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Carrie Inez Lambert Kerr
Birth: 	Apr. 28, 1862
Mount Gilead
Morrow County
Ohio, USA
Death: 	Oct. 9, 1936
Manning
Carroll County
Iowa, USA

Carrie Inez Lambert was born Apr 28, 1862 at Mt. Gillead, Morrow County,
Ohio and died Oct 9, 1936 in Manning, Carroll County, Iowa at the age of 74.

She married Calvin Leonidas Kerr on Dec 17, 1884, at Newton, Jasper County,
Iowa. He was the son of James Elder Kerr, Jr. and Clarissa Ann Beatty. He
was born Jul 11, 1853 and died Aug 10, 1936 at the age of 83.

Carrie's obituary stated her place of birth as "Gilliad" Ohio, but her
parents were living in Mt. Gilead, as well established by records of the
time. When she was three, in 1865, her family moved to Illinois, then on
to Jasper County, Iowa, two years later.

About that time, in 1865, Carrie had her portrait taken, showing her sitting
in a child's chair. Perhaps three years later, about 1868, she again had
her portrait taken, this time with a doll. Both the portrait and the doll
have been preserved to this day.

Carrie first appeared in official records during the 1870 U. S. census
of Newton Township, Jasper County, Iowa when she was enumerated with her
parents as Carrie I. Lambert, age 8, born in Ohio.

Carrie was enumerated with her parents during the 1880 U. S. census of
Newton Township, Jasper County, Iowa, as Carrie Lambert, 18, single, born
in Ohio. She was educated in the area schools, and taught in the rural
schools of Jasper County.

About this time, Carrie sat for a formal portrait of her with her parents. It
survives to this day.

In 1885, Calvin united with the Methodist Church, and remained a member for
the next fifty years. In 1887, Calvin and Carrie, with their newborn son,
Francis Lambert Kerr, moved to Manilla, Crawford County, Iowa, where Calvin
became engaged in selling buggies and harness.

In 1888, Carrie sat for another formal portrait. It survives to this day.

On 05 March 1889, C. L. and his wife Carrie L. Kerr of Crawford County, Iowa,
sold the 80 acres in Saunders County, Nebraska, that he had purchased ten
years earlier, to Vencl Kacirek of Saunders County, for $1500, $100 short
of quadrupling his investment.

On 29 February 1892, Calvin signed a promissory note to John G. Wirtle of
Newton, Iowa, for $250, at 7 percent interest per annum. F. W. Lambert,
his father-in-law, cosigned the note. It was paid off, as PAID was written
across the face of the note.

In 1894, Calvin and family moved to the farm southeast of Manilla, Crawford
County, Iowa, and occupied the land that they had purchased two years earlier.

Calvin L. and his wife Carrie L. Kerr were enumerated during the 1895 Iowa
State census for Manilla, Crawford County, Iowa, as Calvin L., 41, born in
Ohio, buggy dealer, Meth.[odist], subject to military duty, entitled to vote
at general elections; and Carrie L., 32, born in Ohio, Meth.. Enumerated with
them was their only child, Francis L. Kerr, 7, born in Jasper County, Iowa.

Calvin and Carrie maintained a detailed income and expense account in a
bound, 8" x 13", 127- page ledger for the period 03 January 1899 to 23 January
1914. In it, they recorded every household expense, including the cost of each
grocery item. Income for the month of January, 1899, for example, included
$10.23 for 64.75 pounds of butter and $2.42 for 14 dozen eggs. In February,
1899, they received $125.15 for four head of cattle, and $233.47 for 35 hogs.

Expenses shown in the ledger for January, 1899 included $100 for 400 bushels
of corn, $10.15 for dry goods and groceries, $2.60 for medicine, $1.60 for
shoeing horses, $1.95 for lumber, $.10 for beef, and $.30 for making out
papers. In February, 1899, they paid $.10 for coffee, $1.50 for clothing,
$2.00 for oil and can, $2.92 for dry goods and groceries, $7.70 for clover
seed, $1.50 for coal, and $.15 for hand medicine.

The Calvin L. and Carrie Kerr family were enumerated in the 1900 U. S. census
for Jefferson Township, Shelby County, Iowa as Calvin L., head of family,
born Jul 1853, age 46, born in Ohio, parents born in Ohio, farmer fully
employed, owned his mortgaged home; and Carrie, wife, born Apr 1862, age 38,
born in Ohio, parents born in Ohio. They had been married for 15 years. With
them was their son, Francis L., born Jun 1888, age 12. He was born in Ohio,
and he was listed "at school." Actually, Francis was born in 1887, and he
would have been 13 one week later. Perhaps the census taker, hearing that
he was 12, and was having a birthday that month, miscalculated his date of
birth by one year.

