The Kerr Families of Crawford County, Ohio

JAMES KERR, farmer and wool-grower; P. 0. Bucyrus. Among those citizens of Crawford Co., who have, by their own exertions and upright conduct, become a part and parcel of the county, none are more worthy of mention than Mr. Kerr. He is a native of Knox Co., Ohio, where he was born Feb. 18, 1818. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Arbuckle) Kerr, came from Pennsylvania to Knox Co., at a very early day. It was here that the subject of this sketch passed his life until 17 years of age. He then left his home in Knox Co., and traveled on foot to Crawford Co., where he began working ! for an elder brother, who had come to the ' county some years previously. He remained with his brother some three years, and then began farming for himself He was married to Miss Nancy Towers Nov. 5, 1840. She was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, Jan. 14, 1820. From this union were three children — Susan [ and George T., living, and James F., deceased. I Mr. Kerr now owns G75 acres of land in Crawford and Marion Cos. He has given liberally to his children, who are married, and reside in the county. He has been extensively engaged in the sheep trade, and is known throughout the county as one of the most successful woolgrowers within its limits. He is a Republican, and a member of the Disciples' Church.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

NANCY KERR, whose portrait and that of her husband, James Kerr, appear in this work, is the daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Sylivant) Towers, both of whom were natives of Maryland, from where they moved to Pickaway Co., Ohio, in an early day. The former was a soldier in the war of 1812. They were both, for many years previous to their death, consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their occupation was farming. From Pickaway Co. they removed to Crawford Co., where they resided until their death. Mrs. Kerr is a native of Pickaway Co., where she was born, Jan. 14, 1820. She was one of a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters. Owing to the straitened circumstances of her parents, and the newness of the country, she never had ' the opportunity of acquiring an education such as by her own efforts, in connection with her husband, they- have been able to give their children. She bore bravely the struggles, hardships and privations of pioneer life, and, during I their long years of married life, she has worked with an energy equal to that of her husband, in I the amassing of their large fortune. For many years they have been active and faithful members of the Disciples' Church, located in Bucyrus, an organization that owes its present prosperous condition to their work and liberality. I In the building of the church, Mr. Kerr gave I $2,100, and afterward donated $2,000 to the support of it. Their home is about seven miles south of Bucjrus, in Whetstone Township, where they reside in peace and happiness, enjoying the fruits of their early industry and labors.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOHN KERR, who now lives somewhat retired after a busy agricultural life of many years, owns and occupies one of the comfortable homes and attractive residences that may be found in the city of Bucyrus, O., his being particularly marked on account of its tasteful arrangement of flower beds on the lawn and its great variety of choice shrubbery. Mr. Kerr was born in Dallas township, Crawford county, O., Sept. 6,

James Kerr, the grandfather, was born in Franklin county, Pa. He grew to man’s estate there and was married to Betsey Arbuckle. Late in the twenties they came to Ohio and settled in what was practically a wilderness, hoping to develop a farm and earn comfort for their old age. They lived beyond four score and ten and were permitted many years of comparative ease. They were among the early members of the Christian church in this section. They had the following children: Robert, Johnson, who was a farmer in Wyandot county; Alexander, who was a farmer in Allen county; James, who was a farmer in Crawford county, all of whom left descendants; Jane and Martha, who were both married and lived into old age; and Louisa, who married Robert Urich and who lived and died in Knox county, O.

Robert Kerr was born in Mifflin county, Pa, in 1807 and was reared in Knox county, coming there when 6 years of age. From Knox county he came to Crawford county when 20 years of age and here entered eighty acres of government land in Dallas township. 'This eighty acres was but the

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,u; I C v. 1-J-01 nucleus around which he built up a large fortune in land, acquiring acre after acre until he owned 4,500 acres of Ohio soil. He began life in a primitive way, starting in a log cabin that had a luncheon floor, and in this humble dwelling a number of his children were born, among whom was his son, John, who still owns the original eighty acres entered by his father. In the course of time Robert Kerr provided a more commodious residence and resided in it up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1889. He was known far and wide for the success he reached in his agricultural operations and his growing of stock and he became one of the largest sheep farmers in Crawford county, having an annual Hock of 10,000 head for many years. His first wife died in 1857 at the age of forty-one years and twenty days. She was a devout Christian, a member of the Disciples church. Three sons and four daughters were born to this marriage, three of whom survive: John; Mrs. Sarah Harris, who lives on a farm in Wyandot county; and Mary, who is the wife of Philip Linn, of Marion, O. PI is second marriage was with Mrs. Martha Williams, and they had one daughter: Mrs. Adelaide Barr, who is a resident of Kansas City, Mo.

