Major-general Hiram G. Berry; his career as a contractor, bank president, politician, and major-general of volunteers in the civil war, together with his war correspondence, embracing the period from Bull Run to Chancellorsville

Preface

The biographical articles treating of Major-General Berry, which were prepared by the author and published in the Rockland Courier-Gazette, have met with such flattering reception, crude though they were, that, yielding to my own inclinations and the importunities of the many admirers of General Berry, I now offer, in more enduring form, this life story of Maine's greatest soldier; first .subjecting the original sketches to a thorough revision, adding much matter that has since become available, and eliminating many things that would not prove of interest to the general reader.

A great quantity of material for this biography was collected through the energetic and intelligent efforts of the General's only daughter, the late Lucy Berry Snow, of Brooklyn, New York, whose untimely demise, after a brief illness, I in common with others deeply deplore. I have had occasion to consult and make extracts from the following works, for which I now make acknowledgment, viz. : Eaton's History of Rockland, Thomaston and South Thomaston ; Reports of the Adjutant-General of Maine for the years 1857, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864; Official Records of the Union and Confederate armies, War of the Rebellion, published by the War Department; De Peyster's Life of Major-General Philip Kearny; Webb's Peninsular Campaign ; Doubleday's Chancellorsville and Gettysburg; Palfrey's Antietam and Fredericksburg ; Report of the Adjutant-General, State of Michigan, 1866; Michigan in the War, by Robertson ; De Trobriand's Four Years with the Army of the Potomac ; Reports of the Committee on the Conduct of the War; and Stine's History of the Army of the Potomac. The publishers of the Rockland Courier- Gazette have freely entrusted to me the early files of that paper from 1854 to 1863, and they have proved to be an inexhaustible source of information, of which I have made frequent use.

E. K. G.

Rockland, Maine, July 1, 1899.

Contents

CHAPTER

I. His Youth and Early Manhood

II. His Political Career

Chapter I. His Youth And Early Manhood

His Birthplace. — His Grandfather a Revolutionary Soldier. — His Father in the War of 1812. — His Brothers and Sister. — Educational Advantages. — Boyhood Characteristics. — A Born Leader. — Fond of Horses. — A Close Student. — A Private of Artillery in the Militia. — Learns the Carpenter's Trade. — Becomes a Contractor and Builder. — Erects a Fine Residence. — Builds Many of Rockland's Substantial Blocks. — Forms Co-partnership with his Brother. — President and Director of Limerock National Bank. — Berry and Elijah Walker Engage in Business. — His Marriage. — Birth of his Daughter.

HIRAM GREGORY BERRY was the fourth child of Jeremiah and Frances Gregory Berry. He was born on the parental farm at the Meadows in what is now the City of Rockland, Maine, August 27, 1 824. Rockland at that time was a part of the town of Thomaston, so, to be accurate, that town is the place of his birth. The farm on which he first saw the light of day is now owned, and until recently was occupied as a residence by the Honorable G. L. Farrand. His ancestors are a part of that hardy New England stock in which the foundations of many of the best families are laid. His grandfather, Thomas Berry, was an officer in the Revolution, and in his declining years was pensioned by the government for his services in that war. At the breaking out of hostilities between this country and England in 1812, the father of Hiram buckled on his sword, determined to match his valor with the old foes of his native land. He was

10 MA JOE-GENERAL HIRAM G. BERRY.

appointed Orderly Sergeant of a company which was stationed at the fort at Eastport, at which place he continued until mustered out.

Those were days of suspense and of thrilling adventure- British men-of-war skirted the shores of Maine and invested her harbors and inlets, bombarding her villages, murdering the inhabitants and spreading waste and devastation far and wide. The small force of militia and volunteers on which devolved the defence of the long coast line and scattered villages could offer but little resistance to the ravages of the enemy. By reason of its exposed condition on the Canadian frontier, Eastport was one of the objective points of the British attack, and during these trying times, the valor and patriotism of Sergeant Berry must have been severely tested, and many is the tale of thrilling adventure and hair-breadth escape it must have been his privilege to tell. We can imagine with what eager interest young Hiram listened to the stories of the Revolution, and of 1812, and what influence they must have had in shaping the course of his life to its untimely close.