On 23 March 1907, Calvin L. and his wife Carrie Kerr of Shelby County,
Iowa, mortgaged their 80 acres for $1500. The note was due 01 October 1912,
at five percent per annum, payable on the first day of October and April
in each year. They signed a promissory note, negotiated by J. G. Wadsworth
of Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, with interest coupon notes
attached written in amounts of $37.50, payable twice a year. All the coupon
notes were stamped in red, "CANCELLED."

On 18 April 1907, J. G. Wadsworth of Council Bluffs, did "hereby assign,
transfer and set over unto the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, a
corporation under the laws of New Jersey, located at Newark, New Jersey,"
the mortgage dated 23 March 1907 signed by Calvin L. and his wife Carrie
Kerr. On 05 July 1910, The Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, certified
that it received full payment of all sums due on the mortgage.

Calvin L. and Carrie L. Kerr were enumerated in the 1910 U. S. census for
Jefferson Township, Shelby County, Iowa as Calvin L., head of the family,
age 56, born in Ohio, both parents born in Ohio, farmer, stock and grain;
Carrie L., wife, age 47, assisting on the farm, born in Ohio, both parents
born in Ohio. They had been married 25 years. With them was their only child,
Francis L. Kerr, age 22, single, born in Iowa, assisting on the home farm.

On 16 June 1913, Carrie L. Kerr of Shelby County bought lot 6 in block 30 in
the town of Manilla just a few miles from the family farm, from her mother
Phebe A. Lambert, a widow, of Crawford County, Iowa, for $1500. Calvin and
Carrie moved into Manilla, Crawford County, Iowa, and resided there with
her mother, leaving their farm to their only child, Francis Lambert Kerr.

In Manilla, Calvin, Carrie, and Phoebe were all enumerated in the 1920
U. S. census there, as Calvin L. Kerr, head of family, age 66, no occupation;
Carrie I. Kerr, wife, 58, no occupation; and Phoebe A. Lambert, mother-in-law,
80, no occupation. All were born in Ohio, and all their parents were born
in Ohio. Actually, both of Phoebe's parents were born in New Jersey, as
established by previous and later documentation.

The 1930 U. S. census for Manilla, district 18, listed C. L. Kerr, head
of the family, owned his own home valued at $1500, owned a radio, married,
age 31 at first marriage, age 76, born in Ohio, both parents born in Ohio,
no occupation; Carrie Kerr, 67, age 22 at first marriage, born in Ohio,
both parents born in Ohio, no occupation; and Ann Lambert, mother-in-law,
91, born in Ohio, both parents born in New Jersey, no occupation.

Two months after Calvin's death, Carrie died on 09 October 1936 at
the Wyatt Memorial Hospital in Manning, in adjacent Carroll County,
Iowa. Dr. O. W. Wyatt of Manning certified that he had attended her from 25
September to 09 October, and that she died at 9:38 a.m. of "hypertrophy and
acute dilation of heart," with onset of 09 October, and secondary causes
of "chronic arthritis (several years) and fracture of hip (17 September
1936)." Dr. Wyatt indicated that the hip fracture happened during a fall
in the home, and was not in any way related to her occupation. Carrie's
son Francis L. Kerr of Manilla, Iowa served as the informant for the death
certificate's personal and statistical particulars. She was the widow of
C. L. Kerr, a housewife, and was born on 28 April 1862. She had lived to be 74
years, 5 months, and 11 days old. She was the daughter of Francis W. Lambert
and Phoebe Ann Brokaw. All three were born in Ohio. The licensed embalmer
was Gilbert J. Disburg of Manilla, and burial was in the Manilla cemetery
on 11 October 1936. (Although the doctor certified that her injury occurred
at home in Carroll County, her home was actually in adjacent Crawford County.)

Carrie was buried next to Calvin in the Nishnabotny Cemetery near Manilla. Her
tombstone reads, "Mother Carrie Lambert Kerr 1862 - 1936."

Her obituary appeared in The Manilla Times for 15 October 1936, and was a
good summary of her life:

Held Services Sunday For Mrs. C. L. Kerr
Mrs. C. L. Kerr passed away Friday morning at the Wyatt Memorial hospital in
Manning. She suffered two bad falls recently and about two weeks ago she was
removed to the hospital where she was found to have a fractured hip. Although
they had been unable to set the fractured member her condition was considered
favorable until Friday morning when embolism caused her immediate death.
Carrie L. Kerr was born April 28, 1862, at Gilliad, Ohio, the daughter
of Francis W. and Phoebe Ann Lambert, and passed away October 9th, 1936,
being 74 years, 5 months and 11 days at the time of her death.  As a child
she lived with her parents in Illinois until she was 3 years of age when
they moved to Newton, Iowa. It was there she gained her education in the
schools of that district and where she also taught in the rural schools.
She was married to Calvin L. Kerr at Newton, Iowa, December 17, 1884,
and two years ago Mr. and Mrs. Kerr were privileged to celebrate their
golden wedding anniversary together. After their marriage they continued
to reside in Jasper county for three years, when they moved to Manilla,
which had since been their home.  One child, a son, Francis L., was born
to this union and he with three grandchildren, Madylon [sic., Madelyn],
and Donald Kerr and Mrs. Rachel Hemminger, survive her. Mr. Kerr preceded
his wife in death about two months ago, having passed away August 10th.
Services were held at the home Sunday at 2 o'clock in the afternoon with
the Rev. D. I. Hower of Dow City conducting the services. Rev. Jensen
read Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar." Interment was made in the family
lot in the Nishnabotny cemetery.  Pall bearers were John Vennink, Robert
Flint, Newt. McCracken, Nels. Nelson, Francis Hemminger and Dave Kensinger.
Out-of-town relatives here to attend the services were Mrs. Mina McCarty of
Newton, Madylon [sic.] Kerr of Des Moines and Donald Kerr of Council Bluffs.

