Morney Berry Farm

Dallas County, TX

Status: Located

Year Established: 1876

Council of Governments: NCTCOG

Public History: There are no current descriptions related to Morney Berry Farm in the public record. If you are aware of any sources that we may have missed please share them with us.

Community History: James and Catherine Morney bought this historic African American farm in Hutchins, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, in 1876. It had 120 acres at the time of purchase. After the couple passed away in the 1930s, the land was devoured by fraudulent claims. Eventually, in 1989, Murdine Berry, their great-granddaughter, was successful in suing to regain 80 acres of the family homestead. This culturally important property was recognized by the Texas Senate via Senate Resolution #83 in which they stated ‘The Morney-Berry Farm has for many years played an essential role in the life of the African American community in Dallas; since 1865, it has transformed from a residence that once housed slaveowners to a home bought and owned by former slaves and passed down to their descendants, who have earned recognition by the Family Land Heritage Program, which honors families that have owned or operated a farm for more than 100 years.’