Major James Kerr
Edna, Jackson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Born in Danville, Ky.; served in War of 1812 and as sheriff, state representative, state senator in Missouri. Came to Texas as DeWitt Colony's surveyor-general; laid out town of Gonzales, July 1825. In 1827 moved to Jackson County, which he represented in 1832, 1833 conventions, serving in 1833 on committee to draft constitution for proposed state of Texas. On July 17, 1835, was chairman of the Lavaca-Navidad meeting, an early public protest against Mexican authorities' mistreatment of settlers. Served in Republic of Texas Congress in 1838-1839. He was also a practicing physician.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
James Kerr carried a full American life into early Texas: born in Kentucky, a veteran of the War of 1812, and a sheriff, legislator, and senator in Missouri before he came south as surveyor-general of DeWitt's Colony. He laid out the town of Gonzales in 1825 and settled in Jackson County, where he helped draft the framework for a proposed state of Texas and, in July 1835, chaired an early public protest against Mexican rule. He later served in the Republic of Texas Congress—and practiced medicine besides.
Why it matters
Kerr embodies the surveyor-statesmen who mapped, organized, and politically agitated the way from Mexican colony to independent Texas republic.
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Related people
- · James Kerr
Related events
- · Lavaca-Navidad meeting
Themes & tags
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