Kerr, Clara (Beatty) 1832 - 1896

KERR, BEATTY, BAILEY, HARRAH, CRAVEN, GOSSLIN, ROLFE

Posted By: volunteer
Date: 12/15/2006 at 22:29:14

Newton (IA) Journal
Wednesday, May 20, 1896

Home at Last

Last Tuesday afternoon, there was tenderly laid to rest in Wittemberg cemetery all that was mortal of “Mother” Kerr, a woman greatly beloved among us, and one who had spent many years of her life here. Mrs. Kerr was born in Greenfield, Ohio, in 1832, her maiden name being Clara Beatty. There the days of her childhood and girlhood were spent. During those years when she was developing into womanhood, Dr. Crothers, one of the best ministers Ohio ever had, was the pastor in her home church. In early life, she cast in her lot with God’s people. All the years since have witnessed her faithful and consistent Christian life, --as a young lady, afterwards as wife and mother.

She was married August 22, 1852, in Ohio to Mr. James E. Kerr. They moved to Missouri in 1865. There Mr. Kerr died Feb. 12, 1874. Soon after his death,the family removed to Iowa. She lived in Newton until 1892, when she went out to Helena, Montana, to make her home with her daughters, Mrs. Maggie Harrah, and Mrs. A. J. Craven.

Last Fall, she came back to Iowa, to Ottumwa, where her son Will lived, thus to make a home for his children, who had been bereft of their mother. Soon after arriving in that city, she took the grippe, from which she never recovered. Her illness was long and tedious, and a gradual wasting away. Through it all she was patient and uncomplaining, always evincing that sweet, loving spirit which was so characteristic of her. The end came last Sunday, in peace.

Her son Will, her daughter, Mrs. Mattie Gosslin, and Mrs. McElroy, came from Ottumwa with the body, on Monday afternoon.

The funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon, at the Presbyterian church, of which she was a member for so many years, and the remains were interred in the Wittemberg cemetery.

The pulpit and stands, as well as the casket, were covered with beautiful and choice flowers, filling the air with delicate perfume. Rev. David Brown, of New Sharon, gave the address which was based on the text in Ps. 17-15, the principal theme being the transforming power of the Christ life. It was a tender, beautiful tribute to the Christian character of Mrs. Kerr, which though quiet was strong and sincere, “shining more and more into the perfect day.’ He was assisted by Rev. Rice. A quartette, consisting of Mrs. Jennie Salmon, Miss Margaret Robinson, Messrs. Harry McMurry and James Dutton, with Miss Anna Tremaine as organist, rendered the music.

Mrs. Kerr had nine children, eight of whom are still living; C. L., of Manilla, Iowa; James A., of Fair Haven, Washington; Mrs. Margaret Harrah and Mrs. A. J. Craven of Helena, Montana; S. Herbert of Rolfe, Iowa; Ed. W. of Newton; and Mrs. Mattie Gosslin, of Astoria, Oregon. Her youngest child, Esther, died in childhood. Left a widow with this large family to care for, who will be able to tell the story of, or fitly praise the noble woman who performed the task so ably, showered her love and life so generously, through all those years?
Four of her sons, Cal, Will, Herbert, and Ed, and one daughter, Mattie, were present at the funeral. Mrs. S. H. Kerr came with her husband. The others were too far away. Mr. Jno. P. Beatty of our city is Mrs. K’s brother.

Beautiful spirit, free from all stain,
Ours the heartache, the sorrows and pain
Thine is the glory, the infinite gain,
Thy slumber is sweet
Peace on the brow and the eyelids so calm,.
Peace in the heart ‘neath the white folded palm.
Peace dropping down like a wonderful balm,
From the head to the feet.