Ellis Yarnal Berry

Ellis Yarnal Berry
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Dakota's 2nd district
In office
January 3, 1951 – January 3, 1971
Preceded by Francis H. Case
Succeeded by James Abourezk
Member of the South Dakota Senate
In office
1938-1942
Personal details
Born (1902-10-06)October 6, 1902
Larchwood, Iowa
Died April 1, 1999(1999-04-01) (aged 96)
Rapid City, South Dakota
Political party Republican
Alma mater Morningside College
University of South Dakota School of Law

Ellis Yarnall Berry (October 6, 1902 – April 1, 1999) was an attorney, newspaper publisher and politician, elected to the United States House of Representatives.

Early life and education

Berry was born in Larchwood, Iowa, and graduated from Philip High School in Philip, South Dakota.

He was a student at Morningside College from 1920 through 1922. He transferred to the University of South Dakota, where he completed his undergraduate work and studied law, graduating with a law degree in 1927. He was admitted to the bar that same year under diploma privilege.

Career

South Dakota's congressional delegation in the 87th U.S. Congress.
L-R: Ellis Y. Berry, Joseph H. Bottum, Karl E. Mundt, and Ben Reifel.

Berry started his law practice in Kennebec, South Dakota; two years later, he moved to McLaughlin. He was elected as state's attorney, probate court judge for Corson County, and mayor of McLaughlin. He served as the publisher of the newspaper Mclaughlin Messenger beginning in 1938. He was editor of the State Bar Association Journal from 1938 through 1950.

Politics

Berry was elected to the South Dakota State Senate from 1938 through 1942, a total of two terms.

In 1950, Berry was elected as a Republican to the United States House of Representatives, and reelected nine consecutive times, retiring in 1971. Beginning in 1952, he also published the McIntosh News and Morristown World.

In 1966, journalist Drew Pearson reported that Berry was one of a group of Congressman who had received the "Statesman of the Republic" award from Liberty Lobby for his "right-wing activities".[1]

After retiring from Congress, Berry he settled in Rapid City, South Dakota. He lived there until his death in 1999.

Legacy and honors

  • After retiring from Congress in 1971, he donated his papers to Black Hills State University. The Berry Collection is housed at the E. Y. Berry Library-Learning Center of Black Hills State University and consists of more than 500 boxes of manuscript materials.
  • BHSU's Library-Learning Center is named for Congressman Berry.

References

  1. ↑ Pearson, Drew (November 2, 1966). "Judge Rules Against Liberty Lobby". The Free Lance-Star. Fredericksburg, Virginia. p. 6. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
  • Biographical Director of the United States Congress, 1774-1989: Bicentennial Edition. United States: Government Printing Office, 1989. ISBN 0-16-006384-1
  • E. Y. Berry Library-Learning Center.
  • United States Congress. "Ellis Yarnal Berry (id: B000416)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
Francis H. Case		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Dakota's 2nd congressional district
1951–1971		 Succeeded by
James Abourezk
Honorary titles
Preceded by
Jennings Randolph		 Oldest Living United States Representative
(Sitting or Former)
May 8, 1998 – April 1, 1999		 Succeeded by
Mike Mansfield
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