John Berry was born in Brown Co., Indiana on March 1, 1840 although he appears on the 1850 census in Bean Blossom, Monroe Co., Indiana as age 4. His father was Henry Berry and his mother was Sarah Matney. John appears on the 1860 census in Howard, Parke Co, Indiana with his parents and he is listed as age 14. John also appears on the 1860 census in Hazelwood Township, Webster Co., Missouri with his mother, Sarah, sister Mary and brother Isaiah. John’s age is listed as 20.
John originally enlisted on June 10, 1861 and mustered out on July 6, 1861. Then he enlisted again on April 14, 1862 at Linn Creek, Missouri into Company H, 8th Missouri State Militia cavalry. He was mustered out at Springfield, Missouri on April 13, 1865.
When John enlisted, he had dark eyes, black hair, and a dark complexion. He was 5 feet 10 inches tall and listed his occupation as a farmer.
At Lone Jack, he was wounded and his right shoulder was broken. He was in the hospital in Lexington, Missouri following the battle. He lost his horse and equipment in the battle.
On November 21, 1863, John married Elizabeth Matney (1845-1884), who appears to have been, perhaps, a distant cousin.
John filed for a pension on April 12, 1878.
By 1880, John, Elizabeth and their eight children lived in Finley, Webster Co., Missouri and John listed himself as a farmer. John listed himself as age 40. His wife, Elizabeth, died in 1884. John is listed on the 1890 Veterans Schedules which shows his wounding at Lone Jack and a broken shoulder.
John died on May 9, 1894 in Seymour, Webster Co., Missouri and is buried in the Lone Star Cemetery.