Four brothers and one sister shared with Hiram the home life on the Meadow farm. They were Jeremiah 2nd, John T., William G., George W. and Frances E. Berry. Of this number, Jeremiah 2nd and William G. died many years ago. The sister, Frances E. Berry, married Edward H. Fosdick and took up her residence in Brooklyn, N, Y. John T. and George W. Berry still remain in the city of their birth, honored, respected and prosperous.

Hiram's advantages of education were limited to such public schools as the town of Thomaston afforded way back in the 'thirties. But he made the most of these meagre advantages. With diligence did he apply himself to his studies, and his indomitable will, which in after life carried him over so many seemingly insurmountable obstacles, showed itself ' in his youthful struggles to acquire an education. His was a practical mind, and while the beauties of the classics were clear to his vigorous

EARLY EDUCATION. 11

intellect, yet instinctively he turned to mathematics, and with dogged determination mastered its most difficult problems. Joyous by nature, when the labors of the school were over he joined in the rude sports of those days as only a young boy full of animal life and overflowing spirits can. Courteous and affable, he was ever a favorite with his companions and a leader in their sports. Even at this early age, his love for military affairs manifested itself. The stories of Lexington, Bunker Hill and Yorktown fired his youthful heart, and he longed to emulate the example of those hardy patriots whose valor had made this nation possible.

He early acquired the correct habits of thought and methodical ways which made his business career a phenomenal success. No detail was too trivial to be slighted, and whatever he had to do was well done.

Genius has been defined to be an unlimited capacity for hard work, and measuring by this truthful standard the subject of our sketch can lay claim to that title. Possessed in youth and early manhood with a robust physique, he was an indefatigable worker and never wasted the precious moments of his short life. Hours were golden to him, and it was a crime to idle them away. It would seem as though a premonition of his early end must have made an impression on his nature, impelling him to make the most of the few short years that were his to enjoy and improve.

A companion of his early years in speaking of him says that he was a born leader and a natural diplomat. As a youth he never entered into squabbles, and was always dignified and self-reliant, but never reticent. He was regarded by his youthful associates as possessing superior judgment and discretion, and when differences arose, as they sometimes will in youth as well as in later years, the question always asked was : " What does Hi Berry say about it?" His decision was regarded as final, and from it there was no appeal, there being no dissenting voice.

Young Berry was an inordinate lover of that noble animal the horse. Like many others of even greater renown, he believed a horse was next to man in instinct if not intelligence, and when a mere youth he would take the wildest steed from among the many in his father's stable, and by force of will and natural courage soon bring the animal to such a state of docility that a lady might handle it.

Berry by nature was a gentle, unassuming but courageous youth, and while never aggressive, he would never permit a deliberate insult to a friend or himsef to pass unrebuked.

He possessed a great fondness for books, and devoted much time to the biographies of the leading generals of the world, and the history of campaigns. Night after night he sat in his chamber poring over the pages of some favorite volume, and laying up knowledge that was to be devoted to his country's service in after years.

He always regarded it as a great mistake that he was never permitted to enter West Point, when a cadetship in that institution was within his reach, but his mother was very much opposed to his going, and he dutifully deferred to her wishes. However, his military instincts were strong, and in the autumn of 1 841, we hear of him as a private in an artillery company commanded by the late Francis Cobb, when with his early friend, Elijah Walker, he was assigned to load one of the guns at the trainings, a duty he performed with skill and caution.

After completing his school life, Hiram learned the trade of a carpenter, and for several years he industriously pursued this occupation. In 1843 ne entered into an agreement with Elijah Walker to labor at carpenter work and share profits. In this occupation, young Berry developed great physical strength, and it is said that these two young men, during the eight months in which they worked together, accomplished great results. In 1845, having thoroughly mastered the details of his chosen occupation, he became a contractor and builder on his own account, establishing the lumber yard now owned by the

A CONTRACTOR. i3

W. H. Glover Co., and which they acquired from him. With but little capital and relying principally upon his native energy, the business rapidly prospered. Among the buildings erected by him is the Second Baptist Church, and his magnificent residence on the corner of Beech and White streets, now owned by Hon. John S. Case, and which today is one of the most imposing private residences within the city limits.