John Kerr grew up on his father’s farm and had absolutely no educational advantages. Although this has been no serious drawback to his success in life, Mr. Kerr has given each one of his own children a college education. While he was not permitted the study of books, lie learned many lessons of value in the fields and forests of his father’s large estate and many of these he afterward practically applied. When he became a farmer on his own account he put aside many of the old, worn-out methods and theories of former days, and through his own experimenting reached conclusions which resulted in the adoption of many of the most modern methods of carrying on agricultural pursuits. He reached success in what he undertook and soon became recognized as one of the most practical and enterprising farmers and stock men of the township. In 1892 he retired from the farm to Bucyrus after erecting his handsome brick residence at No. 215 South Spring Street, already mentioned. Pie has seen many changes take place in this part of Crawford county and is well posted on all the leading events.

On August 30, 1869, Mr. Kerr was married to Miss Alice Chambers, who was born and reared in Carey, Wyandot county, O. Pier father, William Chambers, was born in West Virginia and was married in Wyandot county, O., to Keziah Carr. They were farming people in Wyandot county for some years when they moved to Sedgwick county, Kans., but later returned to Ohio. He died in Marion county in 1890 and his wife in Wyandot county, in 1900, aged respectively 81 and 86 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Kerr the following children were born: Eva, the wife of Daniel Locke, who resides at Everett, Wash., and has two sons — Gormley and Wayne; Maude, who is the widow of William Sholaker, and resides in Delaware; and Robert, a farmer in Richland county, O., who married Jessie Strawbridge and has three sons — John, Harrold and Donald. Mrs. Kerr is a member of the Christian Science church. Politically Mr. Kerr is identified with the Republican party.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE T. KERR.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

Mr. Kerr is a son of James and Nancy (Towers) Kerr and was born on the home farm in Whetstone township, December 13, 1847. He spent his south there and pursued his education in the country schools. In 1869, after attaining his majority, he married Lydia Echleberry, a native of Pennsvlvania and for two years thereafter engaged in agricultural pursuits in

\Yhetstone township. He then took up his residence in Bucyrus township Avhere he now resides. Here he owns four hundred and thirty acres of fine farming land, and with the exception of about forty acres the entire amount is under cultivation and the improvements are most modern. There is a fine frame house built in attractive design and nicely furnished; a good barn, substantial outbuildings and the latest improved machinery for facilitating the work of the farm. He also owns two hundred acres of land in Marion county. He is perhaps the largest sheep-raiser of the county, having about twelve hundred head. In addition he raises other kinds of stock and is also an extensive farmer.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kerr has been blessed with eight children, namely: Cloyd, who died at the age of seventeen years; Burtie, at home; James, who died at the age of eight years; Elnora, wife of Charles Hoover, a farmer of Bucyrus township; Bevie May, Clementine, Ava and Walter J. The family is one of prominence in the community, and the members of the household have many warm friends. In his political views Mr. Kerr is a Republican. He has spent his entire life in this county and that many who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his warmest friends is unmistakable evidence of the upright life which he has led. He is well known in business circles for his promptness, trustworthiness and energy and thus he maintains a foremost position among the representative agriculturists of the state.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE T. KERR, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Bucyrus; the son of James and Nancy (Towers) Kerr, was born Dec. 13, 1847, in Whetstone Township, where he lived on a farm until the age of 23 years, receiving a common school education. He was married, Jan. 27, 1808, to Miss Lydia Echelberry, of Clarion Co., by whom he has four children — Cloyd, Bertie, James and Elnorah. He farmer in Whetstone Township for two years, when he came to this township in 1871, and farmer 355 acres of his father's estate, with success. He is extensively engaged in raising sheep, and has a verjfine flock of 1,000 head. Mr. Kerr is a Republican in politics, and cases his vote in accordance with the principles of that party.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected.

