In 1763, Robert Kerr "of Scotland" probably came here via Northern Ireland, like the many early people, whom settled in this Scots-Irish area. He married "Elizabeth Bailey of Wales, in 1763" in "Fifeshire, Scotland." It is recorded they came to Pennsylvania in the same year and to Augusta Co., Virginia, 20 years later, in 1783 where they settled on the Middle River at Summerdean. I have seen records refer to his settlement first near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where they "owned flour mills on the Schuylkill." Again the places are recorded with family histories written in the early 1900's but not really documented. Earlier Kerr/Ker generations are listed but no links to them.
There were other Kerrs in this part of southeastern Pennsylvania, including in then Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania that also came to the same area in Virginia. In the Tinkling Spring Headwater of Freedom, by Howard McKnight Wilson, Fishersville, Virginia, 1954, p. 11 and 12 discuss the earlier Kerrs. He wrote that they were part of the Donegal Presbyterian Society on the Susquehana River in Pennsylvania (Scots-Irish). These Kerrs settled on Christian's Creek, Long Meadow Run, and Middle River in Augusta Co., Virginia, probably in about 1730 or 50 years earlier than Robert above. In 1743, another source says the earliest Kerrs to this area settled on Kerrs Creek. It is unknown if and how Robert was related to them.
"Robert Kerr of Scotland married Elizabeth Bailey, of Wales in 1763. They came to Pennsylvania in the same year and to Virginia in 1783" at Middle River at Summerdean. It includes several family members. The earliest Kerrs to this area on Kerrs Creek was in about 1743. It is unknown if Robert was related to them. Brief History of Kerrs and Kin 1730-1930, by Vincent Brown Kerr, 1930, Staunton, Virginia, p 3 (see photo). Page 3 is the only mention of our Kerr family in this source. Vincent's (FaG #36575130) line is through James Kerr, d 1830.
The Scottish Kerr brothers, Robert, William and James all came to America in 1763. James to the Carolinas, Wm to Ohio and Robert about 40 miles from Philadelphia. Robert Kerr, born 1720 married the same year to Elizabeth Bailey of Wales. He resided in Chester Co. then Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania through 1783, when they moved to Virginia. Also: "Margaret Kerr, the daughter of Robt Kerr of Fifeshire, Scotland." A lot of data is given in this source, on their children and younger generations. Historical Atlas Augusta County, Virginia, by Joseph A Waddell and Jed Hotchkiss, 1885, Chicago, The Kerr and Dunlap Families, p 45.
His daughter Margaret is often recorded as born in Chester Co., Pennsylvania, but I have seen no proof of it (please share).
An old 1964 D.A.R. application has data on Margaret and her parents but it is not documented or sourced therein. It gives two death dates for Robert's wife, Elizabeth Bailey Kerr: 5 Dec 1810 AND 18 Aug 1828 on the same DAR app.
Military Record sources:
Robt Kerr, born 1720 in Fifeshire, Scotland, died 2 Jan 1808 in Augusta Co., Virginia, has a "government marker," married in 1763 in Wales to Elizabeth Bailey, born 1729 in Wales and died 5 Dec 1810 in Augusta Co., Virginia. He served during the American Revolution per Pennsylvania Archives. 5th, Vol. 1, p 194; 5th, vol. 4, p 443; 3rd Philadelphia Battalion Capt Conrad Rush; 4th class, 5th Battalion, Washington Co., P and Westmoreland Co. Militia, 1782, Beverley Manor Chapter, DAR, Col. Thos Hughart Chapter, DAR. Source: Register of Soldiers of the American Revolution Who died and lie buried in Augusta Co., Virginia compiled by Katherine G. Bushman, 1988, Col. Thos Hughart Chapter NSDAR, Staunton, Virginia, p 145. (I'm not sure about the last 3 military records on opposite sides of the state. I have yet to see someone serve in 2 different counties, but 3, wow. Suspect they are different men so please verify them. Where is the Government marker?
A man named Robert Kerr, was stationed at Ft Fincastle (Bath Co.) under Sgt Lane. Virginia Colonial Soldiers by Lloyd D Bockstuck, 1988, Geneal. Pub. Co., Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, p 144.
A man named Robert Kerr is listed in Virginians in The Revolution, by John H Gwathmey, 1938, Dietz Press, Richmond, p 443. It sources Illinois Papers for him, no other data.
Robert Kerr, 1720 - 22 Jan 1808, married Elizabeth Bailey, Pvt PS PA (Private Patriot Service). DAR Patriot Index, NSDAR, Washington (D.C.), 1966, p 384.
Robert Kerr, "b Fifeshire, Scotland in 1720, d Augusta Co., Virginia on 22 Jan 1808, resided Washington Co., Pennsylvania, private." Roster of the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, 1892-1936, 1938 Virginia DAR, Lynchburg, Virginia, p 419. No proof of Fifeshire given (DAR now requires more documentation than at this time, so verify). DAR Ancestor #: A065177.
