SCHOOL LIFE
Other INCIDENTS
In the Life of
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SILAS NASHPY BERRY
PRICE $1.00
Manuscript, Archives,
and Rare cook Library
Lyle Fund
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Silas N. Berry and His Wife L. Aijce Berry
SCHOOL LIFE and
Other INCIDENTS
In the Life of
SILAS NASHPY BERRY
BAND OF SCHOOLMATES
1 We are a band of schoolmates,
We are a band of schoolmates,
We are a band of schoolmates,
From the Old School Yard.
Chorus— (See verse one).
2 We will not go home a fighting
We will not go home a fighting,
We will not go home a fighting,
From the old school yard.
Chorus—We are a band of schoolmates, etc.
3 But we will go home a singing,
But we will go home a singing,
But we will go home a singing,
From the old school yard.
Chorus—
4 We have plucked the tree of knowledge,
We have plucked the tree of knowledge,
We have plucked the tree of knowledge,
And have eaten the golden fruit.
5 We are friends to education,
We are friends to education,
We are friends to education,
From the old school yard.
Chorus—
6 We will tell you what we've studied,
We will tell you what we've studied,
We will tell you what we've studied,
From the old school yard.
Chorus—
7 There's reading, writing, spelling,
Which is always so inviting;
With arithmetic, astrology,
Botany, Philosophy, Geography, and
History—and also many more.
Chorus—
8 We are a band of merry schoolmates,
We are a band of merry schoolmates,
We are a band of merry schoolmates.
And the names of some we'll tell.
There's Millie, Willie, Fannie,
Edward, Tommy, Martha, Carrie,
Mary, Hattie, Ella, Johnnie,
and also Little Nell.
Chorus—
9 We will try to learn our lessons,
We will try to learn our lessons,
We will try to learn our lessons,
From the old school yard.
Chorus—
10 We will try to obey our teacher,
We will try to obey our teacher,
We will try to obey our teacher,
From the old school yard.
11 We are linked and tied together,
We are linked and tied together,
We are linked and tied together,
From the old school yard.
Chorus—
12 When we've spent a short vacation,
And enjoyed our recreation,
Then to gain your approbation,
We will seek, but now farewell.
Chorus.
Composed by SILAS N. BERRY,
Teacher.
4
BIG TIME
PROGRAMME OF
OLD SCHOOL REUNION
AT THE
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
On July 14, 1915
10 O'CLOCK A. M.
1. Devotional Exercises Dr. R. D. Merchant and Rev. H. P. Goode
2. Welcome Address Dea. Smoot Pettyjohn
3. Response Miss Lotta L. Merchant
4. Music First Baptist Choir
5. Biography of Ex. Teacher (Silas N. Berry) Mrs. Nellie Hutcherson
6. Response to Same Prof. Geo. E. Clarke
7. Collection and Recess
EVENING
9. Song Praise "I Surrender All" Vocal and Instrumental
10. Roll Call, 400 names Mr. M. B. Taylor
11. Expressions from Honorary Guest
12. Names of Departed Mates Mrs. Sallie Tucker
13. Eulogies opened by Mrs Nannie Violet Davis followed by Mrs Louisa
Taylor.
14. "When He Cometh" Sung by Mrs. Mary Ellen Tyler
Vocal and Instrumental.
15. General Expressions of Old School Mr. Saint Jones
16. Dress Parade Berry's Drum Corps
SONG, "BAND OF SCHOOLMATES" REV. PAUL ROSE
8 P. M.
17. SERMON—"Old School Reunion" Rev. H. P. Goode
18. COLLECTION.
Deacons Thomas Richardson, and George W. Reynolds.
SILAS N. BERRY, Ex-Teacheb,
July 14, 1915.
5
PREFACE
In the preparation of this book, the writer is forced to think back on
by-gone days. I was quite young when I entered the educational work.
I had no idea what a great responsibility I was about to undertake. Of
course I did not possess the material of experience. I was lacking in
many things. This history of my school life, and other incidents of the
same, may be read or looked upon with critical examination. It may
be asked why such an idea entered into my mind. In reply to such an
idea, should every minister of the gospel, every teacher of a public or
private school, in fact any man, or woman, simply jot down the incidents
of their life, we could have a splendid idea as to how, when and where
to place our future steps and actions, thereby developing into better
citizenship. Therefore, such an article ought to be put into readable
form so that those of public life and also those of the negro race who
are yet unborn, could profit by example. So, then, it is a source of plea¬
sure to me this 5th day of January, in the year of our Lord, Nineteen
Hundred and Nineteen, to begin this work. You will, in this little book,
find many very interesting little notes, and in fact some real truths of
a man who followed up the public school life for thirty-three years. I
shall not quote from speeches of other men or women, but from the
thoughts of Silas Nashpy Berry. If all of the good of a school teacher were
placed or written in a volume, one could write or compile for twelve
months and then something would be left unwritten. I shall try, in the
following, to give the names of the young boys and girls who have been
tutored during my administrations. Some of those dear names, however,
may be left out on account of misplacing the list, however they are
thought of with just as much interest as those whose names appear.
This little book may be a trifle condensed, but will certainly (after having
been put into book form) give vent to the feelings and ideas of the writer
as well as create new life in each one who may read its contents, especially
those of my pupils who were members of my school at different times
and places.
I am yours for higher education and moral training,
Silas N. Berby,
January, 1919, 9:55 P. M.
6
NAMES OF PUPILS
(Those marked (*) dead.)
1.
Walter Burford.*
41.
Nancy Eichardson.
2.
Ann Mclvor.
42.
Erna Saunders.
3.
Willie Monroe.
43.
William Johnson.
4.
Lucy McjJaniel.
44.
Rufus Edwards.
5.
Jessie McDaniel.
45.
Silas Ferguson.
6.
Nannie Turner.
46.
Willie Green.
7.
Elnora Turner.
47.
Thomas Anderson.
8.
Aubrey Stephens.
48.
George Anderson.
9.
Willie Wells.
49.
Herbert Turner.
10.
Office Bowling.
50.
Charlie Wesley.
11.
