Category Archives: 19th Century

Thomas Austin Merica: Not Long a Boy

Posted on September 22, 2014 by cynthiaberryman

Thomas Austin Merica was a handsome man with a gentle wit. He had thick auburn hair, a symmetrical oval face, prominent brows, a good straight gaze, finely proportioned nose, slightly bowed lips, straight but relaxed shoulders, and the look of … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th Century, 20th Century, Blue Ridge Mountains, Merica | 7 Comments

My German-(A)Merican Heritage

Posted on September 15, 2014 by cynthiaberryman

This is the first of a several-part series on my grandfather, Thomas Austin Merica. Thomas Austin Merica was born on May 28, 1884 in Greene County, Virginia. Or at least that’s the family legend. He was from sturdy German stock, … Continue reading →

Posted in 18th Century, 19th Century, 20th Century, Blue Ridge Mountains, Collier, Merica, Shenandoah | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

My Mysterious Mary Margaret Magdalene Meadows

Posted on September 8, 2014 by cynthiaberryman

My great grandmother is a mystery to me. My mother knew her well, but she’s 93 and can’t think of much to say about her. My cousin knew her too, but she has nothing to add either. I have no … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th Century, 20th Century, Collier, Meadows, Shenandoah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Blue Ridge in My Blood

Posted on May 19, 2014 by cynthiaberryman

I did not set out to write a multi-part series on the Blue Ridge Mountain evictions, but as the original post became longer and longer, I decided to split it into parts, all of which I will post in upcoming … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th Century, Blue Ridge Mountains, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

The Bluest of Ridges

Posted on May 12, 2014 by cynthiaberryman

I did not set out to write a multi-part series on the Blue Ridge Mountain evictions, but as the original post became longer and longer, I decided to split it into parts, all of which I will post in upcoming … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th Century, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah, Strange Facts | Tagged , , , , , | 11 Comments

Her Careless Naming of Human Property

Posted on May 7, 2014 by cynthiaberryman

I’m venturing toe-deep into the subject of slavery. I cannot even begin to write eloquently about that atrocity; too many people have said it better than I ever could, and I don’t want to dive into it if I can’t … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th Century, Berryman | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Not a Free Spirit, Yet His Mind Wandered Free

Posted on May 5, 2014 by mulberrygrrl

You can see Chapters 1 and 2 of this story here, here, and here. FRANCIS OTTO EGGLESTON: Chapter 4 Francis Eggleston spent his childhood on an Ohio farm, in an era when it was common for parents to take their … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th Century, Eggleston | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment