James Henderson Berry

Democrat Senator of Arkansas

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1841 (72 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1913

Death

Served as the 14th governor of Arkansas and a United States Senator.
Held the position of Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives.
Born in Alabama but moved to Arkansas in childhood.
Attended Berryville Academy, named after his family, for one year.
Studied law and was admitted to the Arkansas bar in 1866.
Joined the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War, where he lost his right leg and was captured.
Worked as a school teacher and started a private law practice after the war.
Elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives multiple times and served as Speaker of the House during his last term.
Chaired the Democratic State Convention in 1876.
Became a judge for the Fourth Circuit Court before being elected governor.
His administration focused on reducing state debt and creating a state mental hospital.
Did not seek reelection as governor and was later selected by the legislature to fill an unexpired term in the U.S. Senate, where he served for 22 years.
In later life, worked with the Arkansas History Commission to mark graves of Arkansas Confederate soldiers.
Married E.Q. “Lizzie” Quaile and had six children.
Died in Bentonville, Arkansas, and is buried there.