John Bowling.
51.
Joshua Wesley.
12.
Lucy Ann Euille.*
52.
Seldon Wesley.
13.
Mary Goff.*
53.
Florence Green.
14.
Frederick Smith.*
54.
Edward Dickerson.
15.
Henry Smith.
55.
William Bowling.
16.
Archer Watson.
56.
George Rucker.
17.
Sam Hill.
57.
Wesley Eucker.
18.
Ellen Hill.
58.
Martha Eucker.
19.
Charles Mathews.
59.
George Richardson.
20.
John Terry.
60.
Lillie Carter.
21.
Elizabeth Terry.
61.
Susie Bowling.
22.
Mildred Hollins.
62.
Lula Bowling.
23.
Minnie Shrader.
63.
William Henry Eandolph.
24.
Lewis White.
64.
Eobert Wright.
25.
Andrew White.
65.
Clara Morse.
26.
George White.
66.
Mottellus Broady.
27.
Joe Tyler.
67.
Dandridge Broady.
28.
Homer Jones.
68.
Lucy Carter.
29.
Hope Broady.
69.
Delia Carter.
30.
Phelin Jones.*
70.
Lewis Jackson.
31.
Chesley Reid.
71.
Mary Taylor.
32.
Shadrach Page.
72.
Willie Eubank.
33.
Ernest Page.
73.
Lillie Eubank.
34.
George Hopkins.
74.
Victoria Eubank.
35.
Mary Willie Johnson.
75.
Lewis Jackson.*
36.
John Burford.*
76.
Susie Jackson.
37.
Minnie Pierce.
77.
Eobert Euille.
38.
Dabney Jones.
78.
Nannie Sparrow.
39.
Andrew Jones.
79.
Julia Sparrow.
40.
Willie Dickerson.
80.
Johnnie Sparrow.
