California Biographies

Source: History of Fresno County, California, with biographical sketches of 
the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with 
its growth and development from the early days to the present (1919)

History By Paul E. Vandor 
Illustrated, Complete In Two Volumes 
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1919
 
Notes: Missing+page1185-1186

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm



ARTHUR BERRY. � A business man who has proven his capacity in 
the field of ranch management, having profited greatly through his associa- 
tion with his more experienced brother, and a likable fellow who has made 
a host of friends, so that two things seem certain ; he will some day be heard 
from on a larger and more responsible scale, and when he is, there will be 
no one to envy him, but many to felicitate on his success, is Arthur Berry, 
the bookkeeper in charge of the Barton Vineyard. He was born at Ossett, 
in Yorkshire, England, the son of Walter Berry, the manufacturer of cloths 
and representative of an old English family. He was for a time at Bourne- 
mouth, then afterward at Exeter; and in Devonshire he retired and died, in 
1909. He had married Emily Matthews, also a native of English soil ; and 
after a long and faithful companionship, she died, in August, 1916. Eight 
children had blessed their union ; and all eight are living today. 

The second youngest, Arthur is one of two only who have come to Amer- 
ica, the other son being Thomas W. Berry, who is in partnership with him 
at Lane's Bridge. He was brought up in England and educated at private 
schools, completing his courses at the picturesque seaside town of Bourne- 
mouth. Then he was articled to a land agent, and for three years he studied 
the methods of business. By 1905 he had considerable knowledge of the 
world and he concluded to join his brother, who had come out to California 
years before. 

Accordingly Mr. Berry crossed the ocean and the American continent, 
pitched his tent in Fresno County, and entered the service of the California 
Wine Association, in whose Fresno office he was made bookkeeper. He filled 
the position for about six years, and then with his brother started farming 
at Modesto. They bought forty acres of raw land and improved it with a 
vineyard and an orchard ; and three years later they sold it at a profit. 

Returning to Fresno, they bought their present place of sixty-five acres 
at Lane's Bridge, where they are raising peaches, and other fruit, and alfalfa. 
Under their touch everything seems to prosper; but it is also clear that steady, 
hard, honest labor such as they are quite willing and disposed to expend 
upon their ventures, has much to do with their success. They have also ex- 
ceptionally choice land � a streak of good luck due in part to their wise se- 
lection of the raw acreage and to their skill in improvements. He is a member 
of the California Peach Growers, Inc., and no more aggressive and pro- 
gressive worker deliberates in its councils. Through such life and work 
the name of Berry has come to have a pleasant ring in Fresno County, and 
even beyond.