April 21, 1852, the Rockland Steam Manufacturing Company was incorporated with power to hold property not exceeding $30,000. The incorporators were Hiram G. Berry, I. K. and A. H. Kimball and Joseph C. Libby. This corporation did a good business in the manufacture of doors, sashes and blinds, until its buildings were destroyed by fire in 1855.

For many years General Berry was a director in the Limerock National Bank, the oldest national bank in his native city, having been elected Oct. 8, 1853. On the death of its president, Knott Crockett, in 1857, he was elected to that place, Oct. 19, continuing as such until he resigned to enter the army, June 5, 1 861.

In addition to these various interests, Berry owned largely in shipping. As a bank-director and president he is said to have been a success, and the rapidity with which he added long columns of figures was marvellous, and he very rarely made an error. It is also said of him that he would move lumber from a pile, keeping an accurate account of the pieces in his mind, and at the same time carry on an animated conversation with several parties, or transact some other business.

As a business man he was always benevolent and accommodating, freely granting credit to any person who could lay claim to the faintest sense of honor. He made but few bad debts, and was never known to importune a debtor for an unpaid balance, when such a person called at his place of business.

On the twenty-third of March, 1845, Hiram G. Berry and Almira M. Brown were united in marriage. The bride was a daughter of John Brown, a respected citizen of Thomaston, and was regarded as one of the most promising young ladies of her native town. One daughter, Lucy F. Berry, came to bless this union. She was the idol of her father, and upon her he lavished the wealth of his affection. She was the wife of Albert D. Snow, a prosperous commission merchant, and resided in Brooklyn, N. Y., at the time of her death in November, 1895. Of her illustrious father she retained a most tender memory, which the passage of many years never effaced.

Chapter II. His Political Career

Elected Representative to the Legislature. — Stirring Political Times. — Berry's Legislative Associates. — Candidate for Mayor of Rockland. — Desperate Contest and Triumphant Election. — His Efficiency as Chief Executive. — Renominated Mayor. — Defeated on National Issues.

POLITICS always fascinated the strong manly nature of Berry. He enjoyed the sharp encounter of party against

party, the marshalling of forces, the sudden surprises, the swift defences. Perhaps the semblance of these elections to the conflict of arms satisfied in a measure his military instinct. The maneuvers of party were to him the operations of a brigade. The joining of issues at the polls and the struggle for the mastery were to him the impact of contending armies, requiring skill, intuitive judgment, and quick, courageous action to win the victory. He was never a bitter, narrow partisan. It was not his nature to be that. He was generous to his political foes, and even in the heat of a desperate political struggle would seek out his opponents and talk to them in a jocose way of the probable results. He was never embittered by defeat, but was always first to present his compliments to his victorious opponent, and ever after cordially supported him while in office in every honest and patriotic endeavor.

In the Fall of 1852 Berry was nominated for Representative to the Legislature from the town of East Thomaston. His opponents were Elkanah S. Smith and Jonathan Spear, both prominent and influential men, and active politicians. The town meeting for the election of state officers was held in the Congregational meeting house on the thirteenth of September, 1852. In this struggle, Berry's talent as an organizer manifested itself. As a popular young man he had a large following, and with consummate tact and skill he united various elements to his support, and came off triumphant, receiving 590 votes to 319 for Mr. Smith and 117 for Mr. Spear. Thus at the early age of 28 years was he elected by his fellow-townsmen to represent them at the seat of government.