7
81. Mary Belle Peters.*
82. David Clark.
83. Simpson Sparrow.*
84. Fannie Jones.
85. Mary Beasley.
86. Mary Tucker.
87. Aaron King.
88. Peach Miller.
89. Clarkie Miller.
90. Allie Hargrove.
91. Louvenia Walla.
92. Paul Walla.*
93. Lou Franklin.
94. Abraham Dickerson.
95. Ann Irvine.
96. Bland Rose.
97. Mary Eglerson.
98. Benjamin Eglerson.
99. Anderson King.
100. Olivia Watts.
101. Leslie Watts.
102. Fannie Stephenson.*
103. Annie Davis.
104. Reuben Turner.
105. Jennie Turner.
106. James Cary.
107. Ernest Cary.
108. Willie Carter.
109. William Chilton.
110. Ezekiel Franklin.
111. James Chilton.
112. William Franklin.
113. John Franklin.
114. William Garland.
115. William Hudson.
116. Henry Rose.
117. Nathaniel Rose.
118. Kelley Smith.
119. Willie Turner.
120. Eldridge Tyler.
121. Ellen Dickerson.
122. Winnie Franklin.
123. Maria G. Fletcher.
124. Sada Jordan.*
125. Paulina Jackson.
126. Sallie Martin.
127. Nancy Martin.*
128. Lucy Martin.*
129. Ida Martin.*
130. Ella Martin.
131. Mary Morris.
132. Sallie Rose.
133. Ann Rose.
134. Mag Stephens.
135. Julia Stephens.
136. Sarah Scott.
137. Joseph Scott.*
138. Blanche Watson.
139. Susie Wright.
140. Harriette Dickerson.
141. Harry Dickerson.
142. Elsie Dickerson.
143. Jessie Dickerson.
144. Lucinda Dickerson.
145. Belle Dickerson.
146. Sammie Dickerson.
147. Mary Dickerson.
148. Howard Dickerson.
149. Ivanhoe Dickerson.
150. Willie Dickerson.
151. Jessie Hutcherson.
152. Thomas Hutcherson.
153. Jack Hutcherson.
154. Fannie Ferguson.
155. Daisy Ferguson.
156. Judith Anderson.
157. Mary Anderson.,
158. Charles Davis.
159. Richard Davis.
160. Willie Davis.
161. Nashville Davis.
162. Elizabeth Davis.
163. Charlotte Davis.
164. Warner Berry.
165. Delia E. Berry.
166. Virginia Berry.
167. Willie Berry.
168. Flora Berry.
169. Margarette E. Berry.*
170. John Berry.
171. Alice Berry, Jr.
172. Raymond Chilton.
173. Gracie Chilton.
174. Jasper Davis.
175. Denorris Davis.
176. Nannie V. King.
8
177. Cora E. Irvine.
178. Cora Cabbell.
179. Bettie Cabbell.
180. Leora Cabbell.
181. Jacob Cabbell.
182. Robert Cabbell.
183. Saint Jones.
184. Moses Taylor.
185. Louisa Euille.
186. Susie Irvine.
187. Martha Johnson.
188. Magnolia Johnson.
189. Charles Jordan, Jr.
190. Hattie Hollins.
191. Paulas Rose.
192. John Hunter.
193. Hattie Reynolds.
194. Pembroke Johnson.
195. Royal Johnson.
196. Nazareth Reynolds.
197. Onie King.
198. Jourlene Reynolds.
199. Adelene King.
200. John King.
201. Annie Reid.
202. Sydney Reid.
203. Jasper Reid.
204. Lillie P. Reid.
205. Edward Reid.
206. Beatrice P. Reynolds.
207. Greene A. Reynolds.
208. Christianna Johnson.
209. Alfred Euille.
210. Howard Johnson.
211. William Euille, Sr.
212. William Euille, Jr.
213. Andrew Euille.
214. Phillip Euille.
215. Fannie Euille.
216. Ella Euille.
217. Lavina Mantiply.
218. Rosa Mantiply.
219. Nathaniel Reid.
220. Lewis Reid.
221. John Reid.
222. Frank Reid.
223. James Dickerson.
224. Abbie Ferguson.
225. Ellis Hollins.
226. Edward Thomas.
227. Herbert Thomas.
228. Robert Anthony.
229. William Anthony.
230. Mary Mclvor.
231. Mary Anthony.
232. Berta Thomas.
233. Samuel Pettyjohn.
234. Silas Jordan.
235. Bettie Marshall.
236. Fleming Rose.
237. Lucy Anderson.
238. Kimmie Brown.
239. Ivanhoe Wills.
240. Garnette Wills.
241. Mattie Brown.
242. Lewis Brown.
243. Virginia Arthur.
244. Henry Arthur.
245. Junior Cary.
246. Nannie Garland.
247. Ella Martin.
248. Nelson Martin.
249. Ella Bennette.
250. Willie Bennette.
251. Silvey Bennette.
252. Rosa Bennette.
253. Mary Bennette.
254. Cornelia Bennette.
255. Harry Bennette.
256. Reuben Bennette.
257. Callie Bennette.
258. Johnnie Bennette.
259. Lena Tucker.
260. Mary Ellen Jones.
261. Amy Radford.
262. George Radford.
263. Missie Reid.
264. Lucy Carter.
265. Nora Pettyjohn.
266. Fannie Pettyjohn.
267. John Tyler.
268. Judson Tyler.
269. Daisy 'iyler.
270. Tabitha Tyler.
271. James Dickerson.
272. Jasper Cabbell.
9
273. Perry Cabbell.
274. Alice Hollins, ("Dina.").
275. Fleming Rose.
276. William Peters.
277. Allie Hargrove.
278. Robert Jones.
279. Alexander Jones.
280. Henry Jones.
281. William Broady.
282. John Bowling.
283. Alberta Beasley.*
284. Leana Turner.
285. Tom Tucker.
286. Maria Cary.
287. Willie Pettyjohn.
288. Fannie Daniel.
289. Bettie Daniel, Jr.
290. William Henry Daniel, Jr.
291. Esther Daniel.
292. Macy Martin.
293. James Parish, Jr.
294. Conrad Parrish.
295. Charley Winfree.
296. Irene Wayne.
297. Rennie Wayne.
298. Ruby Wayne.
299. Bertha West.
300. Kittie West.
301. Landon West.
302. Joe McDaniel.
303. Levi McDaniel.
304. Ruby McDaniel.
305. Daisy Wesley.
306. Hanan Wesley.
307. Fannie Wesley.
308. Annie Turner.
309. Virginia Murphy.
310. Maggie Murphy.
311. Bettie Reaves.
312. Delila Reaves.
313. Annie May Reaves.
314. Scoliver Reaves.
315. Moses Taliaferro.
316. Hattie Taliaferro.
317. Victoria Crawley.
318. Lula Crawley.
319. Golden Crawley.
320. Lillie Crawley.
321. James Ware.
322. Jessie Ware.
323. Bessie Turner.
324. Frank Turner.
325. Leanna Turner.
326. Clarence Richeson.
327. Corris Richeson.
328. Beatrice Richardson.
329. Beatrice Hartridge.
330. Hazel Hartridge.
331. Dorothy Hartridge.
332. Lillie Richardson.
333. Lotta Turner.
334. Eddie Turner.
335. Mantiply Payne.
336. Lillie Turner.
337. Major Anderson.
338. Minnie Payne.
339. Sam Morris.
340. Maggie Franklin.
341. Herbert Franklin.
342. Thomas Franklin.
343. Harold Franklin.
344. Berta Jones.
345. Silas Ferguson.
346. Bennie Ferguson.
347. Edward Dawson.
348. William Busch.
349. William Osborne.
350. Alphonso Reid.
351. Bettie Reid.
352. Carl Moore.
353. Jessie Moore.
354. Othel Moore.
355. Lucile Reid.
356. Carlis Reid.
357. John Cary.
358. Mary Willie Johnson.
359. Laura Johnson.
360. Sidney Johnson.
361. Willie Pettyjohn.
362. Mattie Harper.
363. Ed Anderson.
364. George Mack.
365. Tenie Chilton.
366. Robert Yancey.
367. Nettie Yancey.
368. John Wright (Amherst).
10
369.
Johnnie Wright (Nelson).
402.
Ida Martin.
370.
William Eglerson (Nelson).
403.
Jennie Dickerson.
371.
Jessie Cary (Amherst).
404.
Alice Mantiply.
372.
John Bowling (Amherst).
405.
Adelaide Stephens.
373.
William Bowling (Amherst).
406.
Emma Cary.
374.
Henry Jones (Campbell Co.).
407.
Gertrude Cary.
375.
Wellington Mantiply.
408.
Florence Cary.
376.
Christianna Johnson.
409.
John McDaniel.
377.
Martha Turner.
410.
Arrena Hollins.
378.
John Burford.
411.
Norvel Jones.
379.
Lewis Daniel.
412.
Annie Smith.
380.
Margarette E. Berry, (My dear 413.
George Randolph.
daughter, Died Mar. 12-17.)
414.
Lewis Tucker.
381.
Mary Taylor.
415.
Robert Dickerson.
382.
Judith Dickerson.
416.
Daniel White.
383.
Silas Johnson.
417.
Eugene Richardson.
384.
Jack Cary.
418.
Mattie Jordan.
385.
Moses Johnson.
419.
Jack Rucker.
386.
Norman Crawley.
420.
Ida Johnson.
387.
Phelin Jones.
421.
Chas. Garland.
388.
Sallie Morse.
422.
Joe Garland.
389.
Callie Peters.
423.
Mary Eliza Brown.
390.
Florence Broady.
424.
Charlie Peters.
391.
Pohn Peters.
425.
Harry Terry.
392.
Nannie Jones.
426.
Mary Ann Cary.
393.
John Richardson.
427.
Peachy Cox.
394.
Peter Shrader.
428.
Paul Rose.
395.
Moses Allen.
429.
Paulina Rucker.
396.
Charlie Morse.
430.
Frederick Smith.
397.
Amanda Pettyjohn (Dear Cou¬
431.
Willie Anderson.
sin).
432.
Fannie Steperson.
398.
Lelia Alice Berry (My beloved
433.
Sada Jordan.
wife).
434.
Nancy Martin.
