William Kerr 1813-1904

KERR, JOHNSON, ROBB

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 9/27/2001 at 09:45:53

NINETY YEARS OF AGE.
WILLIAM KERR.

William Kerr, the oldest resident of Bonaparte died at his home here on Thursday morning, November 3, 1904. Had he lived a little more than two weeks he would have been ninety one years old.

William B. Kerr was born in Leechburg, Armstrong county, Penn., on the 20th day of November, 1813, and died November 3, 1904, having lived 90 years, 11 months, 17 days.

He was a son of Robert Kerr, a native of New York, and a grandson of William Kerr who was born in Ireland.

He acquired his education in the subscription schools of his native country, common at that day, but at the age of 17 he was apprenticed to a carpenter, and after mastering this occupation he followed it as long as his sight would permit.

In 1843 he determed [sic] to try his fortune beyond the Mississippi and selected the territory of Iowa as the scene of his future labors. He built a keel boat, loaded it with his worldly possessions, attached the same to a raft and floated down the Ohio river from Pittsburg, Penn., to Louisville, Ky., where he found that further progress was impossible on account of the river being blocked with ice. Deterred from this purpose of making the journey in this manner, he went by steamer to Nauvoo, Ill., where he remained the winter. In the following spring he came to Bonaparte, Iowa, where he has since resided, and he erected many of the houses for the early settlers.

Mr. Kerr was twice married. Before leaving the state of his nativity he was married to Miss Susie Johnson. To his union were born five children, three of whom are living. He was called upon to mourn the loss of wife in 1851.

His second union was with Miss Cynthia Robb, and this marriage was blessed with four children, three of whom are living, but she, too, was taken away in 1885.

When in active business he was always interested in the development of his town and community, ever ready to help in any enterprise which was for the advancement of the community at large.

Several years ago he lost his eyesight almost completely, but has borne this affliction with fortitude and cheerfulness.

There remains to mourn their loss six sons, viz., Hiram of Charlestown, Wash.; William B. of Knob, Cal.; John J. of Bonaparte, Iowa; Robert and Frank of Leadville, Col.; and Harvey of Chicago. There are ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Of the six sons but two were able to be present, viz., John of Bonaparte and Harve of Chicago.

Funeral services were held Saturday at 2 o'clock being in charge of Rev. Duty, an the remains were interred in the Bonaparte cemetery.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 3, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.