George Leonard Berry

Democrat Senator of Tennessee

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1882 (66 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1948

Death

Served as president of the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants’ Union of North America for over four decades (1907-1948).
Held the position of a U.S. Senator for a brief period (1937-1938).
Born and raised in Hawkins County, Tennessee, and began working as a pressman’s assistant at a young age.
Was a labor union activist before entering politics.
Played a significant role in acquiring and operating a sanatorium, trade school, and the international headquarters for the Pressmen’s Union at the former Hale Springs Resort.
Served in the American Expeditionary Force as a major during World War I (1918-1919).
Nearly nominated for Vice President at the 1924 Democratic Convention.
Appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill a vacancy but was defeated in the subsequent Democratic primary for the seat.
His political defeat is attributed to the influence of a Memphis-based political machine.
Returned to union activities and agriculture after his Senate term ended.
Passed away in 1948 and was initially interred at Pressmen’s Home before being moved to McKinney Cemetery in Rogersville.