399.
Lucy Ann Johnson.
435.
Joe Scott.
400.
Marcellus Edwards.
436.
Simpson Sparrow.
401.
Lucy Martin.
437.
B. Miller.
(About 168 names left out; misplaced school register)
11
BIOGRAPHY, OR SKETCH OF
MY LIFE
I was born in Rappahannock County, State of Virginia, Sep¬
tember 25, 1864. Came to this County with somebody (my
parents, I guess), when two or three years old. Knew scarcely
anything of my real mother. I do remember of having seen
my mother once or twice. Brother Charles Jordan, Sister Sarah
Reid, Brother Smoot Pettyjohn, Sister Mary Gentry, and pos¬
sibly a few others, can tell you more about that than I. I was
reared by a step-mother known as "Mammy Kittie," and she
was a mother to me. My father, better known as John Berry,
gave me the advantage of the public and private schools in the
latter 60's. The first teacher I sat under was a white man I
think named Rice; I have forgotten his given name. I have also
forgotten how long he taught. I do remember when he died I
was very sad. Father made a coffin for him from the fact he
stayed at our house, the same house that is now owned by
Brother Charles McDaniel. The next teacher was a man by
the name of Gillead. I can't recall his given name, I just re¬
member his surname and that I was taught to call him "Mr.
Gillead." He was quite a peculiar specimen; as a teacher we
were very afraid of him for he used to take a pistol to the
school each day. I was for three years in my A, B, C's. I
think the next teacher was a very intelligent lady by the name
of Mrs. Lucinda Smith. It appeared that everybody liked
Mrs. Smith. She was very well informed along very many
educational lines including music. I can't recall about my age
just then, but I do know that I could then read and write of
which my father was very proud. Then came next Mr. Lind-
sey Hayden, one whom certainly in those days took great inter¬
est in the school work. As near as I can recall I think father
moved away from the house referred to (Brother McDaniel's)
to the site where I now live. Mr. Henry King and my father
were great friends, and living very close to each other quite nat¬
urally brought them in contact with each other, so they con-
13
eluded to "buy a farm," which they did. Being already inter¬
ested in the education of their children those men built and
ran schools for the community in their own dwellings, did the
domestic work upstairs while the downstairs was crowded with
the children of the neighborhood. I was then, I suppose, about
thirteen years old. My next teacher was Mrs. Nettie Shrader
who was a very pretty woman and cleverly informed, closely
allied to the King family. We just went to the front under
her tutorship. My eyes were then being opened to the light of
trying to be something and then I began to learn something.
Next came another very intelligent lady in the person of Miss
Martha Brent. Then Mr. George E. Clark, one and in fact the
oldest colored teacher in this county. I was taught by this great
educator for many years and can be taught by him now. I in¬
deed owe my success as a successful teacher to Mr. Clark, for he
taught me many things and they were all good things. I reckon
I attended Professor Clark's schools at various points more
than any other teacher. Mr. Clark simply took me in his
bosom. I remember Mr. Clark told me when he turned me out
these words, "Boy, you are a credit to me; I want to advise
you, you must attend to your business, you must be on time,
you must never disappoint any of your children in no respect
nor at any time and place; talk with your children and not to
them." In this sketch of my life as a teacher I want to congrat¬
ulate Mr. Clark. I found that he gave me the key with which to
unlock many doors. Well, I guess I was eighteen or nineteen
years old. Of course I began to spread out a little. I went to
Charlottesville and worked a while for a lumberman, and not
being used to "rough and tumble" life, I only remained one
month and came back to father as a prodigal, got another brush¬
ing (nineteen years old, mind you) and then went off to Wash¬
ington where almost everybody goes. Having no knowledge of
that great city and no money which of course tells you I had
no friends, I fell in "tough" again, slept in the Public Square
one night got up very early the next morning before being
awakened by a policeman, wondered about the city. Often I
would find myself right back to where I first started. I was
very hungry, knew no one; didn't have sense enough to go to
the public hydrant to quench thirst. I stumbled proverbialy
upon a country gentleman that morning sitting in one of the
14
public squares eating some Washington pie, chicken, etc. As
soon as I saw him I began to study like this, "How can I
get some of that good breakfast ?" Well you know I had to hurry
up, for I tell you that man was eating. I walked up to him
while hunger was pinching me and said, "Good morning."
He returned the compliment—kept on eating. I stood as though
I was in his door waiting for him to invite me at least to a seat,
which he did, and do you know that man asked me to have some
breakfast with him? Well, I am so sorry I can't recall his
name. However, I recall the incident. I ate a nice breakfast
■with this proverbial man. After feeding the inner man I felt
much better. I began to tell him of some of my people in the
city and about how small my knowledge of the city was. He
told me he would do what he could by the way of assistance.
We got up and walked toward Fourteenth Street and Pennsyl¬
vania Avenue (remember we were in the White House Park),
and the moment we got on the avenue we saw a man descend
a flight of steps. He approached this man and asked him, "Do
you know of such a man as Lewis Mason ?" The man said, "I
do." He directed us to 332 Pennsylvania Avenue, fourteen
squares south. We went, and sometimes I was lost and some¬
times found, and so was my guide (for he was a countryman
like myself). However, we at last found number 332. It was
then twelve M. I walked in, and the first person I saw in that
great building was Uncle Lewis. How glad I was! What a
burden was lifted off my weak shoulders. I thanked my guide
and bade him adieu and spent the evening and night with my
uncle. I took breakfast with him and he introduced me to the
people with whom he had worked for ten years. Then he suc¬
ceeded in getting employment for me with a Doctor Thompson.
