The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1895-05-15
Death Of Geo. ". Kerr.


The death Of George W. Kerr, Superin-
tendent Of Public instruction of Forest
county, which occurred at his home in
this place on last Friday, May 10, was a
shock to his large circle of friends and
acquaintanses. Until less than two eeks
before his death he had been apparently
in his usual health and was considered
one of the most robust men ofthe county.
On Sunday April 2Sth, he was taken sew
erely i'll, but was soon relieved by medi-
cal treatment
The day following however the disease
again made il appearance which proved
to be kidney trouble, and, as the autopsy
revealed, was beyond the power of medi-
cal aid to remove. He gradually sank
into semi-coDscious condition and so
continued till his death, week later.
Perhaps no man in the county had wider
circle Of friends and acquaintances, or
eXerted greater influence than he, and
his death will bring sorrow to very many
hearts.
He was born near Tylersburg, Clarion
SDNAtg "Ais ~ looot NlltNb nb tODbiuubu
TO live till he came to Tionests, twelve
years ago.
Afterpassing through the public schools
at his home he went to Edinboro and at
tended the Normal School at that place.
When about % years of age he began
teaching school, near his home, having
charge Of the TylersbuIg schools six
years and was well known as a most sue
cessful teacher. During this time he fire.
quently spent part Of his time in the
summer working at his trades being that
of stone mason.
In 1888 he Yves elected principal of the
Tionesta school which ct that time was
considered most difficult one 10 manage.
From the very beginning he was a com
plete success ond he gained for himself
such a reputation that was the means of
placing him at the head of the school af-
fairs of this county.
He was elected to the Office of Superin-
tendent of Public instruction in June
1887 He was reelected in 1890 and again
in 1898 having one year more of his third
term.
From earliest childhood he was instruct
ed in the Word OF God by pious parents,
and always continued close student Of
the Bible and constant attendant at the
services of Gods house. Although he
never connected himself with the church
he had expressed himself as trusting in
Christ and intending soon to make pub
lie profession of his faith by uniting with
church.
The last work he did was TO write out a
list of the uttersnces of Christ on the
cross which he sent with another member
of his Sunday School class, he having
been taken i'll before the Sunday School
hour.
He leaves large circle of friends to
mourn his departure from earth, among
these are the teachers of the county, who
were much attached to him. He also
leaves behind, several brothers and sis
teis and wife to whom is extended the
sympathy of oil in their bereavement.
In manner and disposition Mr. Kerr was
pleasing and kind, and his loss will be
deeply felt by all.
Among the many tokens o affection
and friendship observed, were the floral
offerings of the members of his Sunday
School class and the odd Fellows. Lilacs
and Lilies of the Valley, which were Mr..
Kerr's special favorites in flowers, were
also presented by many friends.
The funeral services were conducted
by Rev. j. V. McAninch, at his late resi-
dence, and his remains were taIen to the
family burial place in the Presbyterian
church yard at Tylersburg. The large
number of people came to that place from
all parts of the country to pay their last
respects to his memory attest the place he
held in their affection. Members of the
Order of odd Fellows were present to the
number of about l50