Carrie's son, Francis L. Kerr, of R. F. D., Manilla, Iowa, was appointed
administrator of Carrie's estate. There was no will. Total itemized receipts
(amounts collected that were owed to Carrie) were $513.06, mostly from the
sale of some of her furniture, and from $16.00 monthly rent. Items sold
included two rocking chairs for $3.00, dresser for $4.50, swivel chair for
$2.00, bed for $.50, cobs for $1.50, stand for $.75, two plush chairs and
four rockers for $4.50, bed for $5.00, rug for $2.50, and sewing machine for
$3.00. Itemized disbursements totaling $389.15 included $5.00 for funeral
services paid to Rev. C. O. Jensen, $9.00 to Dr. A. Gelander, $5.80 paid to
The Manilla Times for administrator's notices, $20.00 to the M. E. church
for pledge for the year 1936-1937. The remainder was paid to clean and fix
up the house, attorney's fees, court costs, etc. Real property value totaled
$5700, to include $4000 for the undivided 1/3 of the 160 acres, $500 for
lots 11 and 12 in Manilla, and $1200 for lot 6 in Manilla. Value of cash,
certificates of deposit, and accounts receivable totaled $519.51. Stocks,
bonds, notes, and mortgages totaled $4333.32. Francis' final report was
dated 08 November 1937.

Family links: 
 Parents:
  Francis William Lambert (1829 - 1907)
  Phoebe Ann Brokaw Lambert (1838 - 1935)

 Spouse:
  Calvin Leonidas Kerr (1853 - 1936)*

 Children:
  Francis Lambert Kerr (1887 - 1985)*

*Calculated relationship

Burial:
Nishnabotna Cemetery
Manilla
Crawford County
Iowa, USA

Created by: Larry Cornwell
Record added: Jan 02, 2009
Find A Grave Memorial# 32574936

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Calvin Leonidas Kerr
Birth: 	Jul. 11, 1853
Ross County
Ohio, USA
Death: 	Aug. 10, 1936
Manilla
Crawford County
Iowa, USA

Calvin Leonidas Kerr was born on 11 July 1853, likely Ross County, Ohio;
and died 10 August 1936 in Manilla, Crawford County, Iowa at the age of 83.

He married Carrie Inez Lambert who was born 28 April 1862 at Mt. Gilead,
Morrow County, Ohio and died 09 October 1936 at the Wyatt Hospital in
Manning, Carroll County, Iowa at the age of 74. They married 17 December
1884, in Newton, Jasper County, Iowa.

Calvin Leonidas Kerr was enumerated in the 1860 census of Buckskin Township,
Ross County, Ohio, where he was listed with his parents as Calvin L. Kerr,
age 6, born in Ohio, both parents born in Ohio.

In 1866, Calvin moved with his parents to Saline County, Missouri, was
enumerated with his family in the 1870 census of Miami Township, Saline
County, Missouri, as Calvin A. Kerr, 17, born in Ohio, both parents born
in Ohio. In 1874, Calvin's father died, and the family moved to Jasper
County, Iowa.

Calvin left home in 1878, at age 25, and went to Saunders County, Nebraska
where he bought 80 acres from the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Company for $400. The property was described as the east half of the
southwest quarter in section 27 of township 14 of range 6 east of the 6th
Prime Meridian. The property was free of all encumbrances, except taxes
for 1878 and thereafter.

On 11 April 1879, the County Treasurer's Office issued C. L. Kerr a receipt
for $4.38 for taxes he paid in full for 1878 for the property. This amount
included 64 cents for state general tax, 16 cents for state sinking tax,
16 cents for state school tax, 6 cents for state univ'ty tax, $1.44 for
county general tax, $1.60 for county sinking tax, and 32 cents for bridge
tax. At the same time, he paid $1.47 in personal taxes, to include 22 cents
for state general tax, 5 cents for state sinking tax, 5 cents for state
school tax, 2 cents for state univ'ty tax, 48 cents for county general tax,
54 cents for county sinking tax, and 11 cents for bridge tax, for a total of
$1.47. His total tax bill, for real estate and personal taxes for the year,
came to $5.85.

