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HON. CHARLES KERR, M.D. It is a pleasure to present to the public through the medium of the ALBUM a brief review of the life of Dr. Kerr and his portrait, which perpetuates for coming generations the features of an honored and influential citizen of Springfield. He belongs to that class of wide-awake, energetic men who achieve success for themselves and add to the reputation of the city in which they reside. As a physician and surgeon he is well known, having devoted more than thirty years to the practice of his chosen profession in Sangamon County. As a legislator he labored faithfully in the interests of the people whom he represented, and as one who offered his life for the preservation of the Union, he is an ardent patriot, as he was a brave soldier.
The Doctor was born in Ireland, of Scotch parentage, May 17, 1737, and when still a child, accompanied his parents to the United States, they settling in Morgan County, this State, about nine miles east of Jacksonville. The father, John Kerr, was a farmer by occupation and was an industrious, hard working man, who made warm friends wherever he went. Our subject received an ordinary common-school education and while yet quite young commenced to read medicine, and in the meantime engaged in teaching school. He attended Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1865, at a time when the nation was plunged in the midst of an unhappy war.
Prior to graduating Dr. Kerr was First Assistant Surgeon of the Fifty-ninth Regiment, and after leaving college he joined that regiment, serving faithfully until December, 1865, when he was mustered out of service. While at the front he was conspicuous for bravery and never at any time tried to shirk the duties which beset the pathway of every true soldier. When peace was restored the Doctor was honorably discharged and returning to the pursuits of civil life, entered upon the practice of his profession in Pawnee, Sangamon County, where he remained until 1884, gaining a large and lucrative practice and a reputation as a reliable and well-informed physician. In fact, he became so popular among the citizens that he was selected as the one most fitted to represent the people in the Legislature, and was the Representative of the Capital District to the Thirty-fourth General Assembly. He aided in making the memorable fight for Gen. John A. Logan, which lasted four months, from January 19, until May 19, and was also a member of several important committees.
After the adjournment of the Legislature Dr. Kerr commenced the practice of medicine in Springfield, in June, 1885, and here he has since remained a popular citizen, and a trusted physician. He owns one of the finest farms in the neighborhood of Springfield, and formerly devoted much attention to the raising of blooded cattle and horses, but at present the demands of his profession are such as to exclude other business. As a member of the Republican party he has always worked faithfully in behalf of his political convictions and has always taken great interest in party principles.
In 1888 he was a candidate for Congress, representing the Republican party, and succeeded in cutting down the majority of the Hon. William Springer to about two thousand votes, Springer's majority in the district being from four thousand to five thousand. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Knights of Maccabees, Modern Woodmen of America, and Grand Army of the Republic.
Dr. Kerr has been three times married. He was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Sanders, of Pawnee Township, this county, in 1860, and of their union two children, Edward E. and Annie, were born. The latter is deceased; Edward is a physician at Chattanooga, Tenn. He graduated from the Chicago Medical college in 1887 and after one year in Mercy Hospital as Interne, went to Europe and took lectures at the Rotunda Lying-in-Hospital, Dublin, Ireland, being thoroughly prepared to follow his profession with credit to himself and to the honored name he bears. The second marriage of the Doctor occurred in 1866 the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah McMurry and three children were born to them, namely: Charles, Mabel and Maude. Charles is a pharmacist, while Mable and Maude are still at home. The present wife of the Doctor, who is a most estimable lady, was known in maidenhood as Mary Troxell, and was first married to a Mr. North. She is held in high regard by a large circle of acquaintances and is a fitting companion for her talented husband.