The shadow which had so long been thrown over the household of one of the most highly esteemed families of this city deepened into darkness last night, when the light of the husband and father forever passed away. That hour of gloom and sorrow came at twenty minutes past nine o'clock, at which time Colonel J. H. Berryhill passed quietly from earth. The respected deceased had been more or less an invalid since the Spring of 1875, when he suffered his first stroke of paralysis. A second stroke in March of the following year greatly increased the resulting weakness of the body and mind. A few months thereafter came the period of confinement to the house. Up to a week ago, however, Mr. Berryhill was able to be about his room and to care for himself in good degree. Thereafter he was confined to his bed until death came to his relief, as stated, after he had lain in a comotose state about ten hours.
The deceased was born in Philadelphia on July 21, 1815, and removed to Harrisburg with his parents when quite young. In that city he entered upon his education and graduated at Washington College, Pennsylvania. Studying law, he was admitted to the Bar of Dauphin county in 1832, and was soon in possession of a good practice. Always manifesting much interest in political affairs, Mr. Berryhill became very active in behalf of Harrison in the celebrated campaign of 1840. On the introduction of the telegraph he took an active part in the extension of the telegraphic system into Pennsylvania and was made President of the old Atlantic & Pacific company, afterwards absorbed by the Western Union. During the war Mr. Barryhill was made Aid de Camp to Governor Curtin, and was commissioned as Colonel by that executive. While in that position he constructed the telegraphic line from Chambersburg to Haggerstown, Md., for war purposes, he having charge of all the telegraphic lines in the state.
In 1864, Col. Berryhill removed to Davenport with his family, purchasing of Hon. H. Price the Brady street residence, ever since owned and occupied by him; except during the eleven months, from August 1875, when a temporary residence was again established by the family at Harrisburg. In this city Col. Berryhill at once took position as a man of great sagacity in financial affairs. In 1864 he became connected with the organization of the Davenport National Bank, in its change from the Merchant's Branch of the State Bank, and was chosen its Vice-President; a position he held until 1875. Col. B. was also President of the City Railway Company (Third street line). In the affairs of Trinity church he bore a conspicuous part, being Senior Warden of the parish for many years. While able to mingle actively with his fellow citizen. Col. Berryhill was always a very social gentleman, and was highly esteemed by all who were associated with him.
The deceased leaves a widow and eight children, the eldest of these being Charles J., who was admitted to the Bar a few months ago, and is one of Davenport's rising attorneys. Two brothers, residents of Iowa City -- Mr. James B. Berryhill and Mr. W. D. Berryhill -- also survive; together with one sister -- Mrs. Louisa Workman, residing at Mt. Pleasant.
The funeral will probably take place tomorrow, at Trinity church, and the body be taken to Harrisburg, leaving in the evening, accompanied by Mrs. Berryhill and Mr. Charles J. Notice of the hour of the funeral will appear in the Gazette tomorrow. (Davenport Gazette 4 Mar 1880)
Scott County History has birth date July 18, 1815