Major James Kerr

Kerr's Jackson County years began in May 1827, when he signed a treaty with the Karankawas and, as one of Austin's Old Three Hundred, received title to a league here. He is said to have raised the county's first crop, and his cabin became the place new settlers were greeted. In 1833 he married Sarah Fulton, a foster daughter of John J. Linn. Family members admitted he was not much for looks, and he enjoyed a story about a stranger who threatened to shoot him for being uglier than himself. He died at home here on December 25, 1850.

What the plaque says

Major James Kerr 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. (1972)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Mission Nuestra Señora del Espiritu Santo de Zuñiga — 7.4 mi
• Famous Lavaca-Navidad Meeting of 1835 — 7.5 mi
• Brackenridge Cemetery — 7.5 mi
• Hernandez v. State of Texas — 7.6 mi