I lived with the doctor two years as the office boy and carriage
driver. During the two years stay with Doctor Thompson I
took advantage of a certain night school being then conducted
by one of Washington's best lawyers by persuasion of Doctor
Thompson, and I tell you he put me on my feet. I came home
during the time, stayed two weeks and the doctor sent a special
letter for my return, which in those days was very grand to
think that somebody sent for you. I returned and took up my
studies. After finishing up a course in that school Professor
Schooley introduced me to the Laws Academy. Now I wore the
15
"uniform of that school. I thought that I was "Just going up the
street." I took an academic course for one year; of course I
did not get my sheep-skin hut ate some of the sheep. This was
in '77 and '78. I came home again and while here this time
some of my comrades from the city wrote me to come back and
go with them to Capon Springs for that season. Well I began
to feel good again. I showed father the letter. He said, "You
haven't money enough to take you to the gate, and how can you
get to Washington and from thence to Capon." I told him I
would send it back to him if he would loan it to me. He got
the money (ten dollars) from somewhere, and said, "I'll try
you." I was so glad. I stayed at Capon Springs that season,
met nearly all nationalities of the world, learned a great deal. I
came in contact with a great many smart colored men and wo¬
men, chose the smartest according to my judgment, continued
my studies, and remember once giving lessons to my employer's
daughter.
SECOND TERM AT CAPON
My next term at Capon was that fatal "Garfield" year. I
left Capon and took the steamer George Leary and glided to
Yorktown, Virginia, to wait on a squadron. I became quite
seasick. I also got sick and had to go to one of -the hospital
tents. From seasickness to choleramorbus. I was a pitiable
sight, knew no one at all. While I was sick in Yorktown a
white man by name of Eugene Warner died with malaria. I
thought I would be next. However, I got over it. I boarded
the steamer Lady of the Lake enrouted to Washington. On our
trip I got out of sight of land. Well, I thought I was gone
again. A great storm arose, wind and rain, and all on board
began by orders from the Captain, to secure life-preservers. I
thought I was gone again for I had never seen a life-preserver
before that awful night. Well, I began to imitate the rest of
my comrades; sometimes the great billows would come as yonder
great hill, sometimes the boat would be totally submerged and
sometimes it would be on a knob of water. In about two and
one-half hours the wind would roar like thunder and I thought
of (we sing here) "Master the Tempest is Raging."
We got out unharmed and glided our way to Washington.
This was in 1881. We arrived in Washington at one-thirty
16
A. M. While we were going off the gang-board we heard the
toll of the great bell on Saint Dominick's Catholic Church on
Sixth Street. Some one said "that's a funeral knell." In a
very few minutes the city was alive with news boys with extra
papers filled with news of the death of the chief magistrate,
President James A. Garfield, at Elberon, New Jersey. I heard
the sound apparently of a thousand bells tolling the sad news.
I learned that the body would arrive in Washington the next
day or two at 2:05 P. M. The city was draped in mourning,
changed from a gay scene to that of a sorrowing one. I con¬
cluded that I would wait and see the procession, which I did,
and oh! what a scene! I couldn't count the bands of music,
and how beautifully they played; as if by magic, or by one single
man, hundreds of voices and nearly as many bands pealed forth
at the same time in (sing again here) "Nearer My God to Thee."
Tears fell from the eyes of strong sinewy men; and women wept
bitterly, so much so, that the streets was wet with tears. On the
next day every person who could went to the Capitol where the
President's body lay in state in the rotunda to view the remains.
Each person had to obey orders, "Go in at one door and pass oat
at the other." I took advantage of this, and desiring to see
the body again, I walked four squares, got in line and passed
through, thus making a second view. The next day the funeral
was preached. I could see the preacher as a mere speck stand¬
ing on the Capitol steps, but could not hear a single word, being
four or five squares away. I don't know what became of the
body after that. I made a visit home that year and tried the
railroad for the balance of the year. I worked for seven months
on the Shenandoah Railroad at one dollar and twenty cents a
day. The next year I went with thirty-nine other men to
Portland, Pennsylvania, this was in 1882. I worked on abut¬
ments and piers for a bridge across the Delaware river at a com¬
pensation of one dollar and a half a day, ten-hour system. I
saved a little money but worked very hard for it. I think I saved
one hundred and nine dollars during the nine months while in
Portland. On Sundays I always attended church. There were
no colored churches in Portland, and no colored people other
than those forty who went from Lynchburg. As I said, I at¬
tended church and sunday-school. I had an elegant teacher
named Mrs. Belles. I simply loved her; she had so much relig-
17
ion. The next year being 1883, I stayed home with my father,
worked about with him as an apprentice. He paid me seventy
five cents a day and gave me my board. My clothes were washed
and I slept at home. Well, the carpenter trade was not my call¬
ing ; father could not see through that. He did not understand
why I didn't fancy the carpenters' trade and I couldn't see
why either, for it was and is a very lucrative employment. Dur¬
ing the year, or rather some time that year, Brother Frank John¬
son and myself were doing some work together and he remarked
to me: "Berry, why don't you teach school ? You are too useful
a young man to be trashing your time as you do." I felt
ashamed, as I knew I could do my fellow-man some good. I
only wanted encouragement. I said nothing. I was so con¬
demned, knowing my father had sent me to school so very
much and in fact I had attended school a great deal through my
own efforts. I watched the fall examinations. I consulted my
old and tried teacher in the person of Professor George Edward
Clark; he advised me as you have already listened to. I acted
one morning; directly after breakfast I stole away during a
severe rain in October. I walked about four miles to where the
Superintendent of Schools lived. I guess some of you know
where Rev. York Chambers now lives, well there's where I
went, and oh! what I experienced when I arrived. I hardly
had nerve to rap on the door. However, I looked around and
found enough to tap softly. When the door opened, to my sur¬
prise a very funny-made little man peered out at me with a
maimed right hand. I said, "that's no superintendent, for he
can't even write," forgetting the fact that there are right and
left-handed people; from seeing this man write I have learned
to use either hand at anything I may undertake. I was in¬
vited in by this queer little man and given a chair. As I said
above, it had rained all forenoon and quite a cold rain. One
thing that braced me up somewhat, I saw a bright log fire in
the hearth. I sat down and in a few minutes I was asked
"Your name please." I answered feebly, "Silas N. Berry." I
saw him take a pen in hand, that awkward left hand, and briskly
but legibly write my name on a strip. I knew for the first time
that this was the superintendent. He quered me further by
asking my age, which was answered. I was asked several pre¬
liminary questions before reaching the general text questions,
18
All were answered. I thought I was getting along pretty hand¬
somely until he asked me "had I ever taught school before,
or had I been examined?" I answered, "'No, sir." I saw at
a glance that he could tell, yet it became my duty to answer.
