Captain John Berry

Sir John Berry, whose humane exertions and firmness mainly prevented the expulsion of the settlers, began life as a West Country fisherman in Newfoundland; his brother was also in the fish trade.

His career was a very remarkable one. He joined the Royal Navy first as a boatswain in the "Swallow" ketch; For his gallantry under the following circumstances, the Governor of Jamaica made him a lieutenant. The Swallow's Captain, Insam, was sent to capture a pirate. They found the enemy at anchor off Hispaniola. Insam, had only 40 men and eight guns, whilst the pirate had 20 guns and 60 men. Insam did not want to fight. Berry ordered him into his cabin, took command, and gallantly captured the pirate; he was tried by court martial for coercing his commander, but honourably acquitted.

Sir John, is described in the "Biographia Nautica" as a great, gallant and good man, who had received the honour of knighthood for his bravery against the Dutch at the Battle of Solebay; he earned a pension from the king.