The DAR Genealogical Research Database says:
KERR, ROBERT Ancestor #: A065177
Notice: FUTURE APPLICANTS MUST PROVE CORRECT SERVICE (WHY?)
Birth: 1720 SCOTLAND
Death: 1-22-1808 AUGUSTA CO VIRGINIA
Wife: ELIZABETH BAILEY
Residence was: County: WESTMORELAND CO - State: PENNSYLVANIA
Note, his grandson Senator Abness Bailey Kerr's (FaG #30443614) bio in Texas State Government, A Volume of Biographical Sketches and Passing Comment, by E. H. Loughery, McLeod & Jackson Printers, Austin, TX, 1897, 31-34: "Abnus Bailey Kerr, Flatonia, Senator from the Eighteenth Senatorial district, composed of Fayette, Lavaca and Colorado counties, was born in Augusta county, Virginia.... His grandfather upon his father's side, was a wealthy planter and left a a large estate that was divided equally among his children and placed them in independent circumstances."
"Robert Kerr, of Summerdean, Augusta Co., Virginia, who emigrated from Scotland to America in 1763. He settled first near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, owning flour mills on the Schuylkill, remained there until after the revolution, then settled in Augusta Co., Virginia, on Middle River, where he founded the estate and homestead, yet known as Summerdean and still in the possession of his descendants. He married in Fifeshire. Scotland. Elizabeth Bayley, of Wales….(lists their children). Robert Kerr, the emigrant ancestor, descended from John Kerr, of the Forest of Selkirk, Scotland, who was living in 1357 and whose ancestors came from France with William the Conqueror." Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, Under Editorial Supervisor Lyon Gardiner Tyler, LL, D, Vol. IV, New York, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1915, p 57. Different versions of this are recorded elsewhere, but this has some embellishments. No sources were furnished.
I did not find any Kerrs in Allan S Everest's 1976 book, Moses Hazen and the Canadian Refugees in the American Revolution. Many sources state he served in Chamber's Company in Col. Moses Hazen's Regiment in the Continental Troops. In 9 Nov 1776, he enlisted in the war and served to the Spring of 1778. A Levi Stevenson/Eliz. Dunlap kin believes "He enlisted Nov 9, 1776 to serve during the war. His services extended until Mar 1 1778." Plus, " Robert Kerr and his son Daniel rendered material aid to the American Troops at Valley Forge by sending them flour from their mill near by. Failing in fortune, Robert Kerr moved to Virginia where he established himself and family at head waters of Middle River, Augusta County, on the "Summerdean" farm..."
There are several Kerrs buried at Shemariah, near their homesteads.
Two posted news clippings from the 24 Apr 1903 Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, were taken from Richmond's Times Dispatch, discuss the Kerr surname. It claims they were fighters who lived on the border of Scotland with England and mentions the Roxburghs.
Seeking Scotish births, I found Robert Ker, Kerr or Karr, born in 1720 in Renfrew, Roxburgh or Lanark, the sons of John or Andrew. Robert had no known children by these given names, per Scottish naming patterns. I also found Robert Ker or Kerr, born in 1726. Two were born in Roxburgh, plus 1 each in Kincardine, Perth and Aberdeen. However, none of their fathers were listed as "Gustavus Kerr/Ker." Instead their fathers were Andrew, William, John, Alexander or Walter. Our Robert had a son by the name William (Robert Ker, born 10 Apr 1726, in Ellon, Aberdeen, son of William). I found the marriage of Gustavus to Jannet Allen on 28 Apr 1710 in Lonmay. Plus the birth of children of a Gustavus Ker, all born in Lonmay, Aberdeen: William, 16 Apr 1714; Janet, 28 Dec 1715; (then a gap) Thomas, 20 Apr 1731; John, 21 Sep 1746 and James, 29 Jan 1744, OR born in Crimond, Aberdee; Mary "Car," 11 Dec 1753 and William, 6 Dec 1755, but NO Roberts. I could not find any marriages to Robert in 1763 or within 10 years in either Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales and even Pennsylvania. I used multiple spellings and spans of dates. Nothing. Have requested sources of those who list his birth in Lonmay or parents as Gustavus and Janet, but received no response whatsoever.
Randy S (this FaG memorial creator) kindly entered Robert and Elizabeth's burials at Shemariah Presbyterian Church Cemetery. They did live in this area and many of their kin are at Shemariah. To date I have not found any documented records to support Robert and Elizabeth's burials here. They are the earliest graves here, making them stand out. It was shared with me that the "church began in 1833." Discovered that the church was organized in 1832 and dissolved in 1967. Randy explained to me it was based on an old 1964-1965 DAR application without documentation of any kind. The church records do not support it, cemetery surveys (1936 WPA, etc.) do not record it and markers for them at Shemariah have not been found. Early on DAR accepted unproven data, but no longer does. I hope we can find a reliable source like a local obituary, to prove it once and for all. This is a logical place for him, IF he was moved here after the cemetery opened, but not very likely. My 2nd guess is he could be buried on his homestead nearby.
