Robert Marion Kerr

Robert Marion Kerr was born July 14, 1829 in Knoxville, Tennessee to William Jasper and Jemima Elliot Kerr. Robert is a Pioneer of Richmond. Robert was a veteran of the Indian Wars. Robert is the father of William Jasper Kerr.

History

The early life of Robert is unknown. In 1848, Robert joined a group of miners to Australia to find gold. Robert's time in Australia is unknown, but he ended his time in California where he heard Apostle George Q. Cannon from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints preaching. Robert became convinced of its truth and was baptized by Elder Cannon. Robert was not the only one in his family who joined the Church, as his older brother Archibald was baptized in 1841.

He made his way to Draper, Utah, and became employed by Bishop Joseph S. Rawlins. Robert became acquainted with Joseph's daughter Nancy Jane Rawlins, and the two were married on Jan 1, 1860 in Draper, Utah. The same year, the Kerr family moved to Richmond. 

The Kerr family moved into Richmond Fort, later building their own home. According to family histories, the Keer home was the first home in Richmond to have water piped into a home. On March 27, 1863, Robert entered the practice of polygamy by marrying Margaret Elzirah Rawlins. Margaret and Nancy are first cousins.

In 1878, Robert served a mission in Texas and was set apart as a member of the 64th Quorum of the Seventy.

Indian Wars Service

After the construction of the Richmond Fort in 1860 and other forts in Cache Valley, the Territory of Utah created the Cache Military District on Oct 15, 1861 with Church Apostle Ezra T. Benson as Colonel. Richmond was organized as the 5th Battalion Infantry, with Thomas L. Whittle as Major, David P. Rainy as Adjutant, and Robert M. Kerr and Dana Walton as Captains.

On Sep 14, 1864, the Richmond Home Guard was established with Henry Standage as its Captain. At any cost, the city Guard was to protect. Most of the Guard, including Robert, consisted of Minute-Men. They had regular drills every night.1 The Home Guard was released from active duty on Oct 25, 1864.2

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