishing this my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand & seal this tenth day of October in the year one thousand seven hundred and Seventy Published & Pronounced in the presence of us: John Walker John Walker, Junior John Berry James Walker |
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| 20 Aug. 1771305 | Augusta County,
Virginia Deed Book 17, pages 280 - 284
THIS INDENTURE made the twentieth Day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand and Seven hunderd and Seventy one Between John Buchanen of the County of Augusta in the Collony of Virginia of the one part and Charles Berry of the s.d County of Augusta in the Collony of Virginia of the other Part Witnessseth that the s.d John Buchanan for and in Consideration of the sum of five Shillings Current Money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the s.d Charles Berry at or before the Sealing and Delivering of these presents the Receipt Whereof is hereby Acknowledged Hath Granted Bargained and Sold and by these presents Doth Grant Bargain and sell unto the s.d Charles Berry and peice or parcel of Land Containing two Hundred and Forty Acres be the same more or Less Lying & being in Beveley Manner in the County of Augusta and as Bounded followeth (Viz) BEGINING at a white Oak in the Patent line of s.d Manner and Runneth thence North fifty seven Degrees East Seventy one Poles to a black oak south fifty two Degrees East one hunderd and Seventy two Poles to Black oak Due South one hunderd and thirty Eight poles to a red oak and Chesnut on the North Side of a Hill South West one Hunderd and Sixty four poles to a Chesnut and Black oak Due West forty six poles to a post in the patent Line and thence with the patent line due North two Hunderd and Eight four poles to the BEGINING and all houses Buildings Orchards Gardens Improvements way Waters water Cources profits Commodities Heredatements Appurtenances Thereto Belonging or in any Wise Appertaining and the Reversions Remainers Rents Issues and profits thereof to have and to hold the two hundred and forty acres of Land and all singular other the Premises hereby GRANTED With the Apurtenancs unto the s.d Charles Berry his heirs and Assigns from the Day Before the Date hereof for and During the full term and time one whole year from thence next Ensuing fully to be Compleat an Ended Yeilding and paying therefore the Rent of one peper Corn on Lady Day next if the same shall be Lawfully Demanded to the Intent Purpose that by Virtue of these Presents and of the Statue for Transferring uses into Possession the s.d Charles Berry May be in actual Possession of the Primeses & be thereby [unreadable] to Accept and tade a grant and Release of the Reversion & Inheritance thereof to him and his heirs and Assigns for Ever in Witness Whereof the s.d John Buchanen hath here unto Sett his hand seal the Day and Year first above Written Signed Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of John Buchanen (S.S) John Handly Rob Buchanen Rob Gamel At a Court held for Augusta County August the 20th 1771 John Buchanen Acknowledged this his Leace for Land to Charles Berry Which are ordered to be Recorded. Test John Madison THIS INDENTURE made the twentieth Day of August in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hunderd and Seventy one Between John Buchanen of the County of Augusta in the Colony of Virginia of the one part and Charles Berry of the said County of Augusta in the Colony of Virginia of the other part WITNESSETH that for and in Consideration of the sum of Ninty pounds Current Money of Virginia to the s.d John Buchanen in hand paid by s.d Charles Berry at or before the Sealing and Delivery of these presents whereof Doth hereby Acknowledge and thereof doth Release aquit and Discharge the s.d Charles Berry his heirs and Executors and Administrators by these Presents he the s.d John Buchanen Hath given granted bargained and Sold Aliened Released and Confirmed and by these Presents Doth give grant bargain sell allien Release and Confirm unto the s.d Charles Berry in his actuall Possession now being by Vertue of a Bargain and Sale to him thereof made by the s.d John Buchanen for one whole Year by Indenture bearing date the day next before the day of the date of these Presents and by force of the statue for Transfering uses into possession and his heirs and assigns forever one peice of Land Containing two hunderd & forty acres be the Same more or Less Lying and Being in Beverley Manner in said County of Augusta and is bounded as followeth (viz) BEGINING at a white oak in the patent line of s.d Manner & runneth thence north fifty seven degrees East seventy one poles to a black oak South fifty five Degrees East one Hunderd and seventy two poles to a Black oak Due south one hunderd and thiry Eight poles to a red oak and Chesnut on the north side of a hill South west one hunderd and sixty four poles to a Chesnut and black oak Due West forty Six poles to a post in the s.d patent Line and thence with the patent Line due north two hunderd and Eighty four poles to the BEGINING and all houses buildings