J. A. Kerr, the son of Jonathan D. and Matilda (Westlake) Kerr, was born in Chambersburg, Montgomery county, Ohio, July 7, 1853. He is a descendant of George Kerr, a native of the county of Kerry, Ireland, who came with his parents to America sometime prior to the Revolutionary war. George Kerr was a soldier in the army of Washington and after the war for independence was won, he, with other hardy, adventurous men emigrated to the Northwest territory, and was one of the first settlers in Marietta, Ohio. In 1813 he moved to Lebanon, Ohio. One of George Kerr's sons, James Kerr, married Miss Sallie Thompson, whose early history was one of thrilling interest and is published in this volume; and her son, J. T. Kerr, is the father of our subject. It would be interesting to trace the family history back to the time when they left old Ireland for a home in America, but the writer has not the record to give a correct statement of the ancestors of the Kerr family.

The father of J. A. Kerr was a farmer and a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and was desirous that his children should receive as good education as his means would permit. J. A. Kerr spent his early years upon the farm and attended the common schools until the age of sixteen. He was sent for two winters to the Normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, where he studied mathematics and surveying. He afterwards studied law and at the age of twenty- three he was admitted to practice in the courts of Ohio and in the United States courts, and located in Tippecanoe in 1876. He has ever since devoted time and energy to the practice. He is a successful practitioner, a close student of the law and has won for himself a large clientage and a fine reputation as an able attorney.

In politics he is a Democrat, but he is an independent thinker and does not hesitate to criticize the mistakes of his own party. He indulges now and then in writing humorous sketches and as a humorist has a local reputation. He is a constant reader and is inclined to use his pen on political and literary subjects, and is at present connected with the Troy Democrat, the leading Democratic paper of this county.

Mr. Kerr was married to Miss Elizabeth Coote, in 1873, and one daughter and a son have blessed their home. She has been indeed a helpmate to her husband in all his enterprises. The daughter has passed away. The son, a young man of eighteen years, is the comfort and pride of his parents.

J. A. Kerr is now in the prime of manhood, and has yet before him a life of much usefulness. He has by his practice accumulated a comfortable competence and won a reputation as a man of intellect and ability. He has the energy and industry that will win victory in the battle of life.