As Treasurer, Berry identified misappropriations in the graft scandal related to furnishing of the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

His father Benjamin was and early pioneer of Illinois and a skilled mechanic having developed several useful inventions.

[2] As a young man, Berry took an apprenticeship in the machine shops of George W. Tifts Sons & Co. in Buffalo, New York.

[4] In 1873, after receiving his degree, Berry relocated to Chester, Pennsylvania and was placed in charge of the brick yard of the Eddystone Manufacturing Company.

[7] His son, US Marine Major Benjamin S. Berry, served in World War I, and for his actions on June 6, 1918, in the Battle of Belleau Wood was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, and the Croix de Guerre from the government of France.