Orchards Gardens Improvements Ways Waters Water Courses profits Commodites heredatements and Apurenancs thereunto Belonging or in any wise Appertaining and the Revesions Remainders Rents Isues and profits thereof and also shall the Estate right title Intrest use trust Proper claim and demand Whatsoever of him the said John Buchanen of on the s.d premises and all records Evidences and wrightings touching or in anyw-- Concerning the same TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the s.d described two Hunderd and forty Acres of Land Heredatements and premesis and all and Singular other the premises hereby granted and released and Every Part and parcel thereof with their and Every of their Appurtenances unto the s.d Charles Berry his heirs and Assigns forever to the only Proper use and Behoof of him Charles Berry and of his heirs and Assigns for ever and he the s.d John Buchanen for him Self and his heirs Executors and Administrators Doth Covenat Promise and grant to and with the s.d Charles Berry & his heirs Executors and Administrators & Assigns by these presents that the s.d John Buchanen now at the time of Sealing and Delivering of these presents is seized of a [unreadable] sure perfect and Indeteazible[?] Estate of Inheretans in fee simple of and in the primeses hereby granted and Released and that he hath good Power and Lawfull and absolute Authority to Grant and Convey the same unto the s.d Charles Berry his heirs and Assigns in manner and form affores.d and that the s.d primeses now are so forever hereafter shall Remain and be free & Clear of and from all former & other Gifts Grants Bargains sales Dower & title of Dower Mortgages Intails Arearage Judgments Executions titles Troubles Charges and Incumbrances whatsoever had made Done Commited or suffered by the s.d John Buchanen or any other person or persons whatsoever the Quitrents hereafter to grow due and payable to our Sovedreign Lord the King his heirs and Successors forever and in respect of the s.d primeses only Excepted and foreprized and Lastly that the said John Buchanen and his heirs all & singular the premises hereby Granted & Released with their and every of their appurtenances unto the s.d Charles Berry and his heirs and Assigns Against him the s.d John Buchanen and his heirs all & Every person & persons whatsoever shall and & will warrant and forever Defend by these presents In Witness Whereof the s.d John Buchanen hath hereunto sett his hand and Seal the day Month and Year first above Written Signed Sealed and Delivered John Buchanen (S.S.) In the presents of John Handly Rob Buchanen Rob Gamel At a Court held for Augusta County August the 20th 1771 John Buchanen Acknowledged this his Release for Land to Charles Berry Which is ordered to be Recorded and Martha his wife of the said John being first privately Examined Appeared in Court and Relinguished her right of Dower to the Land Conveyed by her s.d husband wich on the Motion of the s.d Charles is Ordered to be Certified. Test John Madison |
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| 16 Mar 177221 | Augusta County,
Virginia Deed Book 18, page 96
Robert Gamell and Mary (Gamurell) to James Harris, 140 acres, part of 326 acres sold by Borden to Charles Berry Delivered: Wm. Markley Oct 1780. |
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| August 1780 | Virginia Publik Claims,
Augusta County Charles Berry 100 # flour, £100 250 # flour, £125 |
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| 6 May 178121 | Augusta County, Virginia
Will Book 6, page 173
An account of Estate of John Berry deceased
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| 178121 | Augusta County,
Virginia Tithables
William McPheeters's List Capt. James Bell, Samuel Bell, Sampson Sawyers, Jeremiah Freel, Jno. Young, Geo. Rhimor, Thomas Brown, Nicholas Leek, Francis Garner, Sr., James Hamilton, Jacob Bailor, Wm. Bell, Wm. Hanley, James Peerey, David Jackson, Wm. McCutchan, Wm. Sprowl, John Ott, Jno. McCutchan, Robert McChesney, Samuel Logan, Richard McConnal, Simon Carson, Thos. Rickets, Wm. Thompson, Jno. Kirkpatrick, James McNabb, Thomas Nelson, David Steel, Richard Graves, James Ewing, David Cail, Sr., Jno. Sharp, Sr., James McCleery, John Crawford, James Bell, Jno. Moffett, Wm. Brown, Jacob Kerpenter, Wm. Sterrot, Hugh Brown, Robert Rennick, Robert Brown, Michael McClure, Joseph Gerrison, John Scott, Joseph Trotter, Jno. McPheeters, Charles Berry, Thomas Mines, Jno. Cunningham, James Sprowl, Jno. McKemey, John Logan, Henry Minger, Samuel Clark, Edward Barker, Samuel Kowan, Thomas Eger, Joseph Blair, Jno. Williams, James Gilmore, Sr., Samuel Steel, Jno. Phillips, Benj. Brown, Wm. Burges, Walter Trimble, Geo. Keller, Robt. Trimble, Samuel Gray, John Joanes, Francis Garner, Jr., Alex. McKee, Geo. Curry, Samuel Lowrey, Geo. Peerey, John Peerey, Capt. Samuel McCutchan, Robert Cooper, Joseph Alexander, Robert McKnit, Wm. Usher, George Burton, Thos. Baird, James Clark, Thomas Hinds, Samuel Rusk, Samuel McCutchan, David Cunningham, James Ford, Wm. Ledgerwood, Thomas