Nannie | rockcastlewomen

Nannie Smith Berry

Nannie Smith Berry was born in a time of turmoil, but her strength and courage led her beyond the tragedies of her childhood to live a full life that included a happy marriage, the births of five children, and managing almost 5,000 acres of farmland. Click through the pictures below to learn more about Nannie's life--scroll over each picture for captions!

Nannie Smith Berry Nannie Smith Berry's story is one of early loss and struggles but also one of happiness and triumphs. Although her childhood was scarred by the loss of her mother and younger sister, she survived and was instrumental in keeping Rock Castle in the family and making it a successful farm. Click through the pictures to learn more about Nannie!	1861. Nannie's Birth Nannie Smith was born on June 18, 1861 at Rock Castle to Harry and Sallie Smith. She was a welcome addition to a home caught up in the turmoil of the American Civil War, and her mother adored her, calling her "the best child that ever was."
1863. Sallie's Death On June 4, 1863 Sallie gave birth to her second daughter Tabitha. However, according to Harry's letter to his father-in-law announcing Sallie's death four months later, she never fully recovered from childbirth. Sallie died on October 29, 1863 leaving behind a heartbroken Harry and two infant daughters.	1872. Tabitha's Death On October 13, 1872 tragedy struck the Smith family again this time taking Nannie's younger sister, 9-year-old Tabitha. While her cause of death is unknown, Tabitha was most likely the victim of a fatal disease. At this time Harry and Nannie were the only two surviving members of this small family.
1880. Horatio Berry Over the next eight years, Nannie would attend school in Nashville at Fannie O'Bryan's Academy for girls and would spend her summers at Rock Castle with her father. At some point during this time she met Horatio Berry, and in 1880, they married and moved into Rock Castle with her father. This arrangement was most likely made so they could assist Harry around the farm since he was now in his 70's.	1882. Colonel Harry S. Berry On January 28, 1882, Nannie gave birth to her first son Horatio "Harry" Smith Berry. Harry would go on to attend West Point, serve in the Philippines and World War I, and act as state administrator for the WPA. The Berry Field Nashville airport is named in his honor. (Harry S. Berry pictured above on the right.)
Hazel Path In 1886, Harry Smith bought nearby Hazel Path for his daughter and her growing family. By this time, she and Horatio had three children and were expecting another so the extra room was much needed relief from the cramped living quarters at Rock Castle.	1886. Sarah Crosby Berry On October 24, 1886 Nannie gave birth to Sarah Crosby Berry, her second to last child. Sarah would grow up to play a pivotal role in the management and preservation of Rock Castle. Sarah eventually sold the property to the state of Tennessee to create a museum honoring the legacy of her ancestors.
1888. Harry's Death. Nannie's father Harry Smith passed away in 1888, which effectively ended a chapter of Rock Castle's history. Up to this point, a Smith family member had lived at Rock Castle, but Nannie and Horatio would choose not to return to Rock Castle after her father's passing. Instead they would operate the farm from Hazel Path, and caretakers would live in the house. A Smith family member never lived at Rock Castle again.	1908. Horatio's Death Horatio Berry died at the age of 57, leaving Nannie behind to manage an almost 5,000 acre estate that included Rock Castle, Hazel Path, Tulip Grove, and the Bradford-Berry House. With the assistance of her daughter Sarah Crosby and her son Harry, they managed to make their farms successful for the next fifty years.
1961. Nannie's Death Proving her strength and independence, Nannie survived her husband by fifty-three years. She passed away at the age of 100, surrounded by her family, and leaving behind a memory of yet another distinguished woman in the Smith family lineage.

Nannie Smith Berry

Nannie Smith Berry

1861. Nannie's Birth

Nannie Smith was born on June 18, 1861 at Rock Castle to Harry and Sallie Smith. She was a welcome addition to a home caught up in the turmoil of the American Civil War, and her mother adored her, calling her "the best child that ever was."

1863. Sallie's Death

1872. Tabitha's Death

On October 13, 1872 tragedy struck the Smith family again this time taking Nannie's younger sister, 9-year-old Tabitha. While her cause of death is unknown, Tabitha was most likely the victim of a fatal disease. At this time Harry and Nannie were the only two surviving members of this small family.

1880. Horatio Berry

1882. Colonel Harry S. Berry

Hazel Path

In 1886, Harry Smith bought nearby Hazel Path for his daughter and her growing family. By this time, she and Horatio had three children and were expecting another so the extra room was much needed relief from the cramped living quarters at Rock Castle.

1886. Sarah Crosby Berry

On October 24, 1886 Nannie gave birth to Sarah Crosby Berry, her second to last child. Sarah would grow up to play a pivotal role in the management and preservation of Rock Castle. Sarah eventually sold the property to the state of Tennessee to create a museum honoring the legacy of her ancestors.

1888. Harry's Death.

1908. Horatio's Death

1961. Nannie's Death

Proving her strength and independence, Nannie survived her husband by fifty-three years. She passed away at the age of 100, surrounded by her family, and leaving behind a memory of yet another distinguished woman in the Smith family lineage.