On 22 October 1879, Calvin L. Kerr sold some personal property to his
uncle John P. Beatty (his mother's brother) for $170 and had the transaction
notarized in Jasper County, Iowa. The property was described as "one dark bay
team of horses, one a mare with white spot on nose and forehead; one a horse
small white spot in forehead; also one heifer 2 yrs old light roan color (in
Jasper Co, Iowa) and one Furst & Bradley Corn Cultivator," with the condition
that the note was void if Calvin would "pay the full amount of principal and
interest at the time therein specified, of his note given to one to Forrest
Patterson for $80 and one to Chas. Selshy for $90, both dated Oct 21, 1879,
and payable at Newton Iowa, on which said John P. Beatty is security."

On 18 December 1879, C. Kerr Esq. was given a receipt by the land commissioner
for $24 "to be forwarded immediately to the Land Commissioner of the B. &
M. R. R. R. Co. in Nebraska to apply on Con 14 972."

Calvin L. Kerr maintained an 1880 pocket memorandum with blue erasable
pencil that recorded his expenses. Included were these expenses, "boght of
R. H. Thomas: 50 lbs Flour, 1.85; keg of surep, 2.78; 2 lbs soda, .25; 4
lbs coffee 1.00; butter 1 ½, .20; shugar, .50; beans, .50, and straw latts,
.45, for a total of 7.50. On 3 June he paid 1.50 for "one day planting," and
paid another 1.50 on 8 June for the same. On entries for 15 July, he wrote:
"Boght of R. A. Heaton, 2 2 by 8 = 14; 2 2 by 4 = 16; and 2 1 by 10 = 14,"
"Boght of R. H. Thomas, 2 ½ butter, .35; 1 cheeze, .15; 6 lbs appels, .35;
and 1 ½ lbs crackers, .15," and he bought a brace for .90 and a bit for
.30. Finally, on 25 August, he received from Charley Cox, "five sacks oats."

On 01 March 1880, C. L. Kerr mortgaged personal property to George Wepking,
both of Saunders County, for $30. The property was described as "One farm
wagon. Wagon been in use two years, also on 20 acres of which my east half,
southwest quarter of section 24, town. 14, Range 6." He promised to pay $30
by 01 October 1880, with 10 per cent interest, to get his property back,
or forfeit the property to Wepking.

C. L. Kerr was enumerated in the 1880 U. S. census for Chapman precinct,
Saunders County, Nebraska, as C. L. Kerr, 26, single, farmer, born in Ohio,
both parents born in Ohio. He was living alone. (Roll T9_755, p. 292.1)

On 11 October 1880, Calvin's Uncle John P. Beatty signed a "Satisfaction
Piece" in Jasper County, Iowa, declaring that the chattel mortgage made
on 22 October 1879 involving horses, a heifer, and corn cultivator, was
"redeemed, paid off, satisfied and discharged in full."

On 18 October 1880, Calvin L. Kerr of Wahoo Nebraska, mortgaged personal
property to W. H. Dickinson of Saunders County, for $112. The property was
described as: "one dark bay mare five (5) years old, one dark bay horse
(7) seven years old, one set of good double harness, one lumber wagon in
good running order, one two horse Faust & Bradly corn cultivator, one steel
tooth harrow, all in my possession on sec 27, t 14 R6 East and free from
encumbrance." He promised to pay $112 by 18 February 1881, with 10 per cent
interest, to get his property back, or forfeit the property to Dickinson.

On 21 January 1881, Calvan [sic.] L. Kerr of Saunders County, Nebraska,
mortgaged personal property to James B. Kerr of Jasper County, Iowa, described
as: "one bay mare - spot in forehead. 5 years old. One dark bay horse seven
years old. And harness for the team, upon condition, however, that if the
said Calvan [sic.] L. Kerr shall pay to Clara A. Kerr [his mother] the one
promissory note dated Jan 20, 1881 and described as follows, to wit: One
for two hundred dollars, payable one year from date and save Harness James
B. Kerr as security on said note with 10 percent interest, according to
the tenor thereof, then these presents to be void; otherwise in full force."

On 09 March 1881, Calvin L. Kerr mortgaged personal property to George Wepking
both of Saunders County, Nebraska, in the amount of $23. The property was
described as: "one large red cow 3 years old bought of said George Wepking
March 9, 1881, also one farm wagon about half worn out - also one white
calf with red ears, about 3 months old." The terms were payment in full due
"Eight" from date [perhaps months], with interest at 10 percent. One term
was that "in case Note or any part thereof is not paid when due, or in case
W. shall in any manner sell, or attempt to sell, or remove said property
out of the county of Saunders, then the whole amount unpaid on said Note
shall immediately become due and payable, and this sale absolute."