After getting through with about eight or ten questions on the
text-books he had me read, and oh, how he watched me. Then
he had me write. I was already nervous from fright and shiver¬
ing with cold. He gave me an example, I think in simple
fractions, which was solved, and then asked me what was a
fraction and the different kinds. I am sure he saw that I was
frightened and he "let me down easy" and I tell you I forgot
the hand, and when he got through with me I thought he had
three or four good hands. I found that he was the Superinten¬
dent. He gave me a certificate, number four. I thought I had
a check on some big bank. I believe I held it in my hands un¬
til I got to my best girl's house which was hard by. I showed
it to her. She admired it very much and said, "I was so cunn¬
ing." I brought the paper on and showed it to my father and
he asked "where did I get such a paper." I, of course, told him.
He said nothing. This was in 1883, October. This same day
I registered as a voter. Have been voting ever since and am still
among the qualified voters of this commonwealth. ISTow my
school work for which we are this day (fourteenth of July,
1915) celebrating. I knew not what to do, as I said, I had a
certificate but that wasn't teaching yet. The next court day
I went to Amherst, the County seat, and made some inquiries,
and was told to consult some of the board officials. I didn't
know them from anybody else. I, however, ran across an old
gentleman and he asked me "was I a school teacher?" I re¬
sponded "Yes, sir." He replied: "Well, I am looking for a
teacher for Pleasant Grove school, and I think from your app¬
earance that you would suit us. Come with me and I will show
you the man with whom you may contract." You see in that
that the teacher doesn't know it all. I followed him, and he
introduced me to a very large white gentleman, very kindly dis¬
posed and very pleasant in manner; this man contracted with
me for the above-named school at a salary of sixteen dollars
a month. I felt rich. I wrote ahe^d to Mr. Milton Broady
(the gentleman who introduced me to Mr. N. 1ST. Mantiply)
who was then Clerk of the Board, Temperance School District,
19
of this County) to notify the patrons of that section to meet me
at their schoolhouse on the following Monday at nine A. M.
I was found on the job. I met twenty-five beautiful children
looking for their new teacher. Among them was my wife, but
I certainly didn't know it. I rang the bell and called the school
to order, enrolled their names and made an examination, classed
them off and went to work. I thought that teaching school was
an easy job but I found it quite different, for that night I was
so tired and fatigued I could not keep my eyes open. All of
you teachers, who may read this book, are aware of the fact that
of all work this is the most difficult. Well, I taught the five
months term out through "ups and downs." I think I made
a very good impression as a teacher, this being my first term,
from the fact I was elected by a solid vote to return the follow¬
ing term. Of course I did this. I taught at that point two
years. Came home, returned again. At the end of that term,
or rather during that term, my father died, January 31, 1885.
Of course you all are aware how "topsy-turvy" matters are in
a home when father or mother dies. I came home after re¬
ceiving the sad news by Mrs. Landros M. King, tarried three
or four days and resumed my work at Rose Mills. During that
vacation Brother James Reid, one of the school heroes, came to
my house and consulted me in reference to the First Baptist
School. We made a verbal contract (which was good in those
good old honest days). In the fall of that year I opened school
at this place and taught for seven consecutive terms and also
taught a private term, being paid for in that particular by a body
of interested men at a compensation of twelve dollars a month.
After three or four years I was called back to Rose Mills and
upon my return I tell you I knew how to take hold, for I had
an extension of three months ending sometime in July. But
listen, I said awhile ago that when I first opened at Rose Mills
that my wife was among the first group of children, but I didn't
know it. She was there this time also, for when I wound up I
had made another contract. I guess you know what kind of
a contract this was, for that October I brought Alice back with
me, this was in 1887. Brother Merchant tied us together so se¬
curely that only death separated us. I then taught in Nelson
County for two or three terms, afterwards in Amherst again at
20
the Lewis Watts school. Of that school there are many repre¬
sentatives in this county. I then taught at home, better known
as Bowling's Hill; taught at that point for twelve or fifteen
years (too long I think, however). Last, but not least, I wound
up the public school work at the Edward Ware's School. Taught
there three years with general satisfaction. We have also rep¬
resentatives of that school here to witness this celebration. In
1905 my dear wife died—a severe stroke to me—leaving me
with eight little dependent children, ages respectively five
months, two years, four years, six years, eight years, ten years,
twelve years, and fourteen years. You can see at a glance what
an awful shape I was in. Rev. Merchant and Hutcherson con¬
ducted the funeral services. I can never forget the appeal made
to God by Rev. Hutcherson in his prayer on that awful day.
"Oh! God, look upon these little motherless children; you know
you promised to be a mother for such! Oh! God, raise up
friends for them." I know God heard that prayer among the
others, for he has surely raised up friends for my children.
The following spring I consulted Mr. Moses Taylor and his
wife to care for my baby, which they did for sixteen months. I
can never forget those people for they were friends indeed. In
1890 I joined the True Reformers, was a member about twenty-
one or twenty-two years. I failed to insert how my conversion
took place. I joined the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church,
Washington, D. C., and being away from that city and under
voluntary care of this church (First Baptist), I was advised
to join by experience of grace by Deacon Smoot Pettyjohn. I
don't know how long that has been but I do know it has been
some time. In the fall of 1914 Mr. Samuel Moore requested my
services as a private teacher for his children and after careful
consideration an agreement was reached and the following
patrons made themselves responsible for my pay, viz: Mr. Sam.
Moore, Mr. Nathaniel Reid and Mr. John Reid. I wish every
community would follow such examples. At the same time I
also ran a night school at the residence of Mr. John Cary for
two months. Long will those private patrons live in my mem¬
ory, for the example is worth so very much, not only to me but
all who may follow. I am saying "Good-bye" to you my old
pupils; I am saying "Good-bye" to the public schools; I am say-
21
ing to you, with whom I have had as co-workers, good-bye. And
since I have left you and the teachers force and have applied
for a pension I am now on the retired list.
