Troy Times Civil War casul

KERR, WILLIAM H. - Of chronic diarrhea; on the 14th of June, on board the gunboat Chocktaw, at the mouth of Red River, William H. Kerr, aged 17 years and 7 months. The most of our young people will remember young Kerr with interest. He was the son of Mrs. Martha Kerr. His father having died when he was very young, William became a member of his grandfather Fowler's family, where he has lived ever since, until, on the 2nd of Feb. last he entered the gunboat service of the U. S. He was first appointed to the gunboat Eastport and shared in all the severe toils and perils of the disastrous Red River expedition. When after incredible hardships and suffering, the crew were compelled to abandon the Eastport--she was blown up, and William was transferred to the Ozark. On the 5th of June, he was temporarily sent on board the Chocktaw, as acting surgeon Steward, it was while aboard this vessel that he was attacked with the disease which terminated his life on the 14th of June. On the 15th he was sadly and reverently borne to his burial by the officers and crew of the Ozark. His remains lie at the mouth of Red River--on the left bank going down. Both officers and men of the boat to which he belonged speak of him in the very highest terms, for his mind, gentlemanry bearing as well for his promptness in duty and strict obedience to orders. He was always a good boy, upright truthful and obedient. Something like a year ago he became deeply interested in the matter of person religion, consecrated himself to the service of God and became a member of the M. E. Church of this place. Until the time of his death he continued to be a consistent member. He was a good Christian and a brave patriotic boy. He feared God and tried to do his duty to his country. He wrote many touching letters to his mother, in which he expressed his full confidence in God, his freedom from the fear of death, his desire to do his whole duty in this hour of peril, and his determination, if necessary, to die for his country. Thus nobly at his post another of the Troy boys has fallen. One, who though only a little more than 17 years old, in his manly bearing and heroic courage seemed to be much older, and in his self-sacrificing spirit has left a bright example for other to imitate. A mere lad, yet a Christian, a patriot, a hero and a martyr. May the dear friends who are called to mourn over his premature death, be spared to see in the successful crushing of this rebellion, that the great sacrifice which they have made is by no means in vain.