About Bierlink!

Hugh Berry, Ed.D., has over three decades of research experience at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, DC. Starting with ancestors who fought on both sides during the Civil War, he developed an earlier website, Berrylink!, and photocopied records for others interested in unique soldier information only available at the NARA in DC. While the early website was discontinued, Dr. Berry continued to visit NARA to pursue interdependent, exploratory research questions within the areas of disability, education, rehabilitation and employment. Since retirement in January 2025, he is now working on an upcoming book, “Toward a Free State: Disability, Lived Experiences and Outcomes among Union Veterans.” <link> This work requires interdependency with other researchers, local historians, librarians, friends and family as well as dedicated, much appreciated civil servants at NARA.

Bierlink! will launch January 2026, with the aim of sharing information from original NARA records regarding people, events and circumstances before, during and after the Civil War.

Thanks for visiting. Please let us know if you have any questions or interests in record requests.

Sarah and William “Billy” Davis. Billy Davis fought in Captain Daniel’s Battery, Georgia Light Artillery during the Civil War. After capture near Savannah, he was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio where he was plagued with disease and lice. Billy returned home after the war, father ten children with Sarah, and preached at the Mulberry Baptist Church, Gwinnett County for the remainder of his life. The church rolls on….