In the year 1910 something prompted me to resign the school
work (the then meagre salary for one thing). I did not see
how I could leave such lucrative employment. I shall here
insert that the work became pleasant to me, the beautiful faces,
the interesting programme each day, the happy voices, the in¬
nocent expressions written on each face created new life and
vigor in me each day. I finally gave up the work, wondering
into whose hands my dear little school children would .fall. I
reluctantly resigned in 1912. Now I must look out for other
employment, I must leave the teachers' force agreeable to my
own wishes. I applied for a Retired Teachers' Pension which
after about twelve months the application was granted, allowing
me, under Class A, thirteen dollars and forty-three cents per
quarter. It was sometime before I could content myself as a
retired teacher and to-day, after an elapse of seven years, I feel
that I must resume the same work. Prior to 1912 I also applied
to the Governor of the State for a position as notary public,
which was granted. Governor Mann appointed me at this time,
1910-11, and I have qualified continuously since, Mr. Robert
Davis, Mr. Nazareth King being my bondsmen in 1910-14; Mr.
William Franklin and Mr. Saint Jones, bondsmen 1914-19
On February 2, 1919, shall qualify again under Governor West¬
moreland Davis. In 1917 I was appointed Bureau of Mines
Superintendent, at Washington, D. C., as mines explosive agent.
As a notary I am very glad to insert that my office has helped
me and also my friends. My functions have been such as is
common to such officers. I must insert the incident that took
place in 1905, the death of Mrs. Lelia Alice Berry, which took
place on Saturday night, January 29,1905. I was then teach¬
ing school at "Home Bowling's Hill." I hope my readers will
not criticize me for writing so many brief notes about my wife.
However, I have no appologies to offer. Mrs. Alice Berry's
death was a shock to the community in which she lived. After
a brief period of thirteen days of illness I was left a widower
with eight little children, girls and boys, to care for. I repeat,
eight little children, six girls and two boys, names and ages
respectively: Warner Clinton Berry, age fourteen; Delia Esther
22
Berry, age twelve; Virginia Rovilla Berry, age ten; Willie Ann
Berry, age eight; Flora Callie Berry, age seven and a half;
Margarette Elizabeth Berry (deceased), age six; John William
Berry, age four; Alice Mabel Berry, age five months. There
may be a slight difference as per those ages, yet I am satisfied
that they are nearly correct. I do know that my baby was only
five months old, and Warner, the oldest, was only fourteen years
of age. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. R. D.
Merchant and John W. Hutcherson. I shall never forget that
funeral sendee, especially the appeal made to God by Bev.
Wesley Hutcherson, "Oh! God, You promised to be a mother
for the motherless, please raise up friends for these' motherless
children!" The interment took place at the family burying
ground. (True Reformers rites).
I resumed my work as a teacher a few days afterward, but ah!
you can judge my feelings and troubles. The same spring Rev.
Hutcherson and myself agreed to unite in our Commencement
exercises, which we did, and had a delightful programme. Mrs.
Kittie Berry, or "Mammie Kittie," died one year prior to my
wife. Well, I found out that I just had to care for those help¬
less children just referred to, and I sailed in. I did not intend
to be the means of the break in the chain or a leak in the ship.
I kept those children together, protected and cared for them,
until they could stand alone. My son, Warner, is now one of
Washington's best cooks. My daughter, Delia, is at this writ¬
ing at Salt Creek, Virginia, with her husband, Mr. Warner W.
Slaughter. My daughter, Virginia, is a noted figure in the
school work of Amherst County. Willie Berry is living with
one of Amherst's noted lawyers as cook. Flora, my daughter,
is my housekeeper, so you can readily see that in the thirteen
years I have not married again. John and Alice, Flora and
Virginia, are still under my. roof.
A BROKEN" LINK
Death again:—On the twelfth day of March, 1917, the death
angel called by our home and took our dear Margarette to
Heaven.
Somewhere in this little book you may find the names of the
departed ones who attended my school as well as the names of
23
the living ones. You will find also a facsimile of letters written
me when our Reunion took place. You will indeed find our
favorite school song, "We Are a Band of Schoolmates From the
Old School Yard" and "Hang Up the Baby's Stocking," which
all of the school children enjoyed. At this writing we are pained
to insert in the death list two of my distinguished boys in the
persons of Lewis Daniel, aged fifteen, who departed this life
January 4, 1919. Little Lewis, however, was a member of the
Lewis Daniel School, located at the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church.
His teacher, at the time of his death, was sick with influenza
and could not attend, my daughter, Virginia Berry, being his
teacher ; spoke in very high terms of Lewis. John Burford
departed this life January 13, 1919 at Monroe, Virginia. John
was an elegant young man, very quiet and dutiful. He was a
member of the Lewis Watts School. At this writing we attended
the impressive funeral of Deacon Smoot Pettyjohn on January
12, 1919. The writer was honored with the solemn duty of
honorary pallbearer. I must say a word or insert a sentence
about the dreaded epidemic that is now raging in all sections of
the world. Of course we have heard of yellow fever in local
form, smallpox, infantile paralysis, whooping cough, measles,
mumps, etc., but the world acknowledges that history has
never recorded an epidemic equal to the influenza. This dis¬
ease, statistics show, has caused more deaths and caused more
fright than the great European and German war. I often use
the expression, "It is the hand writing on the wall." So much
for that. You may not be surprised to acknowledge the fact
that during my school life I traveled on foot to my places of
business, a total of 9,400 miles. Rain, hail, winds, frost and
snow were my playmates. It seemed next to impossible for me
to disappoint one of my pupils. In my school life and work
several teachers from under my hand have, by my example, and
being naturally impressed, have taught successfully in the public
schools of Virginia. Below we give a list of them, viz:
Miss Lucy Mildred Peters (Rose Mills School).
Mr. Charlie Morse (Deceased) (Hubbard's Hill School).
Mr. Bowling Wills (Hubbard's Hill Schol).
Miss Lillie Pearl Reid (Bowling's Hill School).
