Peter Kerr
Burnet, Burnet County, Texas
Marker Inscription
1795-1861 One of "Old 300" of Stephen F. Austin's first colony; from Pennsylvania. Took part in 1836 war for Texas Independence. He made and lost several stakes. In 1851 bought a league and labor of Burnet County land, including site of Fort Croghan. Amassed wealth as army beef contractor. Gave 100 acres and town square for Burnet County seat. To build a college here, he willed $23,500 and 6,359 acres of land to Burnet. The will was broken; city got a 2-acre site for a public school. It is said "he never refused to help when he observed its need." (1970)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A Pennsylvania native and one of Stephen F. Austin's 'Old 300' original colonists, Peter Kerr took part in the 1836 war for Texas independence and made and lost several fortunes before buying a league of Burnet County land in 1851 that included Fort Croghan. Grown wealthy as an army beef contractor, he gave 100 acres and the town square for the county seat and willed a fortune in land and cash to found a college — a bequest later broken in court, leaving the town only a small school site. Neighbors said 'he never refused to help when he observed its need.'
Why it matters
Kerr belongs to the foundational Anglo-Texas colonists whose land, generosity, and public gifts literally laid out the towns and institutions of the new frontier.
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Related people
- · Peter Kerr
- · Stephen F. Austin
Themes & tags
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