On 04 February 1882, Calvin L. Kerr mortgaged personal property to James
D. Brown for $250, described as: "One bay horse mule 4 years old named
Jack, one sorrel mare 4 years old named Jenny, one dark bay horse 7 years
old named Charley, one bright bay mare 6 years old named Nettie." The note
was due on 01 November 1882, with 10 percent interest.

On 08 August 1882, Calvin L. Kerr mortgaged personal property to P. M. Marsh,
both of Saunders County, for $78.60 for "about 300 bushels of oats now in
stack &- SW sec 27 - 14 - 6 & 15 acres of corn now growing on same land." The
note was for 90 days at 10 percent interest.

On 07 November 1882, C. L. Kerr of Saunders County, was elected to the
office of Judge Elect for Chapman Precinct of Saunders County, Nebraska.

On 09 December 1882, Calvin L. Kerr of Weston, Saunders County, mortgaged
personal property to W. H. Dickinson of Saunders County, for $224 for "one
bay (dark) horse eight years old, one bay mare seven years old, one dark
bay horse mule four years old, one fox colored mare mule four years old,
being the same mules bought from J. D. Brown of Butler County, one set of
good double hamers and one set of new double hamers, one new Newton wagon,
and one old lumber wagon ½ worn in my possession on sec 27, T. - 14 -
R - 6E in Saunders County Nebraska." The note was due on 01 June 1883,
with 10 percent interest.

Calvin L. Kerr returned to Jasper County, Iowa to live in 1883, after
spending five years in Saunders County, Nebraska. On 17 December 1884, he
and Carrie Inez Lambert married near Newton in Jasper County. R. A. Carmine
joined them in marriage. About this time, Calvin sat for a formal portrait,
which survives to this day.

The Calvin L. Kerr household was enumerated during the 1885 Iowa state
census for Jasper County, Newton Township, as Calvin L., Township 80,
Range 16, Section 23, country subdivision SW ¼ SE ¼, age 32, married,
farmer, born in Ohio, both parents natives, subject to military duty, and
entitled to vote; and Carrie, same location, 22, married, born in Ohio,
both parents natives. (Roll IA1885_208, line 19)

In 1885, Calvin united with the Methodist Church, and remained a member for
the next fifty years. In 1887, Calvin and Carrie, with their newborn son,
Francis Lambert Kerr, moved to Manilla, Crawford County, Iowa, where Calvin
became engaged in selling buggies and harness.

From 09 March 1886 until 24 January 1887, Calvin kept a 3" x 5" pocket
account of his spending. Included were items, and their cost, such as
"320 feet of Boords, 5.12; Nales, 6 lbs, .25; staples, .25; nales, 1.00;
fensing, 10.85; 20 staples, .25; grass seed, 1.00; repairing hous, .50;
nales, .25." Another entry was, "Diging Well $11.20, Brick For Well 1200
= 60¢ for 100, 7.20; pump, 10.60." An unsigned receipt dated 24 January
1887 stated, "Received of C. L. Kerr in improvement on farm Seventy three $
twenty ¢ in cash, to app. on rent of 1886."

On 16 August 1888, C. L. Kerr signed a promissory note for $82.50 and due
01 January 1890, with 10 percent interest, against Alexander Mitchell and
J. W. Anderson. On 05 January 1891, in the law office of Thos. H. Smith
and G. W. Cullison, he received a receipt on Smith & Cullison letterhead
stationary for payment of the debt.

On 05 March 1889, C. L. and his wife Carrie L. Kerr of Crawford County, Iowa,
sold the 80 acres in Saunders County, Nebraska, that he had purchased ten
years earlier, to Vencl Kacirek of Saunders County, for $1500, $100 short
of quadrupling his investment.

On 29 February 1892, Calvin signed a promissory note to John G. Wirtle of
Newton, Iowa, for $250, at 7 percent interest per annum. F. W. Lambert,
his father-in-law, cosigned the note. It was paid off, as PAID was written
across the face of the note.

On 15 July 1892, C. L. Kerr of Crawford County, Iowa, bought 80 acres in
adjacent Shelby County for $2400 from Wesley J. and his wife Dora A. Kelley
of Shelby County. It was described as the east half of the southwest quarter
of section 5, township 81 north range 37 west 5th P. M. Iowa. The Kelleys
still had a $1000 mortgage to pay on the land, due 01 September 1896.

According to original tax receipts for each year beginning with 1892,
and going through 1908, with the exception of no receipts for 1905, Calvin
L. Kerr paid real estate taxes on the 80 acres to Treasurer's Office for
Shelby County, Iowa, in the county seat of Harlan. The back of each receipt
reported the tax levies for Shelby County. In 1892, for Shelby County,
Jefferson Township, there were 25 ½ levies, itemized as follows: state, 2;
county, 6; bridge, 3, school, 1; insane, 1; orphans' home, ½; teachers, 9 ½;
contingent, 2 ½; with no levies for school house, corporation, or general
road. For Calvin's 80 acres, in 1892, the south 40 acres were valued at 280;
the north 40 acres were valued at 285. Total taxes for 1892 were $14.99.

