The [Union City] Evening Times
Friday, May 31, 1935, p. 1


LAST ROLL CALL

William Kerr - Joins Silent Majority After Long and Useful Life

He Was One of the Builders of Union City and Came Here in 1866


William Kerr closed his eyes in his last long peaceful sleep this morning at 40 minutes past 3 o'clock after an illness which covered a period of about five weeks. up to that time he retained his faculties to a remarkable degree considering the he was past 90 years old and mingled with friends and associates up town almost daily. His last trip up town was on Sunday, April 22. Shortly after that he took to his bed and it was the beginning of the end. The sands of life gradually ran out and he passed quietly and peacefully as stated this morning.

William Kerr was born in Bedford, Pa, Feb. 25, 1843 and he was therefor a little over 92 years of age at death. He was the son of Thomas and Susan Kerr and when William was a mere lad the family moved from Bedford, Pa. to Hagerstown, Ind. Later they moved to Greensfork and Richmond and in 1866 from Richmond to Union City which became the family's permanent home.

William at this time was 22 years of age. That early in life he began the splendid business career which was to place [him] at the very head of Union City's business affairs. He began to learn the tinners trade and hardware business in Pope's stove store and he had back of him at that early age an honorable record as a soldier who offered his all for his country enlisting when 19 years old in an Indiana regiment which he joined in Washington now known as Greensfork in Wayne county. He was honorably discharged at Murphysboro, Tenn. and returned to Union City.

He bought the Henry Beachler hardware store and became associated with his brothers in the hardware business which grew to be one of the foremost of its kind in eastern Indiana and western Ohio.

He was married Sept. 3, 1872 to Miss Mary Grindle, at Centerville, Ind. The following children were born to this union, all living but Ollie Kerr, the youngest member of the family who died when only 16.

The children surviving are Frank Kerr, Santiago, Calif., Harry Kerr, Cincinnati, O., Walter Kerr, Elmer Kerr, Miss Margaret and Miss Susan Kerr, all residing in Union City.

The faithful wife and mother passed to her reward many years ago.

Wm. Kerr never held public office but he could have done so had he desired, for he was highly capable of filling any place and few men were better posted on the city's needs and condition. His staunch and sturdy honestness was proverbial and all men trusted him.

For 17 years Wm. Kerr was president of the old commercial Bank and its success was in a large measure due to his ability and his personality.

He was also a christian and a devout member of the Presbyterian church. In politics he was a life-long Democrat and he was always ready to stand staunchly by his party.

[Evening Times p. 2]

As was said in these columns in the issue of Feb. 25, 1935 One feels that Wm. Kerr's has been a life well lived with devotion to his family as one of his dominant traits and that when the passing come he will leave behind him only memories of kindly deeds and loving service.

While he took life seriously he was always pleasant and companionable in his daily walks of life and so he will be deeply mourned and long remembered by the city and community of which he was an honored and loved member.

Besides the above he is survived by two brothers, Wash and Tom of this city.

The Times wishes to extend sincere sympathy to the surviving members of the family in their hour of sorrow and great loss.

The funeral will take place Monday at 2 p.m. from the residence, corner of Columbia and Division street, conducted by Rev. Forbes Robertson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. Interment in the City Cemetery.

Note: Obituary accompanied by a picture.



The [Union City] Evening Times
Friday, May 31, 1935, p. 1

[Death Notice]

DIED: – William Kerr passed away at 20 minutes until 4 o'clock a.m. May 31, 1935, after an illness of four weeks. Age 92 years, 3 months and 6 days. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon, in charge of Rev. Forbes Robertson, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. Burial in the Union City Cemetery.