ROBERT WILLIAM KERR.

Among the prosperous young agriculturists of Bucyrus township is Robert William Kerr, who is successfully cultivating a fine farm of ninety acres. Mr. Kerr is a native of Ohio, born in Wyandot county on September 22, 1872, a son of John and Alice (Chambers) Kerr, the former of whom was born in Marion county and the latter in Wyandot county. For many years John Kerr was a successful and extensive farmer, but is now one of the respected retired citizens of Bucvrus.

Robert W. Kerr was reared on a farm and received his primary education in the common schools, supplementing this with a period at a military school in Orchard Lake. Michigan, and later by a course in a business college in Poughkeepsie, New York. For several years Mr. Kerr was variously employed, undecided as to the choice of a career. He was a member of Company A, Eighth Ohio National Guards, and when this company was called into service in 1898, in the war of the United States with Spain, he went with his company to Cuba as a corporal. His command landed at Sibona, but it saw no active service. Corporal Kerr was very fortunate, as his excellent constitution prevented him from falling ill of Cuban fever; nevertheless he returned with his company with a well nigh broken constitution, reaching home in September, 1898, and was mustered out of the service in November,

In the spring of 1899 Kerr rented a fine and productive farm from his father, which he has successfully operated ever since. On March 20, 1900, he was married to Miss Jessie Strawbridge, a most estimable young lady, who ably assists him in dispensing the hospitality of their pleasant country home. Unto the marriage a son, John Milton, has been born.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

WILLIAM KERR, farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus; was born Aug. 24, 1808, and is the son of William and Sarah (Abraham) Kerr, and is of Welsh-Irish descent. In the fall of 1832, in company with a colony of twenty-one, he removed to this State and settled in Whetstone Township, near the Plains. He lived here until 1877, when he removed to his present home. He was married. Feb. 14. 1838, to Miss Jane Clark, of Whetstone Township. This union was blessed with nine children — Archibald, Ann, Alexander E., Nancy, Elizabeth, Sophia, Jane, IMargaret, and a son who died in fancy. Those living are all married, and doing well. Archibald entered Co. K, 81st 0. V. L, in the fall of 1862, under May. W. H. Chamy berlain. and died at Corinth, Miss., of a fever, Dec. 1, 1862, aged 24 years 9 months and 25 days. Mr. Kerr has made his property by hard labor and frugality, and is now in comfortable circumstances. He and his wife are I both members of the Presbyterian Church of Bucyrus, and have been so for twenty-five 1 years.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ALEXANDER M. KERR, a retired farmer and highly respected resident of Bucyrus, O., belongs to one of the old and representative families of Crawford county, of Scotch ancestry. He was born March 4, 1846, in Whetstone township, Crawford county, O., and is a son of William and Jane (Clark) Kerr.

In early days the great-grandparents of Alexander M. Kerr migrated from Scotland to near Dublin, Ireland, and reared their children and died there. One son, William Kerr, grandfather of Alexander M., came to the United States in 1800 and shortly afterward settled in Juniata county. Pa. He was married there to a lady by the name of Stewart, who died in Pennsylvania and was survived by a daughter, Nancy, who later married and became the mother of several children. William Kerr, Sr., was then married to a widow, Mrs. Sarah (Abrams) Elder, and they continued to reside in Juniata county until after the birth of their children, four in number — Alexander, Sarah, William and James — and then decided to come to Ohio. This was in 1832 and they made the long journey in wagons and finally reached Whetstone township, Crawford county, the whole country being then but a wilderness of forest and tangled prairie. The land on which they settled had been slightly improved by a former owner, so that they found a shelter provided which was better than was the fate of some other settlers who came into this section about the same time. Here WilHam Kerr, Sr., died, prior to 1845, and his widow survived him for seven years. They were among the founders of the Presbyterian church in Whetstone township and were people of exemplary life and were widely known for their pioneer hospitality.