Original real estate tax receipts for the 80 acres beginning in 1893, and
to include personal property taxes for years after 1896 were as follows:
1893 -- $18.01; 1894 -- $21.06; 1895 -- $25.55; 1896 -- $20.94; 1897 --
$26.27, to include personal property tax of $2.53; 1898 -- $20.72, to include
personal property tax of $1.55, poll tax of .25, and dog tax of .25; taxes
remained the same in 1899; 1900 -- $28.35, to include personal property
tax of $2.62, poll tax of .25, and dog tax of .25; 1901 - a combined tax of
$30.84; 1902 - a combined tax of $30.35; 1903 - a combined tax of $31.24;
1904 - a combined tax of $37.38; 1906 - a combined tax of $43.37; 1907 -
a combined tax of $56.10; and1908 - a combined tax of $67.19.

In 1894, Calvin and family moved to the farm southeast of Manilla, Crawford
County, Iowa, and occupied the land that they had purchased two years earlier.

Calvin L. and his wife Carrie L. Kerr, were enumerated during the 1895 Iowa
State census for Manilla, Crawford County, Iowa, as Calvin L., 41, born in
Ohio, buggy dealer, Meth.[odist], subject to military duty, entitled to vote
at general elections; and Carrie L., 32, born in Ohio, Meth.. Enumerated with
them was their only child, Francis L. Kerr, 7, born in Jasper County, Iowa.

Calvin and Carrie maintained a detailed income and expense account in a
bound, 8" x 13", 127- page ledger for the period 03 January 1899 to 23 January
1914. In it, they recorded every household expense, including the cost of each
grocery item. Income for the month of January, 1899, for example, included
$10.23 for 64.75 pounds of butter and $2.42 for 14 dozen eggs. In February,
1899, they received $125.15 for four head of cattle, and $233.47 for 35 hogs.

Expenses shown in the ledger for January, 1899 included $100 for 400 bushels
of corn, $10.15 for dry goods and groceries, $2.60 for medicine, $1.60 for
shoeing horses, $1.95 for lumber, $.10 for beef, and $.30 for making out
papers. In February, 1899, they paid $.10 for coffee, $1.50 for clothing,
$2.00 for oil and can, $2.92 for dry goods and groceries, $7.70 for clover
seed, $1.50 for coal, and $.15 for hand medicine.

The Calvin L. and Carrie Kerr family were enumerated in the 1900 U. S. census
for Jefferson Township, Shelby County, Iowa as Calvin L., head of family,
born Jul 1853, age 46, born in Ohio, parents born in Ohio, farmer fully
employed, owned his mortgaged home; and Carrie, wife, born Apr 1862, age 38,
born in Ohio, parents born in Ohio. They had been married for 15 years. With
them was their son, Francis L., born Jun 1888, age 12. He was born in Ohio,
and he was listed "at school." Actually, Francis was born in 1887, and he
would have been 13 one week later. Perhaps the census taker, hearing that
he was 12, and was having a birthday that month, miscalculated his date of
birth by one year.

C. L. Kerr and Carrie L. Kerr were enumerated during the 1895 Iowa state
census for Shelby County, Jefferson Township, post office address of
Manilla. Listed with them was Francis L. Kerr. (Roll IA_110, lines 50-52)

On 09 January 1907, Calvin received a guarantee on a lightning rod that he
purchased for $50. The guarantee stated that if the building were damaged
within a 20 year period by lightning, then the Omaha Lightning Rod & Electric
Company would refund his $50 and remove the lightning rod from the building.

On 01 March 1907, C. L. Kerr of Shelby County, Iowa purchased 80 acres
from Martha M. and her husband Miles Woolman of Carroll County, Iowa for
$4800. The property was described as the south half of the northwest quarter
of section 5, township 81, range 37, west 5th P. M. This acreage joined the
80 acres that Calvin had purchased in 1892 for exactly half of what he paid
for this latest purchase.

On 23 March 1907, Calvin L. and his wife Carrie Kerr of Shelby County,
Iowa, mortgaged their 80 acres for $1500. The note was due 01 October 1912,
at five percent per annum, payable on the first day of October and April
in each year. They signed a promissory note, negotiated by J. G. Wadsworth
of Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, with interest coupon notes
attached written in amounts of $37.50, payable twice a year. All the coupon
notes were stamped in red, "CANCELLED."

On 18 April 1907, J. G. Wadsworth of Council Bluffs, did "hereby assign,
transfer and set over unto the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, a
corporation under the laws of New Jersey, located at Newark, New Jersey,"
the mortgage dated 23 March 1907 signed by Calvin L. and his wife Carrie
Kerr. On 05 July 1910, The Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, certified
that it received full payment of all sums due on the mortgage.