The Legislature that assembled at Augusta in the early part of 1853 was the center of much interest. The stirring campaign of the previous September had resulted in no choice for a Governor by the people, and the young Representative from East Thomaston found himself in a hot political cauldron which in many respects was quite agreeable to him. From the number of candidates voted for at the polls, the House chose the names of John Hubbard and William G. Crosby, to be sent to the Senate, one of whom was to be elected Governor by that body. Of these two men the Senate chose Crosby, a Whig, and he was duly qualified and entered at once upon the duties of his office. It does not appear that Representative Berry took a prominent part in these proceedings, but he was present at the sessions and was an interested participant in the voting.

When the committees of the House were announced, Representative Berry found himself honored by appointments on the committee on elections, on railroads and bridges, and on the state prison. His duties on the elections committee were onerous and important. The close vote in many Senatorial and Representative districts resulted in several contested elections, and much testimony was introduced before the committee. Representative Berry was always in attendance at these prolonged hearings, an attentive listener and an intelligent judge, carefully weighing the testimony as it was adduced, and forming his own opinion therefrom without regard to the views of his associates upon the committee.

REPRESENTATIVE IN LEGISLATURE. 17

That he was faithful to his constituents, the journal of the House gives abundant evidence. Among the matters of local interest presented by him was a petition of Henry C. Lowell and others for the incorporation of a bank in East Thomaston ; an act to incorporate the Atlantic Ship, Wharf & Lime Company ; and a petition of L. Snow and others to prevent the throwing of lime core in the docks at East Thomaston.

An important question before this Legislature was the acquirement of the Massachusetts lands within the limits of Maine, and commissioners were elected to effect this result, reporting at a special session of the Legislature, called by Governor Crosby for that purpose. In many of the yea and nay votes taken by the House upon these important matters, we find that the young Representative from East Thomaston had early acquired the habit of thinking for himself, as his vote is recorded on the side of the minority, and in some instances stands almost alone in its protest against the pending proceedings.

The election of a United States Senator to succeed Hon. James W. Bradbury was one of the most desperately fought legislative battles ever known since Maine became a state. The bitterness of feeling engendered, the desperate measures employed by the friends of the various candidates to secure their election, the skillful parliamentary maneuvers, the powerful influences brought to bear on the members of the Senate and House, all had their part in making this contest an ever memorable one. William Pitt Fessenden, a member of the House from Portland, afterwards Secretary of the Treasury, was the leading candidate and came within a few votes of election. But his opponents outgeneraled him by combining and voting to indefinitely postpone the election. Representative Berry was an active participant in these proceedings.

Among Representative Berry's associates in the Legislature were William Pitt Fessenden, afterwards United States Senator, Artemas Libby, late Associate Judge of the Maine Supreme Court, Alonzo Garcelon, ex-Governor of Maine, and Hon. John

C. Talbot, who was Speaker of the House. In the Senate were such men as Nelson Dingley, and Nathan A. Farwell of Rockland, afterwards United States Senator.

Returning from his duties as a legislator, General Berry gave his undivided attention to the building up of his rapidly growing business as a contractor and builder. He did not again enter politics until the spring of 1856, when he became the candidate of the Democrats and straight Whigs for Mayor of the new city of Rockland, which two years earlier had been created from the town of East Thomaston. With his usual energy he entered actively into the canvass, drawing about him many active campaign workers and influential citizens, and directing the efforts of the party with judgment and skill. While party feeling ran high and personal recriminations were freely indulged in by individuals of the opposing parties, General Berry remained calm and collected, repressing "personal politics " whenever it appeared among his followers, and conciliating his opponents by his frank and manly bearing and courteous demeanor. The polls opened on the morning of March 3, and all day long the battle waged fierce and hot, and at its close when the votes were counted it was found that no choice had been made. The number of votes cast was n 26, and it required 564 votes to elect. Of this number Hiram G. Berry had 484, Joseph Farwell 262, George S. Wiggin 254, Harvey H. Spear 125, and John Bird 1. Commenting on the result of this ballot, the Rockland Gazette of that day says : " The vote given in on Monday was larger than was generally anticipated. Whether the Republican vote at the next trial will be centered upon Wiggin or Farwell or upon some new man, we are not able to state. The election produced quite an excitement compared with any other we have had since the organization of the city government, and on that account was quite a relief from the monotony which has existed amongst us since the election in September."

