Born in Ohio County, Indiana, during early life Berkshire learned the trade and worked at blacksmithing with his father.
He was re-elected to the same position in 1870, and again in 1876, which terms of office he filled with credit to himself and those who had chosen him.
He was a candidate for the Supreme Court judgeship in 1883, but the opposing party had the State in the election that year.
He had been a resident of North Vernon for the past fourteen years, and was held in high esteem.
[1] Berkshire died at his home in North Vernon at 6 o'clock on a Thursday evening.