Bio researched and written by LSP, all rights reserved. Do not copy.
There were other Kerrs in this part of southeastern Pennsylvania, including in then Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania that also came to the same area in Virginia. In the Tinkling Spring Headwater of Freedom, by Howard McKnight Wilson, Fishersville, Virginia, 1954, p. 11 and 12 discuss the earlier Kerrs. He wrote that they were part of the Donegal Presbyterian Society on the Susquehana River in Pennsylvania (Scots-Irish). These Kerrs settled on Christian's Creek, Long Meadow Run, and Middle River in Augusta Co., Virginia, probably in about 1730 or 50 years earlier than Robert above. In 1743, another source says the earliest Kerrs to this area settled on Kerrs Creek. It is unknown if and how Robert was related to them.
"Robert Kerr of Scotland married Elizabeth Bailey, of Wales in 1763. They came to Pennsylvania in the same year and to Virginia in 1783" at Middle River at Summerdean. It includes several family members. The earliest Kerrs to this area on Kerrs Creek was in about 1743. It is unknown if Robert was related to them. Brief History of Kerrs and Kin 1730-1930, by Vincent Brown Kerr, 1930, Staunton, Virginia, p 3 (see photo). Page 3 is the only mention of our Kerr family in this source. Vincent's (FaG #36575130) line is through James Kerr, d 1830.
The Scottish Kerr brothers, Robert, William and James all came to America in 1763. James to the Carolinas, Wm to Ohio and Robert about 40 miles from Philadelphia. Robert Kerr, born 1720 married the same year to Elizabeth Bailey of Wales. He resided in Chester Co. then Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania through 1783, when they moved to Virginia. Also: "Margaret Kerr, the daughter of Robt Kerr of Fifeshire, Scotland." A lot of data is given in this source, on their children and younger generations. Historical Atlas Augusta County, Virginia, by Joseph A Waddell and Jed Hotchkiss, 1885, Chicago, The Kerr and Dunlap Families, p 45.
His daughter Margaret is often recorded as born in Chester Co., Pennsylvania, but I have seen no proof of it (please share).
An old 1964 D.A.R. application has data on Margaret and her parents but it is not documented or sourced therein. It gives two death dates for Robert's wife, Elizabeth Bailey Kerr: 5 Dec 1810 AND 18 Aug 1828 on the same DAR app.
Military Record sources:
Robt Kerr, born 1720 in Fifeshire, Scotland, died 2 Jan 1808 in Augusta Co., Virginia, has a "government marker," married in 1763 in Wales to Elizabeth Bailey, born 1729 in Wales and died 5 Dec 1810 in Augusta Co., Virginia. He served during the American Revolution per Pennsylvania Archives. 5th, Vol. 1, p 194; 5th, vol. 4, p 443; 3rd Philadelphia Battalion Capt Conrad Rush; 4th class, 5th Battalion, Washington Co., P and Westmoreland Co. Militia, 1782, Beverley Manor Chapter, DAR, Col. Thos Hughart Chapter, DAR. Source: Register of Soldiers of the American Revolution Who died and lie buried in Augusta Co., Virginia compiled by Katherine G. Bushman, 1988, Col. Thos Hughart Chapter NSDAR, Staunton, Virginia, p 145. (I'm not sure about the last 3 military records on opposite sides of the state. I have yet to see someone serve in 2 different counties, but 3, wow. Suspect they are different men so please verify them. Where is the Government marker?
A man named Robert Kerr, was stationed at Ft Fincastle (Bath Co.) under Sgt Lane. Virginia Colonial Soldiers by Lloyd D Bockstuck, 1988, Geneal. Pub. Co., Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, p 144.
A man named Robert Kerr is listed in Virginians in The Revolution, by John H Gwathmey, 1938, Dietz Press, Richmond, p 443. It sources Illinois Papers for him, no other data.
Robert Kerr, 1720 - 22 Jan 1808, married Elizabeth Bailey, Pvt PS PA (Private Patriot Service). DAR Patriot Index, NSDAR, Washington (D.C.), 1966, p 384.
Robert Kerr, "b Fifeshire, Scotland in 1720, d Augusta Co., Virginia on 22 Jan 1808, resided Washington Co., Pennsylvania, private." Roster of the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, 1892-1936, 1938 Virginia DAR, Lynchburg, Virginia, p 419. No proof of Fifeshire given (DAR now requires more documentation than at this time, so verify). DAR Ancestor #: A065177.
The DAR Genealogical Research Database says:
KERR, ROBERT Ancestor #: A065177
Notice: FUTURE APPLICANTS MUST PROVE CORRECT SERVICE (WHY?)
