John Kerr Jr.

John Kerr Jr. (February 10, 1811 – September 5, 1879) was a Congressman and jurist from North Carolina. From 1853 to 1855, he served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Whig.

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 a legal practice in Yanceyville, North Carolina. He also served as a trustee of Wake Forest College from 1844 to 1856, and of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1846 to 1868.

Congress 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.

Later career He was a member of the State house of representatives in 1858 and 1860, and a judge of the superior court of North Carolina from 1862 to 1863 and 1874 to 1879.

Death He died in Reidsville, North Carolina, September 5, 1879; interment in the City Cemetery, Yanceyville, N.C.