Annie Jane Berry died in El Paso in 1925 at her home at 411 S. Kansas St. She ran a saloon in the 1890s in the tenderloin district. She was a cook at the city jail. Annie was active and was considered a leader in the El Paso African-American community. She was a contact person and liaison for El Paso city policemen, and despite her earlier bouts with the law in El Paso, Berry was respected by the city lawmen and political leaders.
Berry got the nickname “Annie Rooney.” Berry was able to use her relationship with the city police to intercede for those in the local black communities. Berry was known for her toughness and would not hesitate to speak her mind or defend herself. She stood tough even with members of the white establishment. Berry was active with the suffrage movement in El Paso and in the Phillis Wheatley club, a service club for African-American women. Berry purchased Liberty Bonds during World War I. Berry was born in Luling, Texas. She came to El Paso as Annie Wright. She divorced her first husband, Mr. Wright, after claiming she abandoned him. Berry later married Mr. Berry. Her maiden name was King.
Obit: Aug 16,1925 El Paso Times.
Joseph Longo
EPCHS Volunteer