Izard Co., AR - Biographies - Dr. J. A. Kerr

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Dr. J. A. Kerr, physician and surgeon, Newburg, [p.953] Ark. Among the younger
members of the medical profession in Izard County, Ark., is he whose name heads
this sketch, already well established as a physician and surgeon of merit and
true worth, and regarded with favor by those older in years and experience. He
is a native of this State and county, and is one of nine children, seven now
living, born to John and Ann (Mennox) Kerr. The children are named as follows:
G. W., resides in Izard County; J. A., Mrs. Mary J. Hays, of this county; Mrs.
Indiana Evans, of this county; John M., of this county; T. J., resides in
Newburg; Mrs. Maggie Strond, wife of D. J. Strond, of this county; Benjamin F.,
died in 1869 at the age of eleven years, and one that died when quite young. The
parents were natives of Ireland, and the father came to America about 1843. He
landed in New York, but immediately made his way to Nashville, Tenn., where he
remained for seventeen years, and where he was engaged in the carpenter's trade
exclusively. He was there married to Miss Mennox, who came over from Ireland
when he did, and who settled in Nashville, Tenn. Both he and wife were orphans,
and came over from the old country with an old man and his family. In 1860 they
settled at Batesville, Independence County, remained there for some time, the
father engaging in the carpenter business, and then moved to Izard County, where
he still continued his trade up to 1870, after which he embarked in the
mercantile business. In 1884 he retired to private life on his farm, and there
received his final summons, in 1886, at the age of fifty-six years. Mrs. Kerr
still survives and resides on the old homestead. Mr. Kerr was a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which
his wife is still a member. Dr. J. A. Kerr received his education in the public
schools of his county until 1880, when he entered the Medical College at
Louisville, and attended regularly until 1882, when he graduated. He then
returned immediately to Izard County and entered upon the practice of his
profession at this place, and his reputation as a physician and surgeon, as well
as in private life, is an enviable one. The Doctor is yet a young man, as his
birth occurred in 1857, and he was married in 1882 to Miss Emma Wood, of this
county. The fruits of this union have been four children, three now living:
Clarence E. (deceased), Neely T., Oscar and Roscoe (twins). Mrs. Kerr was born
in 1863, and is the daughter of William and Sarah (Benbrock) Wood, natives of
Tennessee, who came to Izard County at an early day. When Dr. Kerr first
commenced the practice of medicine his financial resources were rather limited,
a horse, saddle and bridle, and a pair of pill bags, filled, completed his
outfit. He is now the owner of some 500 acres of land, with about 135 acres
under cultivation, and is also the owner of property in Newburg, consisting of
house, store-house, office, vacant lots, and, besides, plenty of personal
property. He is building on his farm a fine residence, and already has a good
barn and out-buildings. The Doctor has made all this within the last ten years,
and by energy and perseverance. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and
politically he is Democratic. Mrs. Kerr is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.