Fielder Berry (1786-1859)

 

The site of a new athletic field in East Wheeling included the former East Wheeling Cemetery, which was removed around 1910 for a prior playground. At that time, remains were moved to several other Wheeling cemeteries. During excavation/leveling work at the site, one of the contractors uncovered what he believed to be an old National Road marker. He took the marker home and upon cleaning it, recognized that it was a gravestone that had at one time marked the grave of Fielder Berry (1786-1859), his wife Elizabeth (nee Moore, c. 1890-1833), and their son George Henry (1813-1853). The marker is over 6 feet tall and is estimated to weigh over 1000 pounds. Upon recognizing what he had found, the contractor approached members of local historical organizations in an effort to properly deal with the stone.

 

The City of Wheeling, the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation (WNHAC), and Friends of Wheeling conducted additional research to uncover more information and to determine the proper course of action. It was found that Fielder Berry was a native of Charles County, Maryland. He served as a private in the Maryland Militia during the War of 1812, moved to Wheeling sometime between 1820 and 1827, and worked as a brickmaker. At least some of his 9 children were born in Wheeling. His will lists several properties on Main Street, between the current 21st and 22nd Streets. A direct descendant, great great great great great granddaughter Victoria Slider Simitses, was located in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

The marker was moved to Mt. Wood, with no objection from the descandant, and will be properly installed when an approrpiate site is determined.