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Charles W. Berry

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Charles White Berry(April 11, 1871 – April 30, 1941) was an American physician, soldier, andNew York City Comptroller.

Life

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Berry was born on April 11, 1871, inCatskill, New York,[1]the son of Frank M. Berry and Almira Horn. He moved to New York City with his parents when he was 9.[2]

Berry graduated fromColumbia University College of Physicians and Surgeonsin 1896.[3]He then began practicing medicine inBrooklyn,devoting much of his time to childhood diseases. He was heavily involved in public health, working for theNew York City Department of Healthand theNew York State Department of Healthas a diagnostician and epidemiologist. In 1917, he received a degree indoctor of public healthfromNew York University.He also lectured at several medical schools, including theBelleuve Medical School,New York University Medical School,andLong Island University Brooklynmedical school.[1]

In 1903, Berry enlisted in theNew York National Guard,starting as a private in Company H. of the7th New York Militia Regiment.He was quickly promoted through the ranks of corporal and sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1909. In 1911, when trouble was brewing with Mexico, he sought and obtained a commission as first lieutenant in the14th Infantry.A year later, he was commissioned a captain. While serving he was commended by Major GeneralLeonard Woodfor having the most efficient company in the National Guard. From 1913 to 1914, he was an Aide to governorMartin H. Glynn.Shortly afterwards, he was mustered in to serve with the 14th Infantry during theMexican Border War.He received an honorable discharge in 1916.[4]

When America was preparing to enterWorld War I,Berry again enlisted as a private in the 14th Infantry. He was commissioned a major of infantry, transferred to the106th Infantry,27th Division,and set sail for France in May 1918. He commanded the 2nd Battalion of the 106th, stationed in theYpressector inBelgium.He was then promoted to lieutenant-colonel and transferred to the105th Infantry.He led the regiment at Dickebusch Lake and the Battle of Vierstraat Ridge. He was second in command of the regiment in theBattle of the Hindenburg Lineand the subsequent advance toCanal De La Sambre.After theArmisticewas signed, he returned to the United States in November 1918. For his military service, he was awarded theCroix de guerrewith Palms, theConspicuous Service Cross,and was cited for gallantry in action.[4]

In January 1919, New York governorAl Smithcommissioned Berry Brigadier General and appointed himAdjutant General of New York.He served until 1920.[5]In the1920 New York state election,he was theDemocraticcandidate forNew York State Comptroller.He lost toJames A. Wendell.[6]In 1923, Smith again appointed Berry Adjutant General of New York. In May 1923, Smith appointed him Major-General, Commander of the New York National Guard, to replace GeneralJohn F. O'Ryan.[7]

In 1925, Berry was electedNew York City Comptroller.He served from 1926 to 1933, serving under New York City mayorsJimmy Walker,Joseph V. McKee,andJohn P. O'Brien.Once he took office, he demanded a definite policy for financing the then-ongoing subway construction and urged it be done with long-term bonds instead of short-term ones. He also proposed a 10-cent subway fare to make the subway self-sustaining and help the city financially, but this proved unpopular. He merged several bureaus for tax collection in theNew York City Department of Financeinto a single bureau. He saved the city millions in the acquisition for of parks and school sites by ending the old method of acquiring the land through condemnation proceedings, and favored extending the city parks.[2]

After retiring as Comptroller in September 1933, Berry briefly returned to practicing medicine. Poor health ended up keeping him at home, first inDongan Hills, Staten Islandand then inCharlottesville, Virginia.[2]

In 1892, Berry married Maud E. Brower. Two of his sons, Charles White Jr. and Frank M., also fought in World War I, serving in the 1st Cavalry.[1]His other children include George Gould, Allen J., William Meyer, Mrs. Albert L. Oppikofer, Mrs. Mary J. Maroney, and Martha J. By the time he died, he was married to Nina La Plante.[2]His son George Gould was a general staff officer during World War II underHugh A. DrumandOmar Bradley,a brigadier general, and chief of staff of the New York National Guard.[8]He was a member of theNew York Academy of Medicine,theAmerican Public Health Association,the American Health Association,[1]theAmerican Legion,the Society of American Officers, theMilitary Order of the World War,and the Army and Navy Club of the United States.[4]

Berry died at his home in Charlottesville on April 30, 1941. He was buried inArlington National Cemeterywith full military honors.[2]

References

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  1. ^abcdMalcolm, James (1919).The New York Red Book.Albany, N.Y.: J. B. Lyon Company. pp. 95–96 – viaGoogle Books.
  2. ^abcde"Chas. Berry Dead; Ex-Controller, 70"(PDF).The New York Times.Vol. XC, no. 30413. 1 May 1941. p. 23.
  3. ^"Charles White Berry".Archives and Special Collections at the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library of Columbia University.Retrieved2020-11-12.
  4. ^abc"New York's Commanding General"(PDF).The New York National Guardsman.1(1): 7. April 1924 – via New York State Military Museum.
  5. ^Malcolm, James (1920).The New York Red Book.Albany, N.Y.: J. B. Lyon Company. pp. 127–128 – viaGoogle Books.
  6. ^Malcolm, James (1921).The New York Red Book.Albany, N.Y.: J. B. Lyon Company. p. 537 – viaGoogle Books.
  7. ^Malcolm, James (1923).The New York Red Book.Albany, N.Y.: J. B. Lyon Company. pp. 285–286 – viaGoogle Books.
  8. ^"George Gould Berry, 76; A World War II General".The New York Times.New York, N.Y. 26 October 1979.
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Party political offices
Preceded by Democraticnominee forNew York State Comptroller
1920 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by New York City Comptroller
1926–1933 		Succeeded by
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