The board of aldermen warned the voters of Rockland to

MAYOR OF ROCKLAND. 19

assemble at the polls on the twelfth of March and again cast their ballots for Mayor. According to the Gazette, a spirited meeting of the straight-out Democrats and Whigs was held at Beethoven Hall on Saturday evening before the election, and an equally spirited Citizens' caucus was held. At the latter meeting, Charles Crockett, Esq., was nominated for Mayor. Messrs. Wiggin and Farwell, who at the preceding election received most of the votes in opposition to H. G. Berry, Esq., acquiesced in the nomination.

The scenes about the voting places during this election were a repetition of the preceding one. If it were possible, the uncertainty that shrouded the result intensified the excitement, and increased the interest and efforts of the partisans. Again the ballots were counted, and again did the news fly from lip to lip, " No election ! " There were 12 12 ballots cast in this election, and of this number, the successful candidate must secure 607. Hiram G. Berry had 541, Charles Crockett 561, and Harvey H. Spear 103, scattering 7. It looked as though the chances of election of Mr. Berry were dubious, and the friends of Mr. Crockett were jubilant because of the strength developed by their candidate. But Mr. Berry was not cast down by the result. He believed another determined effort would win him the victory, and quietly laid his plans. Again we quote from the columns of the Gazette :

"A second trial for the election of Mayor was held yesterday afternoon. There is still no choice. The vote was large, being an increase over the vote last week of nearly ninety. The heavy vote thrown indicates the interest which was felt in the election. The vote will probably increase somewhat at the next trial, which is to be on Monday afternoon next and which will doubtless settle the question, since a plurality then elects."

The third and last battle of the ballots took place March 17, with increased excitement and turmoil. When the approach of darkness put an end to the strife, Hiram G. Berry had triumphed over his opponents, and was made by his fellow citizens Mayor of his native city, — the second man to hold that office.

The ballots cast at the third election numbered 1282, Berry receiving 642, while his principal opponent, Crockett, polled 612 with a scattering of 24.

Editorially, the Gazette says of this result: "The third and last trial for Mayor of this city came off Monday, and resulted in the election of Hiram G. Berry, Esq., by a plurality of thirty votes over Charles Crockett, and a majority of one vote over all others. The excitement had been increasing from the previous election up to the time the result of the voting of Monday was known , and it is universally remarked that there never was before so much interest manifested in any election in Rockland. Indeed, the vote of last September, when it was thought that every live man turned out to the polls, and it is certain there were considerably more voters in the city than at the present time, was sixty-three less than the vote of Monday. At a little before six o'clock, the result of the election was known, viz.: that ' Berry was elected,' and a large number of his friends gathered about the Commercial House, when speeches were made and a grand jollification was had by those who had voted for the successful candidate. In the evening, guns were fired, bonfires lighted, etc. The Mayor-elect also invited his supporters to a supper, given at the Commercial and Thorndike hotels, at which several hundreds were present. A procession also marched to the Mayor's house and called him out for a speech, which he made, appropriate to the occasion. In short, the ' party' generally were in high spirits at their success. We will say of Mr. Berry that he is a man of energy and business experience, and, like his opponent, has the general confidence of his fellow citizens. Indeed, high as the ' steam ' was on the Mayor question, we recollect of hearing scarcely a word spoken derogatory to the personal character of the candidates. And we believe that they are on the best terms with each other personally."

RENOMINATED MAYOR. 21

The happy close of this desperate and hard-fought struggle came near being marked by a serious accident. A cannon was placed in the field in front of the residence of Mayor-elect Berry and was repeatedly discharged to celebrate his victory. After a few rounds were fired, this cannon burst and a man named Nash was struck by a flying piece of gun metal and injured. Another piece of the gun was thrown some distance through one of the lower lights of a window of Wm. Young's house on Union street while two children were looking out of the window. Neither was hurt, and the wounded man was but slightly injured.

