My Genealogy Hound

SIMON S. BERG. The advancement of our country along the lines of commercial and agricultural development is due to no small extent to the perseverance and enterprise of emigrants from other lands, who have crossed the ocean and established homes in various parts of the United States. Germany has furnished her quota of enterprising and ambitious emigrants, who have become worthy citizens of this great Republic and aided in developing its interests. Among the number may be mentioned Mr. Berg, for many years a prominent resident of St. Joseph, but now deceased.

A native of the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, Mr. Berg was born in 1823, and received his education in the common schools of the Fatherland. His parents, Christian and Margaret Berg, were also natives of Germany, where they spent their lives. In 1841 he emigrated to the United States and landed in New York, whence he went to Chicago, and there remained for some time, engaging at his trade of a carpenter, which he had learned in Germany. Later he commenced to work as a contractor and builder in Chicago, and conducted an extensive trade in that line until 1850, when he came to St. Joseph. Here, as in Chicago, he worked at carpentering.

Some years after coming to St. Joseph, Mr. Berg embarked in business as a fruit-grower, and carried on a large trade until his death, December 28, 1883. As a business man, he possessed decision of character and force of will. As a friend he was thoughtful, as a neighbor obliging, as a husband devoted, and as a father affectionate and sympathetic. In politics, he favored the principles of the Democratic party, and usually voted that ticket, especially in the national elections. His nature was generous and confiding, and while these qualities doubtless caused him to make some mistakes, yet they always won for him the confidence of the community. Strength of will was one of his prominent traits, and it enabled him to overcome difficulties in business that would have appalled other men.

In 1850 Mr. Berg was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Johns, a native of Prussia, Germany, and the daughter of Ludwig and Anna M. (Weckler) Johns, of Germany. This union resulted in the birth of seven children, six of whom are living, John being deceased. The surviving members of the family are as follows: Mary, the wife of Charles Miller, of St. Joseph; Elizabeth M., who is at home; Katherine; Ellen, who married L. A. G. Williams, and resides in Chicago; Anna M. and Marguerite. In their religious connections Mrs. Berg and all the children are identified with the Catholic Church, of which Mr. Berg was also a member. In church life, from the time of his coming to St. Joseph to the day of his death, he was one of the most conspicuous members of the congregation, and his benefactions were unstinted.