| Descendants of James Kerr Generation No. 1 1. JAMES1 KERR1 was
born WFT Est. 1682-1687 in Scotland/Northern Ireland?, and died 1770 in Augusta
County, Virginia2. He
married MARTHA BALL3. Notes for JAMES KERR: Note: this report
contains some unproven information, some based upon circumstantial evidence and
much is based upon the records of early Augusta County, Virginia (Chalkley's
Augusta County, Virginia records) and over 30 years of genealogical research
(some secondary sources). If you have
PROVEN information on any of these lines, which contradicts any of this
information, or can add information or documentation, please contact me at:
Delijim@aol.com Thank yoiu:) James Kerr, d. 1770 in
Augusta County, Virginia.
Unfortunately, the only child named in his Administration Papers was his
son, John, who was named co-administrator of his estate. Circumstantial evidence exists to support
William, Andrew, Samuel, Elizabeth, James and David as other children of James,
there may be other, yet unproven children.
More research is necessary. He
and his family migrated from Scotland to Pennsylvania before 1728-1730, when
his sons were married, probably in Chester/Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
(Lancaster was formed in 1729 from part of Chester County). Many researchers believe that this Kerr
family came from Paxton Township, in Chester/Lancaster County, Pennsylvania,
and this has been at least partially corroborated by a statement of Lt. General
Andrew Pickens (The Pickens family was very close to the Kerr family, and
intermarried several times): 1811 letter by Gen.
Andrew Pickens to General Light Horse Harry Lee in which Gen. Pickens states
that he was born in Paxton township
(located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania).
It's transcribed in Sharp's history of the Pickens family, p. 135. "I was born in PA, Paxton Township, on
the 19th Sept. 1739. My father removed
with his family when I was very young to Virginia, and settled for a few years
west of where Staunton now stands about 8 miles, and in the year 1752 or 3,
removed to the Waxhaws and was amongst the first settlers of that part of South
Carolina. My father and mother came
from Ireland. My father's progenitors
emigrated from France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes." In 1738/9, James Kerr
purchased land in the Orange/Augusta County, Virginia area, where they migrated
with several other prominent Scotch families (Buchanan, Steele, Pickens,
Anderson, Allison, Campbell, Robertson and Hays just to name a few). There was a James Ker of
Augusta County, who left a will in Orange County, Virginia (the predecessor
county of Augusta County) in Will Book 2, 66-7, dated 18 April 1745, proved 22
August 1745. This will mentions
brothers DAVID and HUGH KERR; Charles Lewis, son of Col. John Lewis; William,
son of William Hutchison; Elinor, wife of George Hutchison, MARGARET SPEAR,
MARGARET PICKENS, William Henderson, Gabriel Home and DAVID CRAIG. It was witnessed by Andrew Russell and
William Lewis. NOTE: In 1761, Andrew
Russell witnessed a deed of John and Lucy Kerr to John Allison. Note, too the PICKENS reference. This James Kerr, COULD be a father of the
James Kerr that died in 1770 in Augusta County. With the Pickens, Spear and Craig references, he is undoubtedly
related, more research is necessary to prove a relationship. James Kerr was one of
the first settlers of Augusta County, Virginia, and built a large log house on
Middle River between 1738-1740. This
house, was used as an early meeting and court-house for the newly formed county
of Augusta (formed in 1738-1745). This
house was a rather large house, needed to house his large family that recently
arrived from Pennsylvania. It is
depicted and discussed in detail in the book "Kerrs and Kin,
1730-1930", by Vincent Brown Kerr, published 1930 in Staunton, Virginia. This house is also
pictured and described in Old Homes of Augusta County, The Pioneer Home of the
Kerr Family, by Gladys B. Clem, Ninth of Landmark Series, pp. 53-56. Also from "Kerrs
and Kin", pg. 8: The first Kerr who
settled in the Valley of Virginia must have been James Kerr, who died in 1770,
and his eldest son, John administered on his estate, and James Kerr, my great
grandfather, must have been a son of the first James and brother of John, who
had two sons, William and James, and a daughter Elizabeth McClure, and John,
Samuel, William and Andrew Kerr all owned land on Middle River, and all had
children baptized by Rev. John Craig from 1740-1749, and their land adjoined on
Middle River from New Hope to Stone Church, and are the same family. Thus, James Kerr
appears to be the progenitor of several sons that were in early Augusta County,
Virginia records. He is most probably
the grandfather of the following children baptised in Augusta County by the Rev.
