Kerr, John 1861 - 1933

KERR, MEISNER, MEDBERRY, FAIRWEITHER, LAMPHIER, BAILEY, PARDEE, BERNIDZ, YOUNG, BOND, ARBUTHNOTT, HANSON, CRAIN, LATCHAM

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:24

Clayton County Register, Thur., 23 Feb. 1933.

Volga: John Kerr, the son of James and Elizabeth Kerr, was born on a farm in Highland township, June 28, 1861, and grew to manhood there. He lived on the same farm until the spring of 1924, when he moved to Volga City. Since he has made his home here.

On April 2, 1891, he was married to Miss Clara Meisner. To this union were born two daughters, Mrs. Agnes Medberry, and Miss Clara. The latter stayed at home with him and was his constant companion. His wife was taken from his side on August 8, 1896, and left him with the care of the two children, of whom he was proved to be a true father and mother for the remaining 36 years.

Mr. Kerr was seized by a lingering illness a year ago, of which he never recovered. He became critically ill on Thursday, Feb. 9, and died Wednesday morning, Feb. 15, at his home here, having reached the age of 71 years, seven months and 18 days.

Besides his two daughters previously named, he is survived by two grandchildren, Glen and Ruth Arleen, of Highland; four sisters, Mrs. Maria Fairweither, of Chicago, Mrs. Jessie Lamphier of Osborne, Mrs. Lizzie Bailey of Michigan, and Mrs. Anna Pardee of Haggerman, New Mexico; three brothers, James of Chicago, Robert of Elgin, Ill., and Henry of Lime Springs, Iowa.

Mr. Kerr was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Tom, Edward and Urias; four sisters, Agnes, Hannah, Amelia and Lydia.

Funeral services were held at the home Friday at 1 o'clock, and at 2:30 at the Illyria church. Rev. E. W. Fikse, pastor of the Presbyterian church here, conducted the services. Interment was made in the Illyria cemetery.

The casket was supported by Leo Kerr, Osey Kerr, Bernard Kerr, Charles Latcham, Charles Rothlisberger, and Allen Longmeier. The Misses Clara and Edith Halzer and Howard Medberry attended the flowers.

Out of town relatives who attended the funeral were: Charles Bernidz, Robert Kerr and son Bernard of Elgin, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kerr, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Kerr of Lime Springs, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Will Young, Mrs. Florence Bond, Mrs. Sidney Arbuthnott and Mrs. Agnes Hanson of Chicago, Ill.; Glen Crain, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Latcham of Monona; Mr. and Mrs. Osey Kerr of Dallas, Iowa.