McNutt, Wm. Springate, Geo. Palmore, Jno. Jackson, Wm. Berry, Nicholas Vininger, James Gregory, Benj. Brown, Daniel Freel, James Brown, Jacob Deford, Samuel Brown, James Riddan, Benj. Joanes, Joseph Riddenhouse, James Trimble, John Clark, Wm. Cail, Geo. Berry, Wm. McPheeters, Francis Hull, Wm. Fultain, Robert Rush, Jacob Patton, Thomas Rankin, Robert Harris, Samuel McCutchan, Wm. Woods, James Rowan, Robert Bell, Capt. Jno. Cunningham, Mathew Wilson, Jno. Workman, James Gilmore, Jr., Arthur Hamilton, John Hamilton, James Trotter, Sr., Jno. Sharp, Wm. Shields, Sr., Wm. Scott, Coonrod Slusher, Jacob Nightover, Robert Wallace, Wm. Bell, Jno. Brown, James Cunningham, Samuel Haws, Frederick Fisher, Benj. Finley, Robert Commings, Elizabeth Stuart, Wm. Hamilton, Frances Haywood, Wm. McClintock, Jno. Hanley, Michael Coulter, Jno. Trimble, Jno. Summers, Ulrick Fulwader, Isaac Mines, Jacob Fulwader, James Conningham, Geo. Jameson, Wm. Hunter, Wm. Baird, Wm. Seewright, David Buckwhannon, Jacob Cail, Philip Olinger, Sr., Joseph Nelson, Robert Patterson, James Hathorn, David Trotter, Deeter Cail, Abraham Goodpaster, Samuel McCleerey, Moses Hays, Robert Hanah, Jno. Burners, Martha Downey, Wm. Shields, Jr., Robert Clark, James Phillips, Jno. Brown, James Cunningham, Samuel Haws, Robert Wallace, Wm. Bell, Martin Dickson, James Elliott, Jno. Brown, Samuel Rennick, Valentine Joanes, Wm. Crawford, Deeter Lowrey, Wm. Allen, Jno. Tilley, Jno. Trimble, Alex. McElroy, James McKnit, James McChesney, Robert Lester, Wm. Rush, Wm. Logan, Alex. Sprowl, Patrick Haul, James Ewing, Wm. Buckwhannon, David Cail, Wm. Blair, Philip Olinger, Jr., James Callison, Walter Cunningham, Thos. McGragor, Jno. Vininger, Samuel Moffett, James Trotter, Jr., James Crow. |
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| 1 May 1782501 | Augusta County,
Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists Captain Samuel McCutchan & Wm Tate’s Company Charles Berry 2 White Tithables 8 Blacks 12 Horses 31 Neat Cattle |
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| 13 June 1782210 | Augusta County,
Virginia Will Book 6, page 251
In the name of God amen I Thomas Cunningham of Augusta County and state of Virginia being weak in body but sound in memory Blessed be God do this thirteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty two make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say first, I give and bequeath to my loving wife Elizabeth Cunningham one young bay mare three years old of the __ and __ in possession and my youngest daughter Mary I leave to her care & trust as her own also a bed of wallnut bedsteads and her thirds of the remainder of all other articles property or effects belonging to my Estate after that all expenses & debts is paid & I also bequeath to my oldest daughter Ruth Cunningham as follows seven pewter spoons two plates and a box Iron a pair of cotton cards & her mother's stript holland gown in possession & to my second daughter Sarah Cunningham I bqueath a Velvet Bonnet and Calico Bed Gown two pewter plates and the remainder as all article propertys belonging to my estate to be praised & disposed of according to Law & be divided among my wife & three children (Viz) my wife the third and my children Equal & also to my brother Archibald Cunningham I bequeat my Wearing apparel my hatt Except To my Wife also I leave my oldest daughter Ruth to the leave of James Harris & my second daughter Sarah to Mary Berry Jun & the youngest as above mentioned to my Wifes care I do also leave my Brother Archibald Cunningham & my Wife Elizabeth Executrix. I make & ordain them as before mentioned to take care & see the same performed accordingly, to my true Intent & meaning In Witness whereof I the said Thomas Cunningham have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and seal thae day and year written Signed, sealed & delivered by the said Thomas Cunnungham as & for his last Will and Testament In the presents of us who were __ sent at the signing & sealing thereof his Thomas Cunningham mark James Berry Jacob Patton Jas. Harris Charles Berry |
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| 19 Aug 178221 | Augusta County,
Virginia Order Book 18, page 80
Sarah Cunningham, orphan of Charles Cunningham, to be bound to Charles Berry--and Ruth Cunningham to James Harris. |
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| 22 Aug. 1782210 | Augusta County,
Virginia Will Book 6
This last Will and Testament of Thomas Cunningham decd was proved by the oaths of James Berry Jacob Patton two of the Witnesses thereto & Ordered to be recorded. |
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| 1783501 | Augusta County,
Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists Captains McCutcion & Bell Charles Berry 1 White Tithable 2 Blacks > 16 6 Blacks < 16 12 Horses 25 Cattle |
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| 18 Nov. 1783258 | Washington County,
Virginia Deed Book 1, page 8 James Berry sells 312 acres to Charles Berry |
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| 1784501 | Augusta County,
Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists Captains McCutchion & Bell Charles Berry 1 White Tithable > 21 2 Blacks > 16 6 Blacks < 16 8 Horses 22 Cattle |
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| 1785501 | Augusta County,
Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists Captain Shields & McCutchan’s Company Taken by John Taite, Gent. Charles Berry 1 White Tithable 2 Blacks > 16 8 Blacks < 16 6 Horses 16 Cattle |
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| 1786501 | Augusta County,
Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists Captain McCutchan & Trotter’s Company Charles Berry 1 White Tithable 2 White Tithables < 21 1 Black > 16 6 Horses 14 Cattle |
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| 15 May 1787102,501 | Augusta County,
Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists District 1, James Ramsey Commissioner Charles Berry Person Charged with Tax: Charles Berry White Males > 21: Charles & John Berry 1 White Male 16 - 21 3 Blacks > 16 5 Blacks < 16 8 horses, colts and mules 21 cattle |
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| 11 Apr 1788102,501 | Augusta County,
Virginia Personal Property Tax Listing
District 1, James Ramsey Commissioner Charles Berry Person Charged with Tax: Charles Berry White Males > 21: Charles Sr & Jr & Jno Berry 2 White Males between 16 and 21 8 Horses 21 cattle |
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| 02 Dec. 178821 | Augusta County,
Virginia
Marriage Licenses, Marriage Bonds and Marriages, page 302 John Brafford and John Berry, surety, John Brawford, Jane Berry, daughter of Charles Berry. |
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| 08 April 1789131,170 | Augusta County,
Virginia, Will Book 7, page 168
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Charles Berry Senr. of the County of Augusta in the State of Virginia, farmer, Being Very Sick and weak in Body but of Perfect Mind and Memory Thanks be Given to Almight God for the same and Calling to mind the Mortality of my Body and Knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Die do make and Ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, First I Recommend my Soul into the hand of God that Gave it and my Body to the Earth to be buried in a Christian Like and decent Manner at the Discreation of my Executors and as Touching Such Worldy Estate as it hath Pleased God to bless me in this life I give and Dispose of the Same Manner and for following Impremis I Give and Bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Berry the one half of my moveable Estate after my Just Debts and funeral Charges is paid By my Executors and my Plantation that I now Live on for her Support During widowhood or Natural Life and my two oldest Negroes Viz Tom and Mack for her support and my son Robert Berry The Property Land and Negroes is to Equally for the Support of my Beloved Wife and my son Robert Berry dureang my Beloved Wifes Life and at her Death the whole of s.d property Property to Become the Property of my Son Robert Berry and his heirs and assigns for Ever- Only if the Two Negroes have any Increase they are to be at my Wifes Disposal. Item I give and Bequeath to my son John Berry my Plantation or Tract of Land above and Joining the tract I now Live on to be his and his heirs and assignes for Ever the s.d Two Tracts to be Equally Divided across to be in Each an Equal part and my Negro Boy Named Andy to be his for Ever. Item I give and Bequeath to my Son Charles Berry my Plantation or Tract of Land Lying in Washington County on houlstone and my Negro Boys Named Tom to be his and his heirs and assigns for Ever, Item I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Challe Berry my Negro Girl Named Lucy and my Mare Named Mige a Saddle at five Pounds price Two Cows and a heifer her bed and furniture to be hers and assigns for Ever, and She is to have her living off the Plantation I now live on with her Mother and Brother Robert till she is Married, my Negro Girl Named Fan (?) I leav at the Disposeal of my Executors to be Continued with my Daughter Elizabeth Henry as Long as they think fit and then to be Disposed of as they think proper. Item I give and Bequeath to my daughter Jean Brawford my Negro Girl Named Jude to be hers and her heirs if she has Lawfull Issur If she dies without Issue then to be Returned to my Executors for the use of my Family, I likewise Bequeath to my Son James Berry and to my Daughters Elizebeth, Mary and Jean to Each of them five shillings Sterling in Room of their Birthright the remainer of my of my Moveable Estate I Allow to be Equally Divided Between my Two Sons John and Charles Berry, and I do Constitute and appoit my Beloved Wife Mary Berry Exectrix and my Beloved sons James and John Berry Executors of this my Last will and Testament, and do Disannule all other Wills By me heretofore made Ratifying and Confirming this to be my Last Will and Testament in Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and seal this Eighth Day of April one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty Nine Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and Declared By the s.d Charles Berry Senr. to be his Last Will and Testament Charles Berry (seal) in Presence of Jn MKiney [?] Jacob Patton Mary Patton Wm (his mark) Trotter Henry (his mark) Minger |
