The Kerr-Hurd family collection contains medical books, diaries and account books of Dr. William R. Kerr and/or his wife, Frances Brown Kerr (1849-1866), as well as mid-19th century correspondence, diaries and memorabilia produced or collected by their daughter, Emma California Kerr Hurd. The collection also contains genealogical material on the Kerr family, biographical material and 20th century memorabilia relating to Emma Hurd, her siblings and descendants.

Dr. William Reed Kerr (1813-1861) studied medicine at the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. During this period he married Frances Brown of Maytown, Pennsylvania. After receiving his license to practice (1843), Kerr moved with his wife to Miami, Ohio where they produced a son, John Brown (1847-1922) and a daughter, Emma (1848-1941). When he had lived about five years in Ohio, Dr. Kerr heard about the discovery of gold in California and resolved to go West with his family to offer his medical services to the miners of California. The Kerrs traveled to the Golden State via New Mexico and Arizona (1849), and, after many difficulties, including trouble with Indians and with quicksand along the Gila River, they arrived in San Joaquin County where they established themselves on a ranch east of Stockton called "Sheltered Oaks". From this base, Dr. Kerr became a "circuit-riding doctor," traveling from mine to mine, ministering to the needs of the sick as he found them. Kerr also opened a drug store in Stockton. During their years in California, the Kerrs had other children including William Jr. (1851-1872), Benjamin E. (1855-1897), Sarah [Fish] (b. 1857), and Louis C. Kerr.

Publication Rights The library can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claimants of literary property.

Access Collection is open for research by appointment only.