John J. Kerr (1880)

KERR, HUTCHINSON

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 9/1/2007 at 12:59:56

Winterset Madisonian - June 10, 1880
Winterset, Iowa
page 7

ANOTHER ONE GONE

The whole community was pained on Sabbath morning by the announcement of the death of J. J. Kerr, Esq., which occurred on Saturday night. It was well-known that for some time he had been in failing health, but few was prepared for the speedy result. Mr. Kerr was widely known, respected and loved, and the family have the sympathy of the whole community.

He was born in Washington county, Pa., August 12th, 1825. In 1831 his parents removed to Carroll county, Ohio.

He was married Nov. 4, 1851, to Miss Cornelia C. Hutchinson, of Belmont county, Ohio. Previous to 1864 he was engaged in merchandising and farming, when he removed to Washington county, Iowa, and there engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1873, when he became a citizen of Winterset, where he has enjoyed the confidence and respect of all who knew him.

Mr. Kerr made profession of his faith in Christ in connection with the Presbyterian Church at the age of seventeen. After his marriage he changed his connection to the Associated Church, which afterward was merged into the United Presbyterian. He was for many years Ruling Elder in the 1st church at Washington and after his removal to Winterset he was elected to the same office in the United Presbyterian Church here. He took a deep interest in the affairs of the church and was, while his health permitted, especially active in Sabbath School work. The Church will feel his loss most deeply and in this will have the sympathy of every church in the city.

We are told by those who were with him that his last days were extremely peaceful and happy; that he went down into the valley without doubt or fear. He was perfectly conscious of the approach of death, and bade farewell to his family and friends as calmly as though he was to be absent but a day.

At his request his remains were taken to Washington, Iowa, for interment, Monday morning, after brief services at his former residence, conducted by his Pastor and Revs. McCaughan and Potter.

His remains were accompanied by his family and a brother, of El Paso, Ill.