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9 April 1789714 |
Bible
Record of Robert Berry and Rebecca Scott |
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17 April 1789714 |
Bible Record of Robert Berry and Rebecca Scott Mary (Cunningham) Berry passed away in Augusta County, Virginia |
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| 15 Sept. 1789131 | Augusta County,
Virginia, Will Book 7
This last Will and Testament of Charles Berry deceased was presented in Court by James Berry and John Berry the Executors therein named and proved by the Oath of John MKenny and Henry Minger two of the Witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded and on the Motion of the said executors who made oath according to Law Certificate is granted them to for obtaining probat thereof in due form they hearing entered into and acknowledged Bond with Security as the Law Directs. Teste |
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| 7 Oct. 1790202 | Augusta County,
Virginia Will Book 9, page 71
We John McKemy Robert Harris & Jacob Patton Being order by Court to View & appraise the personal Estate of Charles Berry dec.d & being first sworn before John Tate Gent. this 7th day of October 1790 and we do appraise s.d |
| Estate as follows ----------- Viz
To one Mear £6 To Colt £3 To one Mear £7 To one young mear £4 To Sorral Mear £13 To one young mear £9 To one black D_(?) £7.10 To Seven hoggs £1.15 To three Cows £6.5 To two D_(?)s £3.7.6 To two heffers £3.7 To [?] yearlings 2 To three Calves 1 3 0 To one Steer 1 17 0 To one red D_(?) £1.12 To 19 Sheep £5.11 To Waggon & Butchbands 15 0 0 To Cutting box pitch fork & dung fork 0 6 0 To Vessels bags & log chain 0 13 6 To plow trees & ---?--- 1 5 To Stile 4 0 0 To three old vessals 0.6.6 one Loom £1.4 To Wedges rings Sprouting hoe & Grubing hoe 0 9 0 To three Sithes & two axes 0 15 3 To one Clevia & Sundry old irons 0 3 0 To two Augers Draw knife & frow 0 3 9 To old hand saw with sundries 0 4 0 To two pot racks and tongs 0 12 6 To 1 Bele with Sundrys of Steel & Iron 0 4 12 To old Gun & Bell hammer anvel & heckle 0 1 9 To heckels Sacks bags Vessles Bedsteads 1 5 0 To Chairs old Saddles B--?-- hems & Chairs 1 5 0 To one big wheel & one D_(?) 5/ one Hogshead & 4 0 15 0 To 4 Barrals Churn lags Harrow teeth Coalter Saw 1 1 0 To B--?-- Crocks Book Case Pails 2 old Cests 0 17 6 0 To three beds & furniture with Sundry Cloths 13 10 0 To 2 beadsteads & Cords } Box iron trunk & Candlestick }0 16 0 To C--?-- & Spinning Wheel one D_(?) 0 11 0 To Case & ten Bottles one large bottle} one Cupboard lower} 2 12 0 To one Side Cupboard wool shears & Sifter 2 5 9 To Sundry Dishes plates besons 1 17 0 To reason & Stone Bottles Juges funnels & locks 0 7 0 To Beasons Bowls S--?-- Pands Delf potts knives} and forks & Spoons} 0 19 3 To Cotton & wole cards table pails & pots Bake Oven & hooks 1 3 7 To Bridles Glass mugs bee hives &Shuvel 0 15 6 To Sow & Pigs & large Spools 1 4 1 Total Amount £134.5.12 32 8 0 appraised by us this day & Year above Written Total Jn McKemy Robt. Harris June Augusta Court 1799 Jacob Patton This Inventory and appraisment of the Estate of Charles Berry deceased was returned ordered to be record.d. Test |
16.0.0 17 0 0 16 10 0 1 15 0 9 12 6 5 7 0 1 3 0 1 17 0 7 6 0 15 0 0 0 6 0 0 13 6 1 5 0 4 0 0 1 10 6 0 9 0 0 15 3 0 3 0 0 3 9 0 4 0 0 12 6 0 4 12 0 1 9 1 5 0 1 5 0 0 15 0 1 1 0
0 16 0
2 12 0
0 19 3 1 3 7
101.17.12
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| 15 Sept. 1789202 | Augusta County Will
Book 7
Will of Charles Berry proved |
| 14 Nov 179721 | Augusta County,
Virginia
Marriage Licenses, Marriage Bonds and Marriages, page 328 James McChesney and Ro. Berry, surety James McChesney (widower) and Charlotte Berry, daughter of Charles Berry (deceased) |
Analysis of the Timeline
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As has been previously noted, even though they were able bodied males of military age, no Berry family members were recorded in the 1742 Augusta County militia list (Table V), which most likely means that the this family had not yet arrived in the Augusta County area.21 Charles Berry first appeared in Augusta County records in 1746, so his arrival in the area, from wherever he was prior to that time (probably Lancaster County, Pennsylvania), can be bracketed between 1742 and 1746. He can be traced fairly continuously through Augusta County, Virginia records for 43 years from 1746 until his death in 1789, although a 1797 court record documents the marriage of one of his daughters eight years after his death. |