Birth: 1720 SCOTLAND
Death: 1-22-1808 AUGUSTA CO VIRGINIA
Wife: ELIZABETH BAILEY
Residence was: County: WESTMORELAND CO - State: PENNSYLVANIA
Note, his grandson Senator Abness Bailey Kerr's (FaG #30443614) bio in Texas State Government, A Volume of Biographical Sketches and Passing Comment, by E. H. Loughery, McLeod & Jackson Printers, Austin, TX, 1897, 31-34: "Abnus Bailey Kerr, Flatonia, Senator from the Eighteenth Senatorial district, composed of Fayette, Lavaca and Colorado counties, was born in Augusta county, Virginia.... His grandfather upon his father's side, was a wealthy planter and left a a large estate that was divided equally among his children and placed them in independent circumstances."
"Robert Kerr, of Summerdean, Augusta Co., Virginia, who emigrated from Scotland to America in 1763. He settled first near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, owning flour mills on the Schuylkill, remained there until after the revolution, then settled in Augusta Co., Virginia, on Middle River, where he founded the estate and homestead, yet known as Summerdean and still in the possession of his descendants. He married in Fifeshire. Scotland. Elizabeth Bayley, of Wales….(lists their children). Robert Kerr, the emigrant ancestor, descended from John Kerr, of the Forest of Selkirk, Scotland, who was living in 1357 and whose ancestors came from France with William the Conqueror." Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, Under Editorial Supervisor Lyon Gardiner Tyler, LL, D, Vol. IV, New York, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1915, p 57. Different versions of this are recorded elsewhere, but this has some embellishments. No sources were furnished.
I did not find any Kerrs in Allan S Everest's 1976 book, Moses Hazen and the Canadian Refugees in the American Revolution. Many sources state he served in Chamber's Company in Col. Moses Hazen's Regiment in the Continental Troops. In 9 Nov 1776, he enlisted in the war and served to the Spring of 1778. A Levi Stevenson/Eliz. Dunlap kin believes "He enlisted Nov 9, 1776 to serve during the war. His services extended until Mar 1 1778." Plus, " Robert Kerr and his son Daniel rendered material aid to the American Troops at Valley Forge by sending them flour from their mill near by. Failing in fortune, Robert Kerr moved to Virginia where he established himself and family at head waters of Middle River, Augusta County, on the "Summerdean" farm..."
There are several Kerrs buried at Shemariah, near their homesteads.
Two posted news clippings from the 24 Apr 1903 Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, were taken from Richmond's Times Dispatch, discuss the Kerr surname. It claims they were fighters who lived on the border of Scotland with England and mentions the Roxburghs.
Seeking Scotish births, I found Robert Ker, Kerr or Karr, born in 1720 in Renfrew, Roxburgh or Lanark, the sons of John or Andrew. Robert had no known children by these given names, per Scottish naming patterns. I also found Robert Ker or Kerr, born in 1726. Two were born in Roxburgh, plus 1 each in Kincardine, Perth and Aberdeen. However, none of their fathers were listed as "Gustavus Kerr/Ker." Instead their fathers were Andrew, William, John, Alexander or Walter. Our Robert had a son by the name William (Robert Ker, born 10 Apr 1726, in Ellon, Aberdeen, son of William). I found the marriage of Gustavus to Jannet Allen on 28 Apr 1710 in Lonmay. Plus the birth of children of a Gustavus Ker, all born in Lonmay, Aberdeen: William, 16 Apr 1714; Janet, 28 Dec 1715; (then a gap) Thomas, 20 Apr 1731; John, 21 Sep 1746 and James, 29 Jan 1744, OR born in Crimond, Aberdee; Mary "Car," 11 Dec 1753 and William, 6 Dec 1755, but NO Roberts. I could not find any marriages to Robert in 1763 or within 10 years in either Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales and even Pennsylvania. I used multiple spellings and spans of dates. Nothing. Have requested sources of those who list his birth in Lonmay or parents as Gustavus and Janet, but received no response whatsoever.
Randy S (this FaG memorial creator) kindly entered Robert and Elizabeth's burials at Shemariah Presbyterian Church Cemetery. They did live in this area and many of their kin are at Shemariah. To date I have not found any documented records to support Robert and Elizabeth's burials here. They are the earliest graves here, making them stand out. It was shared with me that the "church began in 1833." Discovered that the church was organized in 1832 and dissolved in 1967. Randy explained to me it was based on an old 1964-1965 DAR application without documentation of any kind. The church records do not support it, cemetery surveys (1936 WPA, etc.) do not record it and markers for them at Shemariah have not been found. Early on DAR accepted unproven data, but no longer does. I hope we can find a reliable source like a local obituary, to prove it once and for all. This is a logical place for him, IF he was moved here after the cemetery opened, but not very likely. My 2nd guess is he could be buried on his homestead nearby.
Bio researched and written by LSP, all rights reserved. Do not copy.
