Berryman, John Leroy
(born: Janary 3, 1880 - died: April 3, 1940)Dr. John Leroy Berryman was a dentist in Lexington, KY, prominent in the African American community. He and Dr. W. T. Dinwiddie were two of the earliest African American dentists in Lexington.
Dr. Berryman was born in Jessamine County, KY, attended school in Lexington, and was a graduate of Meharry Medical and Dental School [now Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry].
Dr. Berryman opened his dental office in Lexington in 1906 and continued his practice until his death in 1940. He was a member of the Bluegrass Medical Association.
John Berryman was the husband of Edith Berryman and the father of Grace, Elanor, and Carolyn Berryman, according to the 1930 U.S. Federal Census. He was a Sunday School teacher at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, a member of the *Progressive Club and the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the World, and treasurer of Lexington Lodge #27.
For more see "Dr. Berryman passes; veteran Negro dentist," Lexington Leader, 4/04/1940, p. 20.
*[Progressive Club = social organization that assisted in addressing community problems and needs.]