Calvin L. and Carrie L. Kerr were enumerated in the 1910 U. S. census for
Jefferson Township, Shelby County, Iowa as Calvin L., head of the family,
age 56, born in Ohio, both parents born in Ohio, farmer, stock and grain;
Carrie L., wife, age 47, assisting on the farm, born in Ohio, both parents
born in Ohio. They had been married 25 years. With them was their only child,
Francis L. Kerr, age 22, single, born in Iowa, assisting on the home farm.

On 16 June 1913, Carrie L. Kerr of Shelby County bought lot 6 in block 30 in
the town of Manilla just a few miles from the family farm, from her mother
Phebe A. Lambert, a widow, of Crawford County, Iowa, for $1500. Calvin and
Carrie moved into Manilla, Crawford County, Iowa, and resided there with
her mother, leaving their farm to their only child, Francis Lambert Kerr.

Calvin maintained an active interest in the farm, evidenced by a 142-page
journal he kept from 30 October 1918 until 14 July 1936, less than a month
before his death. Early in the journal, he detailed farm transactions, and
later in the journal, charitable donations and personal expenditures. Of
significance is the entry for 20 May 1919: "Sent J. G. Wadsworth & Co. One
Thousand & twenty five dollars ($1025.00) to pay balance on the Mortgage on
my farm. Located in Jefferson township, Shelby Co. Iowa. C. L. Kerr." From
20 July 1920 to 09 April 1921, he bought 13 bottles of "kidney medison"
at $2.00 a bottle. He labeled one page, "The Lord's Money," and detailed
how he distributed $279.04, which was one-tenth of his income and was taken
from his overpayment of income tax. Recipients included the M. E. Church,
Salvation Army, Child Savings Institute, Read [sic.] Cross, Children
Sday, C. H. Riggs Mishenary, Omaha Bible Institute, Negro Mishinary,
Near East Relief, Prechers Ade, the Methodist League, ball on Preacher's
salery, church debt, children's day, religas papor, Penticostal Pob. Co.,
Christian Witness," and on and on. Contributions varied from 25 cents to
$25.25. He typically gave $5 a month to the M. E. Church, and $1 a week
for the pastor's salary. He listed what people owed him, his certificates
of deposit, and detailed grocery lists.

In Manilla, Calvin, Carrie, and Phoebe were all enumerated in the 1920
U. S. census there, as Calvin L. Kerr, head of family, age 66, no occupation;
Carrie I. Kerr, wife, 58, no occupation; and Phoebe A. Lambert, mother-in-law,
80, no occupation. All were born in Ohio, and all their parents were born
in Ohio. Actually, both of Phoebe's parents were born in New Jersey, as
established by previous and later documentation.

The C. L. Kerr household was enumerated during the 1925 Iowa state census for
Crawford County, Manilla, house number 34. First listed was C. L. Kerr, head,
male, white, 71, married, owned home valued at $4000, highest education was
completion of the 5th grade reader, able to read and write. Second listed
was Carrie Kerr, wife, female, white, 62, married, highest education was
completion of the 8th grade reader, able to read and write. Third listed
was Carrie's mother, Ann Lambert [Phoebe Ann Brokaw], Mother L., female,
white, 86, widowed, highest education was completion of the 5th grade reader,
able to read and write. (Roll IA1925_1677, lines 12-14)

The 1930 U. S. census for Manilla, district 18, listed C. L. Kerr, head
of the family, owned his own home valued at $1500, owned a radio, married,
age 31 at first marriage, age 76, born in Ohio, both parents born in Ohio,
no occupation; Carrie Kerr, 67, age 22 at first marriage, born in Ohio,
both parents born in Ohio, no occupation; and Ann Lambert, mother-in-law,
91, born in Ohio, both parents born in New Jersey, no occupation.

On 19 March 1935, J. E. and his wife Margaret A. Packard of Woodbury County,
Iowa; M. C. and his wife Blanche Packard Stone of Minnehaha County, Minnesota;
and C. A. and his wife Marjean Packard of Cook County, Illinois sold lots 11
and 12, block 30, Milwaukee Land Company, first addition, town of Manilla,
Crawford County, Iowa, to C. L. Kerr of Crawford County, for $1.

On 10 August 1936, Calvin Leonidas Kerr died at his home "after an illness
of a few weeks. Death was attributed to complications resulting from the
heat and old age."

His death certificate stated his place of death as Nishnabotna Township,
Manilla, Crawford County, Iowa. Dr. Edward M. Mark of Manilla certified
that he attended Calvin from 24 July 1936 to 10 August 1936, and that he
died at 3:45 p.m. The principal cause of death was pyelitis [inflammation of
the pelvis of a kidney], contributory causes were age, prostatic [prostate]
obstruction, and cardiac decompensation [inability of the heart to maintain
adequate circulation]. The diagnosis was clinical, with no autopsy.