John Craig between 1740-1749: "Augusta Co,
Virginia Baptismal Records, 1740-1749", and it is described as "a
record of baptisms by the Rev. John Craig, D.D., 1740-49, pastor of Augusta
Church for thirty years". It has
the following KERR baptisms: Name of Father Name of Child
Date of Baptism
Place/Notes KERR, John Isabel Oct. 19, 1740 N/A " John
Margaret Aug 2,
1747 N/A " John Elizabeth Feb 6, 1743 N/A " John
Letitia Sept
22, 1745 N/A " John
Mary Feb
27, 1749 Timber Grove KERR, William Thomas Oct 11, 1747 N/A " Wm
Andrew Sept 16,
1744 N/A " Wm
James Apr 13,
1746 N/A KERR, Samuel Lucia
Dec 13, 1747 N/A " Samuel
Samuel Nov 29,
1741 N/A " Samuel
Agness Mar 20,
1743 N/A " Samuel
William May 5,
1745 N/A KERR, Andrew John Mar 27, 1748 N/A " Andrew
Jennet Aug
24, 1746 N/A One researcher, Nita
Rhodes (NRhoads@MSB.Mat-Su.k12.ak.us) believes that James Kerr MAY have been a
brother of Gustavus Kerr, who had family that migrated to Augusta County, VA,
and possibly to Rowan County, NC. This
pretty much mirrors the migration of the family of James Kerr. More research is necessary in order to make
a connection. James Kerr was named
one of the original Justices of the Peace in Augusta County, Virginia when the
first Augusta County Court was formed on December 9, 1745. Also named as Justices of the Peace were
John and Andrew Pickens. Several of
the Pickens family intermarried with the Kerr's and other prominent Augusta
County families. The family of James
Kerr were members of Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, the first church
formed in Augusta County, Virginia, near present day Staunton, Virginia.
(Source: "The Tinkling Spring: Headwater of Freedom", by Howard
McKnight Wilson, pub. 1954. Another Relation in
Lancaster County, PA:? AN INDEX TO THE WILL
BOOKS AND INTESTATE RECORDS OF LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 1729-1850 INDEX to the WILL
BOOKS OF LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 1729 - 1850 Paxton Township page 26 Name: Kerr, James Year: 1748 Book: J Volume: 1 Page: 116 Pennsylvania
Marriages: (Note: James Kerr's family had already migrated to Orange/Augusta
County, Virginia in 1728) 1769, Feb. 24.
Hathorn, James, and Martha Kerr. 1767, Dec. 10. James,
Mary, and Henry Kerr 1770, May 16. Kerr,
James, and Mary Landy. 1775, Jan. 5. Kerr,
James, and Rebecca Simpson. 1769, Feb. 24. Kerr,
Martha, and James Hathorn. 1770, Jan. 5. Kerr,
Mary, and James Young. Info on Robert Kerr of
Augusta County, VA Possible relation?: The National Society
of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 94 page 81 Mrs. Laura L. Hurd
Ross. DAR ID Number: 93253 Born in Monroe County,
Mo. Wife of A. C. Ross. Descendant of Robert
Kerr, Capt. Drury Ragsdale, and Robert Hannah, as follows: [p.81] 1. John Wesley
Hurd (1848-1908) m. 1872 Mary Greening (b. 1854). 2. Thomas Washington
Hurd (1820-1902) m. 1845 Margaret Isabel Kerr (1825-96); Isaac Greening (b. 1829) m. 1851
Martha Elden Ragsdale (b. 1834). 3. John Kerr (b. 1792)
m. 1815 Susan Hannah (b. 1798); James Ragsdale (1803-50) m. 1st 1832
Sallie Deaver (1816-91). 4. Daniel Kerr
(1764-1837) m. 1790 Polly Kirkpatrick (1764-1810) (parents of John);
William Hannah (1775-1852) m. 1796 Mary Buchanan (1773-1843); Drury
Ragsdale m. 1790 Sophia Waller (1776-1862). 5. Robert Kerr m. 1763
Elizabeth Bailey; Robert Hannah m. 1773 Mary Kilpatrick (b. 1755). Robert Kerr
(1720-1808) served as private in Captain Chamber's company, Col. Moses Hazen's