In 1763, Robert Kerr "of Scotland" probably came here via Northern Ireland, like the many early people, whom settled in this Scots-Irish area. He married "Elizabeth Bailey of Wales, in 1763" in "Fifeshire, Scotland." It is recorded they came to Pennsylvania in the same year and to Augusta Co., Virginia, 20 years later, in 1783 where they settled on the Middle River at Summerdean. I have seen records refer to his settlement first near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where they "owned flour mills on the Schuylkill." Again the places are recorded with family histories written in the early 1900's but not really documented. Earlier Kerr/Ker generations are listed but no links to them.
There were other Kerrs in this part of southeastern Pennsylvania, including in then Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania that also came to the same area in Virginia. In the Tinkling Spring Headwater of Freedom, by Howard McKnight Wilson, Fishersville, Virginia, 1954, p. 11 and 12 discuss the earlier Kerrs. He wrote that they were part of the Donegal Presbyterian Society on the Susquehana River in Pennsylvania (Scots-Irish). These Kerrs settled on Christian's Creek, Long Meadow Run, and Middle River in Augusta Co., Virginia, probably in about 1730 or 50 years earlier than Robert above. In 1743, another source says the earliest Kerrs to this area settled on Kerrs Creek. It is unknown if and how Robert was related to them.
"Robert Kerr of Scotland married Elizabeth Bailey, of Wales in 1763. They came to Pennsylvania in the same year and to Virginia in 1783" at Middle River at Summerdean. It includes several family members. The earliest Kerrs to this area on Kerrs Creek was in about 1743. It is unknown if Robert was related to them. Brief History of Kerrs and Kin 1730-1930, by Vincent Brown Kerr, 1930, Staunton, Virginia, p 3 (see photo). Page 3 is the only mention of our Kerr family in this source. Vincent's (FaG #36575130) line is through James Kerr, d 1830.
The Scottish Kerr brothers, Robert, William and James all came to America in 1763. James to the Carolinas, Wm to Ohio and Robert about 40 miles from Philadelphia. Robert Kerr, born 1720 married the same year to Elizabeth Bailey of Wales. He resided in Chester Co. then Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania through 1783, when they moved to Virginia. Also: "Margaret Kerr, the daughter of Robt Kerr of Fifeshire, Scotland." A lot of data is given in this source, on their children and younger generations. Historical Atlas Augusta County, Virginia, by Joseph A Waddell and Jed Hotchkiss, 1885, Chicago, The Kerr and Dunlap Families, p 45.
His daughter Margaret is often recorded as born in Chester Co., Pennsylvania, but I have seen no proof of it (please share).
An old 1964 D.A.R. application has data on Margaret and her parents but it is not documented or sourced therein. It gives two death dates for Robert's wife, Elizabeth Bailey Kerr: 5 Dec 1810 AND 18 Aug 1828 on the same DAR app.
Military Record sources:
Robt Kerr, born 1720 in Fifeshire, Scotland, died 2 Jan 1808 in Augusta Co., Virginia, has a "government marker," married in 1763 in Wales to Elizabeth Bailey, born 1729 in Wales and died 5 Dec 1810 in Augusta Co., Virginia. He served during the American Revolution per Pennsylvania Archives. 5th, Vol. 1, p 194; 5th, vol. 4, p 443; 3rd Philadelphia Battalion Capt Conrad Rush; 4th class, 5th Battalion, Washington Co., P and Westmoreland Co. Militia, 1782, Beverley Manor Chapter, DAR, Col. Thos Hughart Chapter, DAR. Source: Register of Soldiers of the American Revolution Who died and lie buried in Augusta Co., Virginia compiled by Katherine G. Bushman, 1988, Col. Thos Hughart Chapter NSDAR, Staunton, Virginia, p 145. (I'm not sure about the last 3 military records on opposite sides of the state. I have yet to see someone serve in 2 different counties, but 3, wow. Suspect they are different men so please verify them. Where is the Government marker?
A man named Robert Kerr, was stationed at Ft Fincastle (Bath Co.) under Sgt Lane. Virginia Colonial Soldiers by Lloyd D Bockstuck, 1988, Geneal. Pub. Co., Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, p 144.
A man named Robert Kerr is listed in Virginians in The Revolution, by John H Gwathmey, 1938, Dietz Press, Richmond, p 443. It sources Illinois Papers for him, no other data.
Robert Kerr, 1720 - 22 Jan 1808, married Elizabeth Bailey, Pvt PS PA (Private Patriot Service). DAR Patriot Index, NSDAR, Washington (D.C.), 1966, p 384.
Robert Kerr, "b Fifeshire, Scotland in 1720, d Augusta Co., Virginia on 22 Jan 1808, resided Washington Co., Pennsylvania, private." Roster of the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, 1892-1936, 1938 Virginia DAR, Lynchburg, Virginia, p 419. No proof of Fifeshire given (DAR now requires more documentation than at this time, so verify). DAR Ancestor #: A065177.