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The first two documented records for Charles Berry constitute his involvement in the legal affairs of a neighbor, John Patterson, who owned several parcels of land close to Charles' Borden property (see Figure 8/Table II). Augusta County records show that Mr. Patterson was old and in bad health in 1747, passing away in the spring of 1748.21 This first entry involved Charles providing a surety bond for this neighbor. After Mr. Patterson's death, Charles was again listed as providing surety in the administration of the will. Agnes, the widow of John Patterson was identified in this entry, as well as Joseph Kennedy, whose properties can be found nearby on Figure 8 (also see Table II). Since Charles did not purchase his Borden property until 1752, but appears to have been living in the vicinity in 1746, it could be that he was squatting on the property as early as 1746, but did not yet have ownership. The next two entries for Charles Berry represent several legal actions related to the death of his brother, James Berry, mostly involving providing a surety bond for the appraisal of his brother's estate. The fact that he was providing so many surety bonds could suggest that he had some available cash. |
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In 1752 Charles purchased 326 acres of Borden Grant land, which can be located on Figure 8 /Table II and Figure 10. This land lies about five miles south of his uncle's land (the elder James Berry). James Roseboro, who was mentioned as being an adjacent property owner, purchased his Beverley Grant land in 1749 just across the Borden/Beverley boundary (see Figure 3/Table I). About a year and a half later, in the fall of 1753, Charles sold 140 acres of this land to Robert Gamwell, who, by the way, had served as a testamentary in John Patterson's will.21 This land sale left Charles with 186 acres from the original 1752 purchase. An accounting of John Patterson's estate was completed the next day by Joseph Kennedy and Charles Berry's name was listed. |
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As has been noted earlier in the report, the Scotch-Irish were predominantly Presbyterian in religion, dating to their conversion to Protestantism back in the old country. In the American colonies, however, during the early part of the 18th century, the Scotch-Irish Presbyterian community became split into two groups, the "Old Side" and the "New Side". Adherents of the "Old Side" believed that people were predestined for a place in either heaven or hell, so it was pointless to recruit new church members. During the mid 1700's, a religious movement, referred to as the "Great Awakening", swept through Europe and the American colonies. The "New Siders" represented this point of view, which promoted the belief that individuals were the masters of their own destinies, and, thus, through their good behavior, they could reform and make a place for themselves in heaven. Consequently, it was vital to recruit new church members, since it was the duty of believers to assist others in achieving the goal of reaching heaven. The movement soon took on political tones, becoming extremely anti-establishment in tenor and, eventually favoring the very democratic ideal of popular sovereignty versus the divine right of (mostly English) monarchs. The Great Awakening grew just as the Scotch-Irish immigration was peaking in the American colonies, so it is not too surprising that most Scotch-Irish "New Siders or New Lights" in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia split from the "Old Siders" while they were living in Pennsylvania. In fact, the settlers in the Borden Grant, which eventually became Rockbridge County, were predominantly "New Siders", whereas those that had settled earlier in the Beverley Grant were mostly "Old Siders". |
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Charles Berry, along with his brother William and his cousin Thomas, were members of the New Providence Presbyterian Meetinghouse in 1753 when they all signed a petition requesting the services of a minister. The bulk of the men that signed the petition (73 out of 132) were Borden Grant landowners, and, thus lived reasonably close to the New Providence Meeting House. In fact, this meetinghouse was just down the road from the homesteads of all of these Berrys (see Figures 10 and 39). There were also 28 men who were probably sons or cousins of original Borden landowners, since they have the same surnames. In addition there was a small number (11) that were Beverley Grant landowners, although seven of these names can also be found as Borden landowners. Clearly, this group of men lived either in or very near the Borden Grant, and attended either the New Providence or Timber Ridge meetinghouses, both, of which, were located within the Borden Grant.175,369,434,435 |