William Kerr, Jr., father of Alexander M. Kerr, of Bucyrus, was born August 24, 1808, and died September 23, 1888. He was twenty-four years old when his parents came to Crawford county, where his subsequent life was spent, farming being his main interest. He was married in Whetstone township, Feb. 14, 1837, to Miss Jane Clark, who was born in Wayne county, O., Dec. 4, 1810, and died July 3, 1884. She was brought to Crawford county by her father, Archibald Clark, in 1821, after the death of her mother, in Wayne county, O. Archibald Clark was one of the first settlers in Whetstone township, where he became a man of importance and of large fortune. He died there Dec. 30, 1875, aged 85 years. The Clarks were of Scotch-Irish extraction and were Presbyterians in religious faith. To William Kerr, Jr., and his wife the following children were born: Archibald C, Sarah and Alexander M. Archibald C. Kerr was born Feb. 6, 1838, and was reared in Whetstone township and remained at home until he enlisted for service in the Civil War, Aug. 1, 1862, in the 81st O. Vol. Inf.; he died from fever at Corinth, Miss., Dec. I, 1862. He was unmarried. Sarah, the only daughter, was born March 26, 1839. She married James Wise, and they reside on their farm in Wyandot county. They had one daughter, Daisey V., who died after her marriage.

Alexander M. Kerr grew to manhood on the home farm and continued to reside there until after his marriage, when he settled on a farm of 140 acres situated in Holmes township. There he engaged successfully in agricultural pursuits until he retired from active business life, in March, 1906. Mr. Kerr is a man of intelligence and observation and keeps well informed concerning all that goes on in public affairs. He is independent in politics, believing in personal freedom of thought and is pronounced in his attitude in favor of temperance. He is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Kerr was married at Bucyrus, Dec. 23, 1874, to Miss Sarah J. Franz, who was born April 17, 1852, the youngest of five children born to her parents and the only one surviving. She was very carefully and thoroughly educated, graduating with the first class after the new Union School building was completed at Bucyrus, at which time the first certificates of graduation were issued. She was chosen to deliver the first class address.

The parents of Mrs. Kerr were Col. John and Jane (Burwell) Franz. Col. Franz was born in Germany, Aug. 12, 1812, and died of an attack of apoplexy, Nov. 14, 1870. In his youth death removed his parents and he was reared by an uncle until the age of 18 years. He then emigrated alone to America and found his way to GaHon, Crawford county, O., where he learned the cabinetmaking trade, which he pursued until 1857, in the meanwhile so impressing his fellow citizens with his sterling character that in that year they elected him sheriff of Crawford county. He served two terms, four years, in this office. When the Civil War broke out he became interested.

having previously been active in the state militia, and was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the list O. Vol. Inf. He served for a. time but was forced to resign on account of the recurrence of an old ailment which tendered military exposure impossible. After his return to private life he was again called into public affairs, being elected to the office of county treasurer, and was serving in his second term when his useful life was terminated as mentioned above. He was an ardent Democrat all his mature life and served in many local offices including membership on the board of education. He was widely known in the Masonic fraternity and was a Mason of the thirty-second degree.

Col. John Franz was married in Ohio to Jane Burwell, who was born in Harrison county, 0.,.May 21, 1815, and died at Bucyrus, in 1902. Her people were old settlers in Harrison county and came to Crawford county when she was young. The Burwells, like the Franz's and Kerrs were Presbyterian in religious faith. Mrs. Kerr had three brothers and one sister. Jay B. Franz died in 1910. He was thrice married but left no issue. William Franz was widely known as the inventor of the Franz Knitting Machine, which has had a remarkable sale notwithstanding the competition afforded by factory knitting. He realized an ample fortune from this invention. He was married in Ohio and had four children, three of whom survive. John S. Franz died at Jacksonville, Fla. He had early interests of a substantial character at Tampa. He married there and is survived by three children. Kate E., the only sister of Mrs. Kerr, died at Bucyrus. She was the wife of J. R. Clymer, a prominent journalist of Crawford county, who is also deceased. They are survived by two sons and one daughter.

To Mr. and Mrs. Kerr three sons have been born, two of whom survive. William Franz, the eldest, was born Nov. 6, 1875, and died Aug. 24, 1876. Jay Alexander, the second son, was born Oct. 25, 1882, was given excellent educational advantages and is now a prosperous farmer in Huron county, O. He married Miss Maude G. Carmean and they have two sons: Ernest C. and Ralph W. The youngest son, Franklin M., is unmarried and resides with his parents. He is well educated and is identified with the T. & O. Railroad, in the freight department.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.