The DAR Genealogical Research Database says:
KERR, ROBERT Ancestor #: A065177
Notice: FUTURE APPLICANTS MUST PROVE CORRECT SERVICE (WHY?)
Birth: 1720 SCOTLAND
Death: 1-22-1808 AUGUSTA CO VIRGINIA
Wife: ELIZABETH BAILEY
Residence was: County: WESTMORELAND CO - State: PENNSYLVANIA
Note, his grandson Senator Abness Bailey Kerr's (FaG #30443614) bio in Texas State Government, A Volume of Biographical Sketches and Passing Comment, by E. H. Loughery, McLeod & Jackson Printers, Austin, TX, 1897, 31-34: "Abnus Bailey Kerr, Flatonia, Senator from the Eighteenth Senatorial district, composed of Fayette, Lavaca and Colorado counties, was born in Augusta county, Virginia.... His grandfather upon his father's side, was a wealthy planter and left a a large estate that was divided equally among his children and placed them in independent circumstances."
"Robert Kerr, of Summerdean, Augusta Co., Virginia, who emigrated from Scotland to America in 1763. He settled first near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, owning flour mills on the Schuylkill, remained there until after the revolution, then settled in Augusta Co., Virginia, on Middle River, where he founded the estate and homestead, yet known as Summerdean and still in the possession of his descendants. He married in Fifeshire. Scotland. Elizabeth Bayley, of Wales….(lists their children). Robert Kerr, the emigrant ancestor, descended from John Kerr, of the Forest of Selkirk, Scotland, who was living in 1357 and whose ancestors came from France with William the Conqueror." Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, Under Editorial Supervisor Lyon Gardiner Tyler, LL, D, Vol. IV, New York, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1915, p 57. Different versions of this are recorded elsewhere, but this has some embellishments. No sources were furnished.
I did not find any Kerrs in Allan S Everest's 1976 book, Moses Hazen and the Canadian Refugees in the American Revolution. Many sources state he served in Chamber's Company in Col. Moses Hazen's Regiment in the Continental Troops. In 9 Nov 1776, he enlisted in the war and served to the Spring of 1778. A Levi Stevenson/Eliz. Dunlap kin believes "He enlisted Nov 9, 1776 to serve during the war. His services extended until Mar 1 1778." Plus, " Robert Kerr and his son Daniel rendered material aid to the American Troops at Valley Forge by sending them flour from their mill near by. Failing in fortune, Robert Kerr moved to Virginia where he established himself and family at head waters of Middle River, Augusta County, on the "Summerdean" farm..."
There are several Kerrs buried at Shemariah, near their homesteads.
Two posted news clippings from the 24 Apr 1903 Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, were taken from Richmond's Times Dispatch, discuss the Kerr surname. It claims they were fighters who lived on the border of Scotland with England and mentions the Roxburghs.
Seeking Scotish births, I found Robert Ker, Kerr or Karr, born in 1720 in Renfrew, Roxburgh or Lanark, the sons of John or Andrew. Robert had no known children by these given names, per Scottish naming patterns. I also found Robert Ker or Kerr, born in 1726. Two were born in Roxburgh, plus 1 each in Kincardine, Perth and Aberdeen. However, none of their fathers were listed as "Gustavus Kerr/Ker." Instead their fathers were Andrew, William, John, Alexander or Walter. Our Robert had a son by the name William (Robert Ker, born 10 Apr 1726, in Ellon, Aberdeen, son of William). I found the marriage of Gustavus to Jannet Allen on 28 Apr 1710 in Lonmay. Plus the birth of children of a Gustavus Ker, all born in Lonmay, Aberdeen: William, 16 Apr 1714; Janet, 28 Dec 1715; (then a gap) Thomas, 20 Apr 1731; John, 21 Sep 1746 and James, 29 Jan 1744, OR born in Crimond, Aberdee; Mary "Car," 11 Dec 1753 and William, 6 Dec 1755, but NO Roberts. I could not find any marriages to Robert in 1763 or within 10 years in either Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales and even Pennsylvania. I used multiple spellings and spans of dates. Nothing. Have requested sources of those who list his birth in Lonmay or parents as Gustavus and Janet, but received no response whatsoever.
Randy S (this FaG memorial creator) kindly entered Robert and Elizabeth's burials at Shemariah Presbyterian Church Cemetery. They did live in this area and many of their kin are at Shemariah. To date I have not found any documented records to support Robert and Elizabeth's burials here. They are the earliest graves here, making them stand out. It was shared with me that the "church began in 1833." Discovered that the church was organized in 1832 and dissolved in 1967. Randy explained to me it was based on an old 1964-1965 DAR application without documentation of any kind. The church records do not support it, cemetery surveys (1936 WPA, etc.) do not record it and markers for them at Shemariah have not been found. Early on DAR accepted unproven data, but no longer does. I hope we can find a reliable source like a local obituary, to prove it once and for all. This is a logical place for him, IF he was moved here after the cemetery opened, but not very likely. My 2nd guess is he could be buried on his homestead nearby.
