Herbert Newton Jarrett Kerr

Son of Sarah Newton Jarrett and David Kerr, nephew of John Jarrett (1746-1809) and Herbert Newton Jarrett III (d. 1829), and brother-in-law of John Baillie (q.v.). Joint owner with brother William Mitchell Kerr (q.v.) of Spring Garden, which was inherited through their mother's family. Given as H.N.Kerr in the compensation records.

1. Born 23/09/1785. Married 27/05/1816 Marcella Richardson (died 1868) at St Marylebone. After their marriage they resided at Balguy, near Dundee Scotland, and after that at St Ann's Cottage near Brechin, given to them by David Kerr, before moving to 40 Inverleith Row Edinburgh. Reportedly 'had a great antipathy to slavery', and sold the Jamaica properties of which he was sole owner 'and freed many of the slaves', buying an annuity with the proceeds of sale. Died at 40 Inverleith Row Edinburgh 26/12/1874. His sons [later the Hon.] William and David went to Jamaica in 1834 and re-established family participation in the sugar economy.

1. www.orange-tree-valley.co.uk [accessed 30/06/2011]. The site draws on the works of H.N.J. Kerr's nephew William James Kerr, although the comment about slavery is drawn from an informal source, the aunt of the author of the website. No corroboration has yet been found.