William Alexander KERR

HAIRSTON.org ID#2797, b. about 1783, d. about 1857
Birth*William Alexander KERR was born about 1783 in North Carolina.1 
Marriage*He married Dorcas SHELBY, daughter of Evan SHELBY and Susannah Polk ALEXANDER, about 1807 in North Carolina. A marriage bond was signed by William A. Kerr on 9 February 1807 in Mecklenberg, North Carolina. William's surety was William Carr.2,3 
Census 1850*William Alexander KERR appeared on the census of 7 October 1850 in Shelby, Tennessee; Wm A Kerr 67 born in NC, Dorcas Kerr 61 born NC, Jas H Kerr 26 born NC.1 
Will*He left a will on 6 September 1856 in Shelby, Tennessee. His will mentions his wife Dorcas and her brother John M. Shelby. His sons Milton, Harvey, Moses H. and his daughters Mary C. Rudisill and Margaret Ware. He also mentions his granddaughter Joanna Kerr (a minor) and his grandsons Rufus and William Rudisill. William Kerr signed with his mark, not a signature.3,4 
Death*He died about 1857 in Shelby, Tennessee. 
Probate*His estate was probated on 17 December 1857 in Shelby, Tennessee. 

Family

Dorcas SHELBY b. a 1791, d. 5 Feb 1869
Children

Sources (www.HAIRSTON.org)

  1. [S1850] 1850 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  2. [S84] Shelby, Cass Knight - Paternal Ancestry of Louis Shelby - May 12, 1953, Hollidaysburg. Penn'a. Binder given to Louis Coffman Shelby (1888-1969) in 1953. Contains genealogy information, maps, photographs and an appendix with sources. Starts Evan Shelby Jr., Moses Shelby, Evan Shelby, John Milton Shelby, Charles Shelby and then Louis Shelby. There are handwritten notations indicating additional information.
  3. [S3547] Will of William A. Kerr - 6 September 1856, Probate 17 December 1857, Shelby County, Tennessee - Case #1788, unknown repository.
  4. [S3251] Tennessee Wills & Probate Records 1779-2008, Ancestry.com.
Last Edited31 Jan 2021