Mayor Berry's inauguration took place with the usual ceremonies. On March 19, both boards of the city council met in joint convention in the common council rooms to listen to the Mayor's address, which was brief, concise and business-like, written in the easy, flowing style characteristic of the man. With no attempt at rhetoric, he plainly sets forth the city's needs and impresses on his associates that they are public servants invested with a public trust that should be faithfully administered. He modestly expresses the deep sense of his inability to fulfill the expectations of his fellow-citizens, but pledges his unselfish devotion to their interests.

Mayor Berry's management of the affairs of the municipality was characterized by shrewdness and wisdom. The work of some of the departments Was in a crude state. They were by him reduced to order, and systematized. A seal was provided for the city. The financial affairs received the closest and most intelligent attention. Every department began to give evidence of the domination of a master mind ; and at the close of his term of office, it was universally admitted that Mayor Berry had made a model chief executive.

In the spring of 1857, Mayor Berry was renominated by his party, but as party feeling was running high over national politics, it affected the city election to the extent that Mayor

Berry suffered a defeat at the hands of his former opponent, Charles Crockett, and retired again to private life.

In 1858, Berry was chosen chief engineer of the fire department, which is the last civil office held by him. His duties in this department did not require much effort and he was fully satisfied with one term, at the expiration of which he gave place to his successor.

Chapter III. The Rockland City Guards

Berry Inspector 4th Division Maine Militia. — Organizes the Rockland City Guards. — Berry Chosen Captain. — Presentation of Flag by Mayor Crockett. — Captain Berry Receives an Elegant Present from the Guards. — Gu< of the Warden of the State Prison. — Guards Entertain the Camden Rifles. — Regimental Muster at Rockland. — Muster at Portland. — Rockland Brass Band. — Ludicrous Incident. — Muster at Belfast. — The Guards Escort Jeff' Davis, then Secretary of War. — Adjutant-General Webster's Famous Description of this Event. — Guards Disband. — Its Officers. — Furnished Twenty-one Officers to the Volunteer Service.

AS we had occasion to mention, the subject of our sketch always had a keen interest in military matters from early boyhood. He was in frequent demand as chief marshal of processions on Fourth of July and other occasions, and took pride in skillfully managing these affairs. March 19, 1853. he was appointed Inspector of the Fourth Division of Militia with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

In 1854, Colonel Berry with others organized a light infantry company, which was called the Rockland City Guards, and was mustered into the Maine Volunteer Militia as Company B of the 1st Regiment, 2d Brigade, 4th Division. The 1st Regiment at one time was commanded by Colonel G. J. Burns, with Davis Tillson as adjutant, both citizens of Rockland, and the 4th Division had for its chief, Major General William H. Titcomb, also of that city.

At the election of officers of the Guards, Hiram G. Berry was chosen captain ; G. J Burns, Jonathan Spear and A. S. Dyer, lieutenants; William H. Titcomb, orderly sergeant; and O. J. Conant, ensign. Arms were furnished by the state, but the beautiful uniforms of blue and gold, with the tall bear-skin cap and gold tassel, were purchased by the company. Drill commenced under the direction of Adjutant Davis Tillson, who was a graduate of West Point, and the company soon became proficient in the manual of arms and evolutions of a company.

The occasion of a presentation of a beautiful flag to the Guards by the Mayor of Rockland, Hon. Knott Crockett, who had purchased the same at a cost of $40, was a memorable one. It occurred May S, 1 S 5 5 . and on the afternoon of that day the Guards paraded the streets under the command of Captain Berry. They were accompanied by the Rockland Brass Band, and at about three o'clock proceeded to the house of the Mayor where the presentation was made, His Honor making an appropriate address to which Ensign O. J. Conant responded in behalf of the company.

For two hours following the presentation, the company paraded the streets, delighting the citizens with the precision of their movements and the sight of their beautiful new banner. At five o'clock the company repaired to the restaurant of C. A. Harrington, where refreshments were served, which terminated the exercises of the afternoon.