Miss Virginia R. Berry (Bowling's Hill School).
24
Miss Martha A. Johnson (Bowling's Hill School).
Mr. Saint Jones (First Baptist School).
In Sunday-school I was a worker equal to that in public school.
Can one afford to uncouple the Sunday-school teacher from the
public school? Why, no! I can write as much comparatively
of the one as I can about the other. I was in my eighth year
when I had my first Sunday-school lesson. I am now fifty-one
years of age and I tell you frankly not one of those years, from
eight to fifty-one, have I left the Sunday-school out. And I de¬
clare I don't know which of the two I claim to be most devoted.
You know the innocent and harmless faces were in both, the
sparkling eyes and happy hearts could be seen in either school.
You must know my fondness for children is unfailing. In July
of each year off to the Sunday-School Convention we'd go.
On the thirteenth day of August, 1919 (Sunday) my daugh¬
ter, Virginia Ro villa Berry, was married to a very worthy young
man in the person of Mr. Robert Lee Abbott. Fully 250 per¬
sons were in attendance. We here insert the beautiful school
songs which the children delighted in singing, or rather extracts
of same: "Band of Schoolmates," "Hang Up the Baby's Stock¬
ing," and the multiplication table to "Yankee Doodle."
In 1915, July 14th, I bade good-bye to all of my school child¬
ren at the First Baptist Church where one of the grandest "Old
School" reunions was held (see programme). This programme
was carried out to the letter with a few exceptions. A great
many of our old pupils were present, and rendered great aid.
Mrs. Susie B. Martin was Master of Ceremonies. Mr. Saint
Jones represented the Old School in his usual masterly manner.
Mr. Moses B. Taylor read the names of all of the 400 and odd
names of pupils.
The opening services were conducted by Rev. W. D. Quarles:
126 Psalm; Hymn number 640; prayer by Rev. Quarles; Miss
Lottie L. Merchant (our devoted pastor's daughter) performed
at the organ; Address of welcome, Mrs. Amanda V. Higgin-
botham; Response to same, Miss Lottie L. Merchant; Sang
Hymn "Lord I'm Coming Home," Miss Susie B. Martin; Reci¬
tation, Miss Alice Mabel Berry; Remarks, Rev. W. D. Quarles;
Rev. Doctor R. D. Merchant introduced Rev. Jackson from
Fifth Street Baptist Church, Lynchburg, who held the assembly
25
spell-bound. At this point tlie author made a few preliminaries,
sketching the past work from 1883 to 1915; Heading of letters
by the clerk for the occasion, Miss Flossie McDaniel. A beau¬
tiful letter was read from Miss Jessie McDaniel, of Washington,
D. C., another from Mr. B. H. Wills, Arrington, Virginia; an¬
other from Mr. Harry Dickerson, of Cincinnati, Ohio. A col¬
lection of one dollar and nineteen cents was taken up by Mr.
Charles Jordan, Jr., and Mrs. Mary Butler. Benediction, Rev.
Jackson.
AFTERNOON
Devotional Exercises conducted by Doctor R. D. Merchant
and Rev. W. D. Quarles: Hymn number 641; 137th Division of
Psalms; Prayer by Rev. Paul Rose; The choir sang "I Sur¬
render All;" A Biography of the Teacher was read by Mrs. A.
Y. Higginbotham; Response, Mr. Charles Jordan, Sr.; Song;
Roll Call, Miss Willie A Berry; General talk, Rev. Doctor Mer¬
chant, W. D. Quarles, Mrs. Susie B. Martin, Mr. Moses B.
Taylor; Duet, Mrs. Susie B. Martin and daughter, Miss Eliza¬
beth Martin. Adjourned to meet at eight p. m.
Flossie McDaniel,
Clerk.
EIGHT O'CLOCK P. M.
Scripture Reading by Silas N. Berry, 133rd Psalm; Prayer
by Silas N. Berry. The assembly then sang "Hallelujah! Yes
T'is Heaven." The roll of our departed ones was read by Mrs.
Mary T. Bibbie; Mrs. Nannie Yiolet Davis was then appointed
by the chair to open on the eulogistic exercises after which the
congregation sang "I've Reached the Land of Corn and Wine;"
Response to eulogies, Mrs. M. L. Taylor; General Remarks,
Mr. George Rucker and others. Song, "When He Cometh," by
Mrs. Mary E. Tyler. We insert here I still hold in my mem¬
ory the kind faces of my dear pupils, the many beautiful ex¬
pressions of love and gratitude. The beautiful floral tributes,
not on my grave, but placed in my hands and on my desk by
the prettiest hands and with the most pleasant smiles that nature
has made. It is with the most profound affection that this little
book is written.
26
I shall never forget your facial expressions while you were
students of our school, and even after you reached mature ages
each of you expressed that kindly love and affection for me.
Now in conclusion, forgive me should anyone of you fail to see
your name in these columns. Please remember the fact that
in handling so many of you, and going through so many gates,
surmounting so very many difficulties, seeing so many suns rise
and set, having so many ups-and-downs such as sickness, deaths,
and many minor troubles, one would naturally lose sight, and
possibly leave out, some very important matter.
I cannot close without referring to the many letters sent me
even on the day of my reunion. Letters were sent by Mrs.
Beatrice P. Webster, Miss Lillie P. Eeid, Mr. Warner C. Berry
and I declare many others, and each of those letters had some
finance enclosed. Miss Virginia Magnolia Johnson, of Alex¬
andria, Virginia, sent a beautiful letter and gift.
So, dear readers, I certainly desire to thank you in advance
for reading this little book, and furthermore I hope its contents
may inspire you to write even a much larger book of your life,
etc., with more and better matter. Now then, in my final
conclusion, eleven twenty-six o'clock p. m., August 27, 1919:
All of us will never meet on earth face to face; but listen, we
will meet face to face on high, where Jesus Christ reigns for¬
ever and ever; where we shall see our dear schoolmates, our
mothers, our fathers, our sisters, brothers and friends, and say
good-bye no more.
I am yours very truly,
Silas N. Berry, 1ST. P.
27