Calvin's son, Francis, served as the informant for the personal and
statistical particulars. Her reported that Calvin was married to Carrie Kerr,
and that he had been born on 11 July 1853 in Ohio. He had lived to be 83
years, 0 months, and 29 days old, and was a retired farmer. His father was
James E. Kerr, his mother was Clara Beatty, and both were born in Ohio. The
licensed embalmer was Gidbert J. Disburg of Manilla, and Calvin was buried
on 12 August 1936 in the Manilla, Iowa cemetery.

Calvin was buried in the Nishnabotny Cemetery northwest of Manilla. His
tombstone reads, "Father Calvin L. Kerr 1853-1936."

Calvin did not leave a will.

Calvin's obituary detailed his life:

Calvin L. Kerr, Pioneer Citizen, Died Monday
Calvin L. Kerr, resident of this community for the past 50 years, passed away
at his home Monday, August 10, 1936, after an illness of a few weeks. Death
was attributed to complications resulting from heat and old age.  Mr. Kerr
was one of the types of pioneers who well knew the hardships early settlers
encountered. Through his industrious and frugal ways he proved himself a
successful farmer, until 1913, when he and his wife retired from active
farm work and came to Manilla, where they have since made their home.
Calvin L. Kerr was born in southern Ohio on July 11, 1853, the son of James
E. and Clarissa A. Kerr, and departed this life at his home at Manilla on
August 10, 1936, at the age of 83 years and 29 days.  In 1866 he moved with
his parents to Saline County, Missouri, where they resided until the death of
his father in 1874, after which time the family went to Jasper County, Iowa.
When he became of age, Mr. Kerr left home and settled in Saunders County,
Nebraska, where he purchased a piece of railroad land. He resided here
for five years and then returned to Jasper County, Iowa, in the year 1883.
He was united in marriage to Carrie Lambert at Newton, Iowa, on December 17,
1884. To this union one child, Francis L. Kerr, was born. In 1887 the family
moved to Manilla where Mr. Kerr was engaged in the business of selling
buggies and harness.  In 1894 they located on a farm southeast of Manilla
which is now occupied by the son, Francis Kerr, and his family.  In 1885
he united with the Methodist church which he has actively supported for
the past fifty years and in that faith he peacefully passed away at 3:45
o'clock Monday afternoon.  Besides his wife, he is survived by one son,
Francis, three grandchildren, Donald, Madelyn, and Mrs. Rachel Hemminger,
four brothers, James, William, Samuel, and Edward, all of Seattle Wash.,
and three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Harrah, of Seattle, Wash., Mrs. Emily
Craven of Sacramento, Calif., and Mrs. Marthena Gosslin of Portland, Ore.
Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at 10:00 o'clock at the home
with Rev. D. I. Hower conducting the funeral services. Mrs. Harry Frace
and Miss Mary Simmerman sang "Saved By Grace" and "Have Thine Own Way
Lord." Interment was made in the family lot in the Nishnabotna cemetery.
Pall bearers were John Vennink, Robert Flint, N. B. McCracken, Dave Kensigner,
Francis Hemminger and Nels Nelson.  Those from a distance here to attend the
funeral services were Samuel Kerr of Seattle, Wash., Donald Kerr of Council
Bluffs, Miss Madelyn Kerr of Des Moines and Mrs. Elmer Sutton of Harlan.

Calvin's son, Francis L. Kerr, of Greeley Township, Shelby County, Iowa, was
appointed administrator of Calvin's estate. There was no will. Total itemized
receipts (amounts collected that were owed to Calvin) were $2592.73. Total
itemized expenditures to settle debts were $1505.51. They included $328.25
paid to W. C. White for funeral expenses, $365.00 paid to J. F. Bloom &
Co. for the monument, and $367.54 paid to himself for administrator's
fees. Calvin's 160 acres was appraised at $12,000, and lots 11 and 12 in
block 30 in Manilla were appraised at $1,500. Francis' final report was
dated 28 September 1937.

Calvin Leonidas Kerr and Carrie Inez Lambert had one child:

*i Francis Lambert, b. Jun 8, 1887, m. Charlotte Marguerite Vennink on Jun 4,
1913, d. Oct 2, 1885

Family links: 
 Parents:
  James Elder Kerr (1826 - 1874)
  Clarissa Ann Beatty Kerr (1833 - 1896)

 Spouse:
  Carrie Inez Lambert Kerr (1862 - 1936)

 Children:
  Francis Lambert Kerr (1887 - 1985)*

*Calculated relationship

Burial:
Nishnabotna Cemetery
Manilla
Crawford County
Iowa, USA

Created by: Larry Cornwell
Record added: Jan 02, 2009
Find A Grave Memorial# 32574815

END