Near Belvidere in Jackson County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Tom Berry 1879-1951
The 14th Governor of South Dakota serving two terms, 1933-1937.
Berry with his wife, Lorena McLain, (1879-1963), are buried in the family plot in the Belvidere Cemetery ˝ mile north of this marker. The Tom Berry Family settled on an homestead ranch along Black Pipe Creek, 15 miles south of Belvidere, near the former Washabaugh-Mellette county line. Their immediate family were Baxter and Lyndall Berry; Nell and Burrell Phipps; Faye and Ralph Jones and Paul and Elaine Berry.
Berry assumed office as Governor in the grip of drought and grasshoppers in the 1930's. He called for a less expensive government and by 1935 new sources of revenue had been enacted to ease the strain of the Depression.
He was one of the state’s most colorful cattlemen and was known for his western humor. Berry was one of the leaders of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and of the Cowboys of 1902. He continually pushed for conservation of grass in the West River and improvement of cattle breeds in the area.
Tom Berry had implicit faith in the West River as a cattle country and was a strong advocate of law enforcement.
Erected 1986 by the Tom Berry Family; the South Dakota State Historical Society; and the South Dakota Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 497.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.
Location. 43° 50.481′ N, 101° 16.29′ W. Marker is near Belvidere, South Dakota, in Jackson County. Marker is on Main Street (State Highway 63) 0.2 miles north of State Highway 248, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 Main St, Belvidere SD 57521, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Laura Ingalls Wilder - De Smet (approx. 2 miles away); Purple Heart Memorial Highway (approx. 3˝ miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2021. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 25, 2021. 6. submitted on October 28, 2021. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.