When Senator W. H. Berry decided, two years ago, to make the run to represent Clarke and Warren counties in the senate, it was his first experience in office-seeking. The official seat in the senate during the session of the Twenty-sixth General Assembly was the first he ever occupied. That the republicans made a wise selection was evidenced all through the regular and extra sessions by Senator Berry's excellent service. He is a native of Illinois, born in Cass county, October 23, 1849. He lived there till he was eighteen years old, when he removed to Warren county, Iowa. He was married May 24, 1875, to Miss Alice M. Barker, and they have one son, Don L. They are members of the Methodist church, and the senator is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows, and A. O. U. W. lodges. After finishing the common school course in the Illinois and Indianola schools, Senator Berry attended and graduated from the Simpson college in 1872. The following year he read law, and was admitted to the bar at the end of the year. He was a conspicuous member of the senate, a good talker, and in appearance the ideal statesman. He was chairman of the committee on public libraries, and served effectively on the following committees: Ways and means, railways, congressional and judicial districts, federal relations, rules, and code revision. He resides at the Kirkwood hotel in the legislative sessions, where his friends always find him a genial host. Mrs. Berry is one of the best known of the legislative ladies, and will be cordially welcomed in social circles this winter.

The Senatorial district composed of Clarke and Warren counties will be represented this winter by the Hon. W. H. Berry, of Indianola. He is a native of Illinois, having been born in Cass county, that state, October 23, 1849. He lived in Illinois till 18 years of age, then came to Warren county, Iowa, where he has since resided. After finishing the common school course he studied in Simpson College at Indianola, graduating in 1872. During the next year he applied himself to the study of law with such application that he was admitted to the bar before the close of 1873. He at once began active practice, and has kept at it ever since. He was married in 1875 to Miss Alice M. Barker. They have one son, Don L. Berry, 15 years of age. Mr. Berry has never been an aspirant for public office, and this is his first appearance as a servant of the people. But while he has not been after office, he has been a good worker in the ranks of the Republican party. He belongs to three secret orders, the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a member of the Methodist church.