William Kerr

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-332722
• Occupation: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Dry Goods Merchant
• Residence: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-66248
• Immigration: 1845, , Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Doctor
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Occupation: 1871, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Physician - Doctor - Dr.
• Residence: 1871, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1881, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Physician - Doctor - Dr.
• Occupation: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Physician - Doctor - Dr.
• Residence: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Death of Dr. William Kerr

It is with sincere regret we are called upon to record the death of Dr. William Kerr, of Galt, which took place at his residence, Braehead, on Monday morning last, at ten minutes to five o'clock. He was in his ninetieth year; his exact age being 89 years, 5 months and 13 days. Until last winter he continued to enjoy a robust old age and seldom complained of an ache or a pain. He had a wonderfully strong physique, which he had carefully preserved through his earlier life and this rendered him mentally and physically active at an age when many others become feeble and decrepit. During the winter, however, he had a severe attack of Grippe and although he rallied somewhat from that, it was apparent to his relatives and friends that at last his great strength was beginning to fail. About three weeks ago his stomach began to refuse nourishment and he gradually grew weaker until he passed away on Monday morning last. He suffered little during his illness, which he bore with Christian patience and resignation, almost with cheerfulness and his mind was clear and conscious until the angel came and he passed peacefully away. Dr. Kerr was born in Paisley, Scotland, for which city he always cherished the warmest regard. His father was for fifty years an eminent medical practitioner there, whose name became a household word in Paisley, for the great service he rendered by projecting the fine system of waterworks, which it has long enjoyed. For this service the city presented him with a handsome testimonial in marble, which his son, the subject of this memoir, brought with Mrs. Kerr and himself to Canada in 1848. They first settled in Hamilton, where Mrs. Kerr had two brothers in the wholesale importing trade, Messrs. Archibald and Thomas Kerr. They were long and favorably known in Hamilton, but both passed away many years ago.

After a few months in Paris, Dr. Kerr removed to Galt in 1852 and for several years resided at Rosehill, now owned by J. C. Dietrich, Esq. He afterwards removed to the village of Doon. Returning to Galt, in 1866, he has ever since resided at Braehead, where, overlooking the beautiful valley and surrounding hills, he has passed his declining years in much cheerfulness and enjoyment. Dr. Kerr was a man of liberal education and possessed a vast fund of useful information. In his younger days he was quite public spirited and in the early times of Galt, when the Lecture course was one of the chief features of the winter season, he lectured on Physical Geography and other scientific topics. He continued to the last deeply interested in the medical profession and his remedies in certain cases were often sent for from long distances. He was deeply interested in all scientific and religious movements, particularly the latter and until a few weeks ago continued to be a great reader of books, sitting down to large volumes of traveller's explorations or missionary enterprises, with all the interest and even zest of youth. In his intercourse with the public, socially and otherwise, he was conspicuous for thorough gentlemanliness, a noble quality which he never forgot, whilst to the members of his own family he was exceedingly affectionate and to his friends and neighbors always cheerful, kind and considerate.

It is hard to part with one so amiable in life and character as Dr. Kerr, but he had passed far beyond the allotted span and it is therefore becoming to how submissively to the Divine will, grateful for his long, useful and happy life and the bright example of a Christian gentleman which he has left as a precious legacy to his family and all who knew him. Dr. Kerr was married to his late wife, Miss Margaret A. Kerr, in Paisley in the year 1840. She died on the 6th December, 1884, and he had to mourn also the death of his second daughter, Margaret, on the 6th April, 1891. The remaining members of the family are Miss Kerr, Mr. Jas. and Capt. Kerr, all of whom reside at Braehead. The funeral obsequies took place yesterday. The pall-bearers were Messrs. R. S. Strong, F. G. Allenby, T. B. Allen, John Perry, David Spiers, James Warnock and James Young. The great respect and sympathy felt for Dr. Kerr and his family was testified by the large circle of friends, who accompanied the remains to their final resting place.

The Dumfries Reformer 25 Aug 1892 pg 1

William married Margaret Ann Kerr 1840, , Paisley, Scotland. Margaret was born 1812, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland; died 6 Dec 1884, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Margaret Ann Kerr
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-103364
• Immigration: 1845, , Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Residence: 1871, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

Notes:

Death of Mrs. Dr. Kerr

We regret to announce the death of this lady on Saturday last, in her 63rd year. The deceased lady was a general; favorite in this section, where with her husband and family she has long resided. She was ever foremost in good works and kindliness and will be missed by many who in the past have been the recipients of quiet, unostentatious kindness at her hands. Mrs. Kerr was a native of Paisley, Scotland, and came with her husband to this country in 1845. For a short time the family remained in Hamilton, where, at that time, or shortly after, her two brothers engaged in the wholesale trade. Both predeceased Mrs. Kerr, after occupying a prominent position for years in the city. After a few years Dr. Kerr and family came to Galt, where they may be said to have since continuously resided. Dr. Kerr is now in his 83rd year. It is needless to say that the blow to him is a severe one, or that the warmest sympathy is felt in the town for himself and family in their affliction. The family consists of two sons and two daughters, all of whom resided with their parents with the exception of Mr. Wm. Kerr, who is at present engaged in business in New York.

Mrs. Kerr's funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon last, Rev. J. K. Smith officiating. The large attendance testified the respect in which the deceased lady and her family are held in the community.

Galt Reporter Dec 12 1884 pg 1