PVT James Buchanan Berry

courtesy of Isabelle Chewning

PVT James Buchanan Berry was born 28 Sep 1834 in Augusta County, Virginia. He was the 3rd of the 7 children born to John Ralston and Nancy Hughart (Buchanan) Berry. The family farmed south of Staunton and in 1860 his father reported that his farm was worth $12,750 and that his personal estate was worth $3,840 or as much as $12-million in today's money, successful by any measure. 

James went to Lexington, Virginia and on 10 Mar 1862 he enlisted in the Rockbridge Light Artillery but left the unit on 29 Apr 1862 and mustered into D Company 5th Virginia Infantry on that same day. PVT Berry was then with his company at the Battles of McDowell, Front Royal, and First Winchester although the company apparently was not engaged except at Winchester. This was part of General Jackson's famous Valley Campaign and the next battle was at Port Republic in southeastern Rockingham County, Virginia and PVT James Berry was one of 9 men of the 5th Virginia killed in action there on 9 Jun 1862. 

PVT Berry was buried in what is now the New Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetery with many of his family at Steele's Tavern, Virginia just 38 highway miles from where he was killed.

Both of James' brothers also served during the war. Older brother Charles Gambol Berry served in H Company 27th Virginia Infantry before joining D Company 5th Virginia in October 1864. Younger brother, John Ralston Berry, served in I Company 62nd Virginia Infantry before joining D Company 5th Virginia Infantry. Brother-in-law, John Wilson Beard, also served in D Company 5th Virginia Infantry.