regiment, Continental troops. He was born in Scotland; died in
Augusta County, Va. Drury Ragsdale
(1755-1820) served as captain, 1777-80, in Col. Charles Harrison's 1st
regiment of artillery, Continental troops. He was born and died in Virginia. Robert Hannah
(1750-1825) served as private under Captains Brent and Reddick, Colonels
Elliott and Lawson, 4th Virginia regiment. He was born in Virginia; died in
Augusta County, Va. 10 Mar. 1730 (359) History
of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 1883 James Cunningham was
one of the pioneers who settled near Donegal meeting-house in 1723. He took up
several hundred acres of land adjoining the glebe land on the north. On the
10th day of March, 1730, he sold to John Gass, whose executors, in 1736, sold
to William McClelland and Michael McCleery, who, in 1739, sold to James Kerr,
who sold to Andrew Kerr, William Wilson, and William Kerr. CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING
OF KERR FAMILY IN AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA Scotch-Irish in
Virginia, Augusta County Court Records 7 JULY 1743 District court list of
deeds recorded in Orange Co VA executed by Benjamin Border … to John Carr. 9 DECEMBER 1745. County Court
formed--First Justices: James Patton, John Buchanan, Peter Scholl, Robert Campbell,
Robert Poage, Thomas Lewis, Robert Cunningham, Richard Woods, Robert Craven, Adam
Dickinson, John Anderson, John Lewis, George Robinson, James Bell, John Brown, John
Pickens, Hugh Thomson, John Finla, John Christian, James Kerr, Andrew Pickens. 10 DECEMBER 1745. Robert Young---Constable---vice John Kerr in
Richard Woods's Co. 10 FEBREAURY 1745/6. Daniel Griffeths committed by James Kerr for
stealing a horse from Edward Franklin of Orange,
acquitted. 11 FEBRUARY 1745. John Carre (Kerr) spec. bail for Hugh Martin. 29 JULY 1745 Hugh Ross, 100 Acres
on Walker’s Run between place called McCaden’s and Samuel Carr’s. 15 APRIL 1746. Carr vs. Smith -- £4 Penna. Curcy.== £3 Cur.
Money, Va. 13 JUNE 1746 John Kerr witnessed
land transaction between Samuel Henderson and George Hutchinson. 22 NOVEMBER 1746 John Kerr witnessed
land transaction between Samuel Norwood and John Gilmer on Tees Creek. 7 MARCH 1747 Thomas Stevenson and
David Edmiston processioned for John Kerr .&. James Kerr. 21 MAY 1747. Grand Jury Presentments: Col. Thomas Chew,
common swearer; John Bramham, sheriff, common
swearer; John O'Neal and Mary Corbit, alias Smith, adultery; James Kerr, disturber of
common peace by carrying lies and as a common lyer; Valentine Sevear, swearing six oaths;
Ro. Harper, being drunk and swearing three prophane oaths; John Bramham, for
prophanely desiring God to damn George Robinson and his company; Robert Young, breach
of Sabbath; James Kerr, breach of Sabbath; James Burk, common swearer. JUNE 1747 William Carr appointed
constable. Vice constable, James
Gillespy. 17 MARCH 1748 John Carr owed estate
of David Moore. James Fulton, John
Montgomery, Patric Hays took inventory. 19 MAY 1748 William Kerr witnessed
land transaction of Robert Black and John
Miller. 13 SEPTEMBER 1748 Richard Kerr owed
estate of Col James Patton. 23 JUNE 1748 James Kerr, 400 Acres
between his son William’s land and Beverly Manor. FEBRUARY 1749 (A). John Hind vs. John
Kerr.--In consideration of marriage by plaintiff of Jane, daughter of defendant,
defendant promised plaintiff land. Married 1749. Writ dated 4th December, 1749.
