The record-union., 1895-05-01
THE LATE JOSEPH KERR.
A Sketch of the Life of an Old and
Esteemed Citizen.

A Sketch of the Life of an Old and
Esteemed Citizen.
A correspondent of the RECoRD-UNIoN,
writing from Elk Grove, sends the fol-
lowing sketch of the Late Joseph Kerr, q
prominent citizen of that place:
Joseph Hampton Kerr was born in
Washington County, Pa, on the 18th of
March, 1924, and died peacefully at his
home near Elk Grove, April 23 1895.
When 10 years of age he removed with
bis parents to the northern part of Penn
sylvania, where he learned blacksmith
ing, and worked at his trade until he was
2S. He then came by water to California.
and settled in Nevada County, and
worked in a quartz mill until 1856. when
he removed to Elk Grove, and engaged
in general farming and horticulture. He
was married in December, 1858, to Ange-
line WorthingtOn, and in 1859 moved
upon the present homestead, where they
lived and toiled together tor thirty-six
years. accommodating a handsome prop
erty and building up lovely home.
They reared two children-Harry,n now q
young man carrying on successful bus
mess in San Diego. and Eva, a young
lady of 19, who still remains at home-to
be comfort to the sorrowing companion
of the deceased.
Mr.. Kerr was of the old Scotch Presby-
terian stock, and was reared after the
strlctness of that sect. He was the second
child of family of ten children, six boys
and four girls. Three sisters and four
brothers survive him. His early training
had its influence on his after life. Ee
was converted and united with the Pres
byterian Church at the age of 2l years.
His character being thus established in
early life, he was enabled to successfully
resist the evil influences of the early days
OF California life, which wrecked SO many
weaker characters.
He was man of stanch, reliable prin-
clple. and OF noble. generous impulses.
lie was loved and highly respected by all
who knew him. He was man of untir
ing energy and industry, and generally
successful in his business enterprises.
His accumulations are ample for the
needs of his family.
He was President of the Elk Grove
Building Company. Being interested in
the cause OF temperance. he gave lots for
the Women's Christian Temperance
Union building in that place.
de showed his interest in the cause of
education by giving six lots for the Elk
Grove High School, on which handsome
building was erected in 1893. The High
School, realizing that in his death they
suffered the loss of a true friend and
benetactor, attended his funeral In body,
ahO picSSuteu d uOTal Oll0rlnS WHICH was
prepared in Sacramento with exquisite
taste and skill, bearing the motto: sour
Benefactor." They also prepared very
appropriate resolutions of respect and
sympathy for the bereaved, which were
read at the close of the funeral service
The deceased. having suffered for some
time before his death with heart disease,
arranged his business matters in due
time, set his house i'll order, and calmly
waited for the end. When it came he
folded his hands upon his breast and fell
asleep, and the active, useful, earthly life
was ended. The funeral services were
held in his late residence. conducted by
Rev. j. w. Buxton and attended by
large company of sympathiZing friends.
He was laid to rest in he Masonic Come
terry on the 18th of April. His grave was
covered with beautiful floral offerings
from sympathiZing friends, and many
hearts throbbed in sympathy with the
bereaved.
When the family had returned to their
home, after the burial service, with
company of their friends, by request of
Mrs. Kerr, the pastor, with few apprO-
pirate words, presented valuable gold
headed cane which belonged to Mr.. Kerr
to Master Robert Mckee, the youngest
son of DR.. j. a. Mckee, thus carrying out
the wishes of the deceased. who always
felt special interest in Robert. The boy
may not appreciate the gift now, but it
will be a pleasant recurrence in after
years.