James David Berry, Civil War veteran, after serving in the Confederate army in Arkansas, studied law and passed the bar. He brought his wife Elizabeth to Stephenville where he practiced law, traded land, and sold insurance. In 1869, the couple built this Gothic-style cottage of native limestone. Of special architectural interest are its steep roof, hex-designed attic vents, narrow windows, ornate baseboards, and thick walls. Originally the kitchen was separate from the house, but later a room was added to connect the two structures.

Berry House reception hall and staircase (left); and the kitchen (below)

(Above): Dining room of Berry House.
(Left): The west parlor of the cottage, which is furnished as a gentlemen's parlor.
(Below): The east parlor, which is furnished as a ladies' parlor and music room.

(Left): Berry House glass
and doll collection. The sewing machine was manufactured in the 19th century.

(Left and below): Two views of the children's room upstairs in the Berry House