Bio researched and written by LSP, all rights reserved. Do not copy.
There were other Kerrs in this part of southeastern Pennsylvania, including in then Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania that also came to the same area in Virginia. In the Tinkling Spring Headwater of Freedom, by Howard McKnight Wilson, Fishersville, Virginia, 1954, p. 11 and 12 discuss the earlier Kerrs. He wrote that they were part of the Donegal Presbyterian Society on the Susquehana River in Pennsylvania (Scots-Irish). These Kerrs settled on Christian's Creek, Long Meadow Run, and Middle River in Augusta Co., Virginia, probably in about 1730 or 50 years earlier than Robert above. In 1743, another source says the earliest Kerrs to this area settled on Kerrs Creek. It is unknown if and how Robert was related to them.
"Robert Kerr of Scotland married Elizabeth Bailey, of Wales in 1763. They came to Pennsylvania in the same year and to Virginia in 1783" at Middle River at Summerdean. It includes several family members. The earliest Kerrs to this area on Kerrs Creek was in about 1743. It is unknown if Robert was related to them. Brief History of Kerrs and Kin 1730-1930, by Vincent Brown Kerr, 1930, Staunton, Virginia, p 3 (see photo). Page 3 is the only mention of our Kerr family in this source. Vincent's (FaG #36575130) line is through James Kerr, d 1830.
The Scottish Kerr brothers, Robert, William and James all came to America in 1763. James to the Carolinas, Wm to Ohio and Robert about 40 miles from Philadelphia. Robert Kerr, born 1720 married the same year to Elizabeth Bailey of Wales. He resided in Chester Co. then Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania through 1783, when they moved to Virginia. Also: "Margaret Kerr, the daughter of Robt Kerr of Fifeshire, Scotland." A lot of data is given in this source, on their children and younger generations. Historical Atlas Augusta County, Virginia, by Joseph A Waddell and Jed Hotchkiss, 1885, Chicago, The Kerr and Dunlap Families, p 45.
His daughter Margaret is often recorded as born in Chester Co., Pennsylvania, but I have seen no proof of it (please share).
An old 1964 D.A.R. application has data on Margaret and her parents but it is not documented or sourced therein. It gives two death dates for Robert's wife, Elizabeth Bailey Kerr: 5 Dec 1810 AND 18 Aug 1828 on the same DAR app.
Military Record sources:
Robt Kerr, born 1720 in Fifeshire, Scotland, died 2 Jan 1808 in Augusta Co., Virginia, has a "government marker," married in 1763 in Wales to Elizabeth Bailey, born 1729 in Wales and died 5 Dec 1810 in Augusta Co., Virginia. He served during the American Revolution per Pennsylvania Archives. 5th, Vol. 1, p 194; 5th, vol. 4, p 443; 3rd Philadelphia Battalion Capt Conrad Rush; 4th class, 5th Battalion, Washington Co., P and Westmoreland Co. Militia, 1782, Beverley Manor Chapter, DAR, Col. Thos Hughart Chapter, DAR. Source: Register of Soldiers of the American Revolution Who died and lie buried in Augusta Co., Virginia compiled by Katherine G. Bushman, 1988, Col. Thos Hughart Chapter NSDAR, Staunton, Virginia, p 145. (I'm not sure about the last 3 military records on opposite sides of the state. I have yet to see someone serve in 2 different counties, but 3, wow. Suspect they are different men so please verify them. Where is the Government marker?
A man named Robert Kerr, was stationed at Ft Fincastle (Bath Co.) under Sgt Lane. Virginia Colonial Soldiers by Lloyd D Bockstuck, 1988, Geneal. Pub. Co., Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, p 144.
A man named Robert Kerr is listed in Virginians in The Revolution, by John H Gwathmey, 1938, Dietz Press, Richmond, p 443. It sources Illinois Papers for him, no other data.
Robert Kerr, 1720 - 22 Jan 1808, married Elizabeth Bailey, Pvt PS PA (Private Patriot Service). DAR Patriot Index, NSDAR, Washington (D.C.), 1966, p 384.
Robert Kerr, "b Fifeshire, Scotland in 1720, d Augusta Co., Virginia on 22 Jan 1808, resided Washington Co., Pennsylvania, private." Roster of the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, 1892-1936, 1938 Virginia DAR, Lynchburg, Virginia, p 419. No proof of Fifeshire given (DAR now requires more documentation than at this time, so verify). DAR Ancestor #: A065177.
The DAR Genealogical Research Database says:
KERR, ROBERT Ancestor #: A065177
Notice: FUTURE APPLICANTS MUST PROVE CORRECT SERVICE (WHY?)
