John Kerr Jr. (congressman)
John Kerr Jr. (February 10, 1811 – September 5, 1879) was a Congressman and jurist from North Carolina.
Early life
He was born near Danville, Virginia, on February 10, 1811, the son of John Kerr. The younger Kerr completed academic studies in Richmond, Virginia. He studied law, and was admitted to the bar.
Career
He commenced practice in Yanceyville, North Carolina. He served as a trustee of Wake Forest College 1844-1856, and of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 1846–1868.
He was an unsuccessful Whig candidate for Governor of North Carolina in 1852. He was elected as a Whig to the Thirty-third Congress (March 4, 1853– March 3, 1855). He lost a reelection campaign in 1854. He was a member of the State house of representatives in 1858 and 1860; judge of the superior court of North Carolina, 1862–1863 and 1874–1879.
He died in Reidsville, North Carolina, September 5, 1879; interment in the City Cemetery, Yanceyville, N.C.