The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-08-24
Death of Hon. Nc. G, Kerr.

Hon. Nj. c. Kerr, Speaker Of the House OF
! Representatives, U. S. Congress, died at Rock
bridge Alum Springs, OH Saturday evening
the 10Th, at o'clock Several months ago he
spent several weeks in Stanton, in the hope
OF rcgaining his strength and health in the
pure mountain atmosphere. He was much
recupcrated when he left to resume his duties IL
Washington. He was shortly, however, again
prostrated and then it was that he sought re-
lief at the Alum Springs. With alternate
hopes and fears, he met the vicissitldes OF dis
ease, until finally his once vigorous frame and
constitution yielded, and his manly and brave
spirit passed hence. He suffered much during his
sojourn at the Springs. yet bore the pain and
exhaustion Of disease with fortitnde and cour-
age. He was entirely conscious of his condi-
ton, spoke Of it nationally and calmly, and
contemplated the close of life as the weary
traveller looks forward to the shade and rest
of the oasis. His remains passed through this
city OH Monday en- route for Indiana.
The following imperfect sketch OF his life we
find in an exchange:
Hon. Michael c. Kerr, Representative in Congress
from the Third District OF Indiana, native Of
ty in that State, i'll 1927. The foundation of his edu
cation was laid in the common schools of Crawford
county, but he subsequently studied at several acad
emies, teaching school in the meantime, and i'm
proving his mind by of steady and profta
BILE reading. Having taken up his residence in Ken
lucky Mr.. Kerr studied law in the University OF
Louisville, where he graduated with marked honors.
After short residence i'll Kentucky, he removed to
New Albany, Indiana Here his talents, energy and
ability, soon brought him into notice. In 1856 he
elected to the Legislature Of Indiana for two
years. In this position he enhanced his reputation
and popularity both by votes and speeches. His
Judgment sound, and he had the courage to vote
for the right, no matter what influence was brought
to bear upon him from interested parties. Besides
serving in the Legislature Mr.. Kerr also acted at
different periods attorney, and prosecuting attor
ney OF his county In 1862 he was chosen reporter
of the Supreme Court OF Indiana, and edited with
ability and clearness five volumes OF the reports of
that body. In 1852 Mr. Kerr made his first appear
ance on national platform, having been chosen to
the Thirty-ninth Congress- He was also reelected
in 1866 1853 1870 and 1874 In Congress the career OF
Mr.. Kerr true to the principles which he pro-
fessed He opposed all illegal schemes orabsract-
ON public officers being held to strict account,
urged the discontinuance of needless office holders,
and recommended bringing the Government back
to the early rules of honesty and economy. Being
an earnest speaker and at all times fortified with
facts, Mr. Kerr commanded the attention OF the
House whenever he spoke. His record is that OF an
honest, upright and consistent Democrat, firm in
his principles without paPtiZanship. He was elected
Speaker Of the House in december, and his rulings
while in the chair We're such as to gain the respect
of even his bitterest political enemies.