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Charles Berry's property, which lay within the district of John Risk and John Shields, was processioned in 1755, and Figure 18 shows the locations of identifiable properties from the landowners listed. The bulk of the names could not be linked to properties, although many of the properties were owned by people with surnames that can be verified as being landowners in the area. These are probably sons and cousins of the known landowners, some of whom, no doubt, were still living on the original family homestead. Charles' property was processioned again in 1759, and the names listed are, essentially, the same ones that appeared in the 1755 processioning. A period of ten years elapsed until the next occurrence of Charles Berry in Augusta County records. This 1769 entry consists of the notation of Charles Berry in a land sale by Francis Beaty, who had moved to Mecklenburg, North Carolina. Modern day Mecklenburg County, North Carolina is where the city of Charlotte is located. According to the Beverley Patent map (Figure 8/Table II), Francis Beaty owned 265 acres purchased in 1751, and the land was adjacent to that of Charles Berry. James, Thomas and John Tate owned land nearby, just a bit to the east. |
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In the fall of 1770, Charles Berry and his daughter, Elizabeth were mentioned in the will of Charles' father, the elder John Berry, and Charles was bequeathed five pounds of Virginia money. The following summer, Charles Berry bought a plot of land from John Buchanan, who lived about two creeks to the east in the Beverley Grant (see Figure 3/Table I and Figure 9). Figure 40 is a plot of the survey, and from this data, the relative position of this 240 acres can be determined within John Buchanan's 784-acre tract (Figure 9). Charles appears to have taken actual possession of the land about two years later, which most likely means that it took that long for him to make all of the payments in meeting the purchase price. In the spring of 1772, Charles was listed as the original landowner when Robert Gamwell sold the 140 acres he had purchased from him. Charles Berry doesn't appear in Augusta County records again until 1781, when he received a minor monetary distribution in the settlement of his father's will, which, incidentally, was much less than the five pounds originally bequeathed to him. |
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During the war, citizens were expected to provide assistance in the form of livestock, foodstuffs, arms and ammunition to the militia and continental armies for the defense of the country. Charles Berry submitted two claims in 1780 for supplying troops with a total of 350 pounds of flour. Obviously this was from wheat he had grown, and had milled nearby. He was awarded a total of £225 in compensation. In 1781 Charles Berry was enumerated on William McPheeter's Augusta County Tithable list. A small percentage (about 10%) of the names on this list were original Beverley or Borden landowners, while about a third of the landowners had the same surnames as original landowners, so were probably sons or cousins of these men. The bulk of the landowners, however, were people that had purchased land from the original owners, so they had arrived in the area at a later date than the original landowners. Figure 41 shows the distribution of the identifiable properties from this list, portraying the known properties of Charles Berry. |
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Charles and James Berry, as well as a man named James Harris, served as witnesses for Thomas Cunningham's will in the late spring of 1782. The identity of the James Berry mentioned in this entry is unknown, but Charles had a son named James, and it is certainly possible that this James Berry is that son. Thomas noted that he had three children, all of whom were daughters, and he specified their birth order (Ruth, Sarah and Mary). In his will he entrusted the care of Ruth to James Harris. Sarah was placed under the care of Mary Berry, Junior, and Mary, the youngest child was to remain with her mother. The identity of this Thomas Cunningham is not clear, but he was, clearly, not Charles Berry's father in law with such young children. What does seem obvious is that Thomas seems to have died suddenly, leaving three minor children, suggesting that he has been married for less than 16 years. Furthermore, he wrote his will in the middle of June 1782, but by the middle of August, the next entry for Charles Berry, Thomas has passed away. That entry shows that two of the three children were assigned to the care of others; Ruth to James Harris and Sarah to Charles Berry. Thomas' will, however, states that Mary Berry, Jr. is to take care of Sarah Cunningham. The will of Charles Berry, which was written just a few years later, identifies Mary as his wife, so, it seems very likely that the Mary Berry, Jr. named in Thomas Cunningham's will, is actually the wife of Charles Berry. As noted earlier, although no definite relationship is documented, it seems likely that Thomas Cunningham is the brother of Charles Berry's wife, Mary. If true, then Mary's maiden name was Cunningham. Another interesting point is that the August 1782 entry refers to Charles Cunningham instead of Thomas, although all of the other details are the same. Apparently, Thomas and Charles Cunningham are the same individual, so they could refer to his first and middle name in the separate documents. As a final note on Thomas Cunningham's will, Archibald Cunningham was identified as being a brother of Thomas. A 1763 Augusta County Court judgement notes that Archibald Cunningham was originally from Dromore Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and that Archibald had been in Augusta County at least since 1759.21 If the brother/sister relationship between Thomas and Mary is true, then it seems likely that the Cunnighams originally lived in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, or at least lived there prior to their arrival in Augusta County, Pennsylvania. Although the whereabouts of Charles Berry prior to 1746 is unknown, it seems possible that he was not far from the Cunninghams, who were evidently living in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. |