Defendant refused to make conveyance and suit. 26 FEBRUARY 1749 John Kerr to John
Hind, 100 A’s in loop neck of Cathey’s River near Thomas Story line. Dower released by Lucy, wife of John Kerr. 28 JUNE 1749 Jean Kerr married John
Hinds, Augusta Co VA. [marriage
records] 16 AUGUST 1749 John Pickens, 400
Acres between Kerr’s land and Hamilton’s old place, and 400 Acres between John
Keer’s land and John Carr. 24 AUGUST 1749. 264) William Parks's
2464 acres on So. Br. Potomac to be valued by Geo. Sea, MartiStroup, John
Knight Owells (O'Neils), Henry Kerr, John Skelton, John Patton, Jr., James Rutledge and
John Smith. NOVEMBER 1749 Valuation of improvements
on 2464 Acres belonging to William Parks on Southern Border Potomac, viz …
John Kerre’s improvements … 17 NOVEMBER 1749 Petition for road from
Joseph Long’s mill to James Young’s
mill and by William Hall’s on the North
River and into the Great Road on James Thompson’s plantation, … it is our course to
meeting, market and mill. John Kerr
[signed]. 5 MARCH 1750 John Carr, where he
lives on Middle Creek …. 2 APRIL 1750 John Allison, 100
Acres adjoining John Kerr, Robert Dickson, James Henderson. 18 MAY 1750 James Patton,
Gentleman, to James Carre, late of
Lancaster Co PA, 474 Acres 22 MAY 1750 Borden to David Carr,
368 Acres on Kennedy’s Mills Creek, adjoining corner of John Kerr. 20 AUGUST 1750 David Carr, John
Wilson, William McCutchen, appaised estate of James Shields, cordwainer. 28 AUGUST 1750 Henry Carr … added to
list of tithables. 27 AUGUST 1751 John Robinson , wife
Jean, to William Kerr along corner of James Kerr. 20 MAY 20 1752. Elizabeth Perkins and
her two sons, George and William Skillern, bound to peace towards James Carr. 19 AUGUST 1752 James Edmiston, son
and heir of and adm of David Edmiston
and Isabella Edmiston, relict and heir and
adm. Witness, Andrew Kerr. 28 NOVEMBER 1752 James Patton, Gent, to
Richard Carr, 240 Acres on Welsh Run of Roanoke River. 21 MARCH 1752 David Kerr and
Kathrine, to Robert Gray, 200 Acres along Kennedy’s Mill Creek adj John Kerr’s line. 21 MARCH 1753. (415) Joseph Long and
James Young, overseers, with Robert Young, Joseph Long, Samuel Gibson, Solomon
Whitley, John Collier, William Hall, Gilbert Crawford, George Gibson, John
Ruckman, Thomas Burton, Wm. Wadington, Wm. Brown, James Moore, John Hanna, James
Huston, Wm. Todd, James Bats, James Todd, James Young, Patrick Young, John Carr and
James Campbell--keep the road from Joseph Long's Mill to James Young's Mill,
thence to the Great Road on James Thompson's Plantation. 23 MARCH 1753 Richard Kerr … made
evaluations of improvements of William Carravin property on waters of Roanoke. 13 AUGUST 1753 John Kerr and Ann to
Francis Beatty, 336 Acres adj David Kerr on Kennedy’s Mill Creek. David Kerr, witness. 15 AUGUST 1753 to … William Carr …
appraisement of Michael Rady by James Bell, William Long, and Thomas Stuart. AUGUST 1753 William Kerr to Edward
Rutledge, Flag Spring on Middle River.
