John Alexander Kerr

Death of an Old Citizen, from the Oxford Press

John A. Kerr, a well-known and highly esteemed citizen of Oxford and vicinity, died at his residence on Broad Street at 11 o’clock Tuesday morning, January 10, 1891.

John A. Kerr was born at Gettysburg, Adams Co. Pa., December 8, 1810, and was the son of George Kerr, Esq., and Eleanor W. Kerr. He remained at home until September 20, 1836, when he married Miss Eliza J., daughter of James H. Hutchison, Esq., and Elizabeth W. Hutchison, East Nottingham, Chester Co., Pa. With his bride he returned home and commenced the journey of life on the farm of his father at Gettysburg, the wheat field which became so noted during the late war being part of the farm. In 1845 he purchased a farm in East Nottingham, Chester County, now owned by George Watterson.

Mr. Kerr was an active man until a few years ago, when he became afflicted with nervous rheumatism. His wife died July 7, 1889, in her 81st year. In 1889 Mr. Kerr and daughters, Misses Lizzie and Sue, removed from the farm to a new house they had built in Oxford.

He was ordained an elder in the United Presbyterian Church, of Oxford in 1855, which office he held until his death, being an earnest and devout man, upholding the principles of the church of his choice.

On September 20, 1886, Mr. and Mrs. Kerr celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, when a large number of relatives and friends gathered to congratulate the aged couple.

Five children survive their parents: Prof. James H. Kerr, of Colorado Springs, Dr. George Kerr, of Philadelphia, Mrs. Sarah T., wife of Hugh R. Fulton, Esq., of Lancaster, and Misses Elizabeth E. and Sue M. Kerr, who have waited on their father during his long illness. The funeral took place from his late residence on Broad Street.