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Charles Berry can be traced through Augusta County Personal Property Tax records from 1782 through 1788 in District 1, which is the same district where his cousin George Berry lived. His property included up to eight slaves plus cattle and horses, and several of his sons appear as taxable males in his household from 1786 through 1788. In the spring of 1787 Charles Berry was charged with a property tax, and was documented as owning eight slaves, as well as some livestock. There was one male in the household between the ages of 16 and 21, which places the birth date of that son sometime between 1766 and 1771. Another son, John, was listed as being eligible for taxation on his own, which most likely means he was at least 21 years old. His birthdate, then, must have been around 1766 or not too long before that. The following year John Brafford/Brawford married Jane Berry, a daughter of Charles, and since no permission was needed, she must have been at least 21 years old at the time. This places her birth date at 1767 or slightly earlier. In 1783 Charles purchased some property in Washington County form a James Berry, and, later, in his will, bequeathed the land to his son, Charles, Jr. |
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Charles wrote his will in the spring of 1789, identifying his wife Mary, his sons Robert, John, Charles and James and his daughters Elizabeth, Jean, Mary and Charlotte (Challe). His wife Mary was to remain on the plantation for the rest of her life, and Robert was to inherit it after her death. John was bequeathed land adjacent to the homestead, and seven slaves were identified by name. An appraisal of Charles Berry's estate was conducted as per court order, shortly after his death, and an itemization and evaluation of his possessions permits a more focused view of his lifestyle. All of the items can be broadly classified into three categories: livestock, farming equipment and household items. The bulk of the value of his personal estate (59%) consisted of livestock with the latter two categories, farming equipment (19%) and household items (22%), being about equal. The livestock consisted of five horses, 9 hogs, 13 cattle and 19 sheep. The farming equipment consisted mostly of tools such as pitch forks, hoes, scythes, axes, augers, knives, saws, irons, wedges, chains, an anvil, a froe, a shovel and a hammer. Although no crops were listed, there were a number of beehives noted. The household items were predominantly furniture (book cases, old chests and trunks, beds and associated bedroom furniture, cupboards), kitchenware (pot racks & tongs, dishes, plates, pots, knives, forks and spoons and a bake oven) and home industry items (churn, spinning wheel, wool shears, cotton and wool cards). |
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Nearly two thirds of the value of Charles Berry's personal estate was tied up in his livestock, and with so many animals, it seems obvious that much of his time must have been taken up with caring for them. The horses were, clearly, used for transportation, as evidenced by the wagon, but also, they most certainly served as a personal mode of transportation. The churn indicates that some of the cattle were used as a source of milk and that the Berry kids must have spent some happy hours making butter. The other tools he owned were primarily implements for harvesting crops, slaughtering animals, shearing wool from sheep and handling both animals and wood. All of this suggests a life of heavy manual labor to plant and harvest crops, chop down trees, split wood and probably make his own furniture, not to mention anything else he might need. Some of the household items indicate that the family worked wool and cotton, probably raised on their own farm, to make thread and cloth. Their homespun cloth was, most likely, not only used to make their own clothes, but also to generate additional household income. All of this defines the life of a self-sufficient pioneer family living a labor-intensive life in the wilderness. Charles Berry had noted in his will that he was a farmer, and the estate appraisal certainly supports that statement. The only other entry for Charles Berry consists of a marriage license for his daughter, Charlotte in 1797. |
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