Wit, John Hind, Andrew Kerr, John
Pickens, and William Kerr. OCTOBER 1753 ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. page 75 Page 205. - James Kerr 24 NOVEMBER 1753. Road ordered--Wm. Carravan, overseer--from
Charles Millicons to Wm. Carravan's, with these
workers: Wm. Ralston and his sons, Charles Millicon, James, Joseph and Edward
McDonald, Joseph and David Robinson, James Galliad, Archd. Graham, David Miller,
Hugh Mills, Richard Kerr, Wm. Miller, Wm. Graham, David and Joshua McCormick,
Tobias Smith, Steven Rentfro. 20 AUGUST 1754 John Kerr, yeoman, and
Margaret (her mark) to John McNee, yeoman, on Tees Creek. 29 AUGUST 1754 David Kerr and
Catherine, plantationer, to Arthur Kennedy, on Kennedy’s Mill Creek. 1755 Samuel Given
processioned for James Carr … for John Carr… for Andrew Carr 15 APRIL 1755 Richard Carr, Hugh
Mills, William Carravin appraised property of William Miller. 4 AUGUST 1755 Estate of John Glass
owed … William Carr. 1755 AUGUSTA CO VA FEE
BOOK James Carr, delinquent Samuel Carr Andrew Carr Richard Carr John Keer 27 NOVEMBER 1755 …subscribers have
processioned all the patroned land within bounds of Cap’t Christian’s Co … from
William Kerr. 1756 Processioned by James
Allen, for John Carr. 18 NOVEMEBER 1757 Michael Riley’s estate
owed William Kerr. MARCH, 1758 (B). Alexr. Wright vs.
Andrew Kerr.--June 14, 1754. To Rutherford, on faith. Henry, on sacrament. 20 MAY 1758 Jane Thompson, d/o
Alexander Thompson, bound to William Kerr. 28 JUNE 1758 Henry Carr owed estate
of Peter Moser. 29 JULY 1759 Martha Fruit’s will
(widow) left to William Care one bed and one horse. Everything else left
to Jean Logan. 18 AUGUST 1759 John Kerr of Rowan Co
NC to James Hamilton, on Middle River at mouth of Christian’s Creek
between Long Meadow Run and Christian’s Creek. James Kerr, wit. 26 APRIL 1760 page 328 Samuel Bell vs. James
Kerr, of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; John Hind, and Edward
Rutledge.--Bond by defendants, 26th April, 1760. 20 MAY 1760 Processioned by John
Malkem and Alexander Blair for John Keer. 2 JUNE 1760 Original patent by
Frau Fauquier to William Carr on Cathey’s River, corner Beverly Main line. 19 NOVEMBER 1760 Samuel Carr and
Margaret, to James Hughes and Anrew Greer, 224 Acres on Big Meadow Run. 24 NOVEMBER 1760 William Kerr, George
Trout, Geo Patterson appraised property of Thomas Cadden. 17 FEBRUARY 1760 Samuel Bell and
Margaret, to James Kerr, blacksmith, 300 Acres at mouth of Christian’s Creek on
Middle River, 17 FEBRUARY 1761 James Carr … hog and
cow mark and horse brand recorded. 19 MAY 1761 John Kerr and Lucie to
Hugh Botkin, 174 Acres on a draught of North River of Shanadoe. Wit, William Kerr. 19 MAY 1761 John Kerr and Lucie to
William Mathers 275 Acres on a branch of Middle River. Wit, James Kerr and John
Hind. 19 MAY 1761 John Hind and wife
Jean, to Hugh Allen, 100 A in loop neck of Cathey’s River adj William Kerr’s line. 20 MAY 1761 John Kerr and Lucie to
John Allison, 10 Acres on East side of Shanando betwixt land of John Kerr and
Andrew Kerr. NOVEMBER, 1761. Kerr vs.
Kennedy.--John Kerr, of Carlisle, and County Cumberland, Pennsylvania. 1761 AUGUSTA CO VA FEE
BOOK James Carr,
blacksmith. 17 FEBRUARY 1762. Catherine Brown to be bound to John Kerr. Rob. Armstrong is appointed guardian of
Lydia, James and Jane Armstrong orphans of James
Armstrong. William Wilson, orphan of John Wilson, chose Roger Keys his guardian.
Church Wardens to bind out John and Christian Stiffey, Walter, James and Francis Dunn.
Children of Philip Hoofman to be bound out. Commission for examination of Rachel,
wife of Andrew Kerr. John Stuart, orphan of James Stuart, to be bound out. FEBRUARY, 1762. Samuel Bell vs. James Kerr, of Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania; John Hind, and Edward Rutledge.--Bond
by defendants, 26th April, 1760. FEBRUARY, 1762 James Kerr vs Bell ….