Birth: 1720 SCOTLAND
Death: 1-22-1808 AUGUSTA CO VIRGINIA
Wife: ELIZABETH BAILEY
Residence was: County: WESTMORELAND CO - State: PENNSYLVANIA
Note, his grandson Senator Abness Bailey Kerr's (FaG #30443614) bio in Texas State Government, A Volume of Biographical Sketches and Passing Comment, by E. H. Loughery, McLeod & Jackson Printers, Austin, TX, 1897, 31-34: "Abnus Bailey Kerr, Flatonia, Senator from the Eighteenth Senatorial district, composed of Fayette, Lavaca and Colorado counties, was born in Augusta county, Virginia.... His grandfather upon his father's side, was a wealthy planter and left a a large estate that was divided equally among his children and placed them in independent circumstances."
"Robert Kerr, of Summerdean, Augusta Co., Virginia, who emigrated from Scotland to America in 1763. He settled first near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, owning flour mills on the Schuylkill, remained there until after the revolution, then settled in Augusta Co., Virginia, on Middle River, where he founded the estate and homestead, yet known as Summerdean and still in the possession of his descendants. He married in Fifeshire. Scotland. Elizabeth Bayley, of Wales….(lists their children). Robert Kerr, the emigrant ancestor, descended from John Kerr, of the Forest of Selkirk, Scotland, who was living in 1357 and whose ancestors came from France with William the Conqueror." Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, Under Editorial Supervisor Lyon Gardiner Tyler, LL, D, Vol. IV, New York, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1915, p 57. Different versions of this are recorded elsewhere, but this has some embellishments. No sources were furnished.
I did not find any Kerrs in Allan S Everest's 1976 book, Moses Hazen and the Canadian Refugees in the American Revolution. Many sources state he served in Chamber's Company in Col. Moses Hazen's Regiment in the Continental Troops. In 9 Nov 1776, he enlisted in the war and served to the Spring of 1778. A Levi Stevenson/Eliz. Dunlap kin believes "He enlisted Nov 9, 1776 to serve during the war. His services extended until Mar 1 1778." Plus, " Robert Kerr and his son Daniel rendered material aid to the American Troops at Valley Forge by sending them flour from their mill near by. Failing in fortune, Robert Kerr moved to Virginia where he established himself and family at head waters of Middle River, Augusta County, on the "Summerdean" farm..."
There are several Kerrs buried at Shemariah, near their homesteads.
Two posted news clippings from the 24 Apr 1903 Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, were taken from Richmond's Times Dispatch, discuss the Kerr surname. It claims they were fighters who lived on the border of Scotland with England and mentions the Roxburghs.
Seeking Scotish births, I found Robert Ker, Kerr or Karr, born in 1720 in Renfrew, Roxburgh or Lanark, the sons of John or Andrew. Robert had no known children by these given names, per Scottish naming patterns. I also found Robert Ker or Kerr, born in 1726. Two were born in Roxburgh, plus 1 each in Kincardine, Perth and Aberdeen. However, none of their fathers were listed as "Gustavus Kerr/Ker." Instead their fathers were Andrew, William, John, Alexander or Walter. Our Robert had a son by the name William (Robert Ker, born 10 Apr 1726, in Ellon, Aberdeen, son of William). I found the marriage of Gustavus to Jannet Allen on 28 Apr 1710 in Lonmay. Plus the birth of children of a Gustavus Ker, all born in Lonmay, Aberdeen: William, 16 Apr 1714; Janet, 28 Dec 1715; (then a gap) Thomas, 20 Apr 1731; John, 21 Sep 1746 and James, 29 Jan 1744, OR born in Crimond, Aberdee; Mary "Car," 11 Dec 1753 and William, 6 Dec 1755, but NO Roberts. I could not find any marriages to Robert in 1763 or within 10 years in either Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales and even Pennsylvania. I used multiple spellings and spans of dates. Nothing. Have requested sources of those who list his birth in Lonmay or parents as Gustavus and Janet, but received no response whatsoever.
Randy S (this FaG memorial creator) kindly entered Robert and Elizabeth's burials at Shemariah Presbyterian Church Cemetery. They did live in this area and many of their kin are at Shemariah. To date I have not found any documented records to support Robert and Elizabeth's burials here. They are the earliest graves here, making them stand out. It was shared with me that the "church began in 1833." Discovered that the church was organized in 1832 and dissolved in 1967. Randy explained to me it was based on an old 1964-1965 DAR application without documentation of any kind. The church records do not support it, cemetery surveys (1936 WPA, etc.) do not record it and markers for them at Shemariah have not been found. Early on DAR accepted unproven data, but no longer does. I hope we can find a reliable source like a local obituary, to prove it once and for all. This is a logical place for him, IF he was moved here after the cemetery opened, but not very likely. My 2nd guess is he could be buried on his homestead nearby.
Bio researched and written by LSP, all rights reserved. Do not copy.
Gravesite Details
NO MARKER
Family Members
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