San Francisco County

Biographies

DAVID KERR

DAVID KERR, carriage, wagon and truck manufacturer, Nos. 47 and 49 Beale street, San Francisco, is a native of the north of Ireland, born in May, 1836. At the early age of fourteen years, in company with his brother, he left the parental roof to seek a home and fortune in the United States. From New York they journeyed to Michigan, settled at Tecumseh, Lenawee county, and there our subject learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed until 1857.

That year, desirious of pushing farther West, he took steamer from New York, by way of the Isthmus of Panama for San Francisco, where he arrived in safety. He at once found employment with H. Casebolt in his carriage manufactory, corner of Spring and California streets. After a year spent there Mr. Kerr went to Crescent City, Del Norte county, and opened a general shop for repair work and building of wagons, which he continued for three years. At the end of that time he returned to San Francisco and was employed as foreman of Casebolt’s Carriage and Car works, which had removed to the corner of Fifth and Market streets. After a period of four years he was received into partnership under the firm name of Casebolt & Kerr. This company manufactured the cars for the first steam railroad in the State, which ran between Marysville and Sacramento; also for the Folsom street railroad, the first horse-car line of San Francisco. At the same time they continued the manufacture of carriages, wagons and trucks, etc. In 1873 the firm dissolved and Mr. Kerr then opened his present shop at Nos. 47 and 49 Beale street, renting the lot 52 x 90 feet, and erecting thereon a building the entire size, divided suitably for woodshop, paintshop and blacksmith shop. He then fitted with improved machinery suitable to the proper maintenance of his business, and began the manufacture of carriages, wagons and trucks of every description. Mr. Kerr also manufactures for the trade of Mexico, Central America and the Sandwich Islands, all work being executed by special contract. He has fifteen men under his employ.

Mr. Kerr was married in Crescent city in 1859, to Miss Margaret McNamara, a native of New York. Of the nine children born to them, seven are now living.

He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the K. of P., the I. O. of R. M., the A. O. U. W., Chamber of Commerce, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. For twenty-eight years he has been a member of the Mechanics’ Institute, and twenty-one years was on the Board of Management, six years as vice-president and the past three years as president.

Mr. Kerr’s excellent business ability has been amply demonstrated by the wisdom with which he has managed the affairs of the institution, as during the years 1889 and 1890 the mortgage indebtedness was reduced $45,000, and $15,600 worth of permanent improvements added to the property. Once adopting an enterprise, his enthusiasm is enlisted, and his successes are attained through honesty of purpose and honorable business methods.

Transcribed by Donna L. Becker.

Source: “The Bay of San Francisco,” Vol. 2, Pages 466-467, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.

California Biography Project

San Francisco County

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Golden Nugget Library