James Kerr in Cumberland Co PA. 24 FEBRUARY 1762. Wm. Carr, assignee,
vs. John Chambers--Defendant having made oath that he is not the person
indebted—dismissed FEBRUARY 1762 Andrew Kerr and Rachel
to John Allison, 77 Acres on Middle River on Shanandoe. 17 AUGUST 1762 James Kerr of Roanoke
Co NC to Patrick Hays in Derry Twsh, Lancaster Co PA. 272 Acres in Beverly
Manor. 18 AUGUST 1762 Richard Kerr to Israel
Christian, 240 Acres on Welsh Run, a branch of Roan Oak. 22 APRIL 1763 Jacob Carr’s corner
referred to in land transaction on Cathey’s River of George Rodgers and Elizabeth,
Robert Rodgers, of Augusta Co VA. 15 NOVEMBER 1763. 451 acres of John
Kerr's land added to tithables. 190 acres of Wm. Kerr's land added to tithables.
375 acres of Saml. Hind's land added to tithables. 112 acres of Wm. Mather's land added to tithables. 17 MARCH 1764 George Skillern and Elisabeth to James Kerr , £1.10, 1 acre, 3 roods,
10 perches, in fork of Christian's Creek and Middle River of
Shanandore, part of 180 acres patented to John Kerr, 5th September, 1749, and
by John to James Hamilton, and conveyed to George, on Christian's Creek.
Teste: Jno. Anderson, Robert Wilson, William Kerr. Delivered: James Kerr,
10th June, 1771. 17 MAY 1764 James Carr to William
Robertson, 3 tracts on Long Meadow of Middle Creek AUGUST, 1764 Kerr vs. Bell &
Hamilton.--James Kerr, of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Bond, 1760, conditioned to
sell land on Christian's Creek by Bell & Hamilton to Kerr. 17 AUGUST 1764 Andrew Kerr and Rachel
to Timithy Coll, 153 Acres on Middle River adj William Kerr’s line. 20 NOVEMBER 1764. Dabney Carr qualified
Attorney. 20 MAY 1767. Hugh Allen appointed
surveyor of highway from James Given's Mill, by his house, to Stone Meeting
House, and the following to work the road: Saml. Hinds, Robt. Stevenson, Wm. Kerr,
John Stewart, John Campbell, James Allen, John Anderson, Hugh Allen, William
McClure, James Allen, Saml. Bell, Andrew Lockhart, John Burnside, Saml. McKee, James Searight,
Thos. Storey. 19 AUGUST 1764 Hugh Allen appointed
surveyor of highway from James Given’s Mill by his house to Stone Meeting House
and the following to work the road … William Kerr… 24 AUGUST 1767. Gilbert Carr, returned
no inhabitant. 17 NOVEMBER 1767. Thos. Carr, runaway servant of James McGill. 20 NOVEMBER 1767. Witnesses: Thos. Kerr, Wm. Long, Saml.
Wright. 1767 AUGUSTA CO VA FEE
BOOK William Kerr, Middle
River. MARCH 1768 James Karr and Mary of
Bedford Co VA to Henry Cartmill, 120 Acres on Purgatory Creek. 18 MAY 1768 John Kerr and Lucy,
and William Kerr and Martha to James Laird adj John Allison. 18 MAY 1768 William Carr and
Martha to Andrew McClure, 164 Acres on
Middle Creek. 16 AUGUST 1768 John Carr and Lucy to
William McClure, 150 Acres in Beverly Manor on branch of Middle Creek. 1768 AUGUSTA CO VA FEE
BOOK William McClure,
Middle River (from Kerr). James Kare, New River. John Wiley, Carr’s
Creek. James Carr,
blacksmith. 17 AUGUST 1769. Benj. Carr--witness
from Culpeper. 1769 AUGUSTA CO VE FEE
BOOK James Carr, North
River James Kerr,
blacksmith. 20 MARCH 1770. John Kerr, eldest son
of deceased, qualifies admr. of James Kerr. 20 MARCH 1779 …of Kerr’s Creek, formerly called Tee’s Creek, partly in
Botetourt and part in Augusta. 23 MARCH 1770 John Kerr, bond, for
administrator of James Kerr. 1770 AUGUSTA CO VA FEE
BOOK James Kerr,
blacksmith. 1771 AUGUSTA CO VA FEE
BOOK William Kerr, Middle
River |