BERRY FAMILY

William Berry was born about 1804, in Witney, Oxfordshire and in 1833 he married Elizabeth Dossett. He worked as a fellmonger, living and working in Witney. William and Elizabeth had at least seven children, some of whom followed him into the fellmongering trade. He died in 1864 and is buried in Witney cemetery alongside his daughter, Ellen, who preceded him by a month. William had only written his Will a few days before he died, suggesting a sudden illness. His effects came to £300, which he left to be shared among his remaining children.

Charles Berry was Williams' eldest son, born 1836 in Witney. He worked with his father as a fellmonger until about 1864. Charles married Catharine Legge from Southwark, about 1863. They had a daughter, Catharine, known as Kate, before Charles took up as the Innkeeper of the Swan Inn, Swinbrook around 1864. Catharine and Charles had a further 11 children, all of them christened in the local church in Swinbrook. Charles died in 1897 and is buried, in St Mary's churchyard alongside Catharine who died in 1893.

Harry Berry was the eighth child of Charles Berry, born in 1872. Harry moved to Great Rissington, Glos, to work for Thomas Mace, the Baker, when he was 19. In 1894, he married Clara Smith, who was 12 years his senior. She was also the niece of his employer and was already expecting his child. Harry and Clara had two children. Catharine, known as Kitty and Harry Mervyn always called Mervyn. Harry took over the Bakery on Thomas Maces death and in 1911 Clara started a Post Office from their house. Harry died in 1924 after a short illness and Clara followed him in 1926.

Harry and Clara about the time of their marriage.

©2000-2001 Clare Mayo