Ker, John (London)

Dates	1709, 1726
Location	London
Vocation	Spy
Place of Birth	Crawfurdland, Ayrshire
Marriage	Anna Ker
Issue	Three daughters
Place of birth		Source	Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Born John Crawfurd but known as John Ker of Kersland. When he acquired the family property, Ker was already in financial straits. Possible that this led to his career in espionage and the betrayal of members of the Cameronian sect of Presbyterians, among whom he was accepted as a leader. Was assured that Queen Anne would recognize the service he had rendered her government, and he was granted royal licence to associate with disaffected individuals in order to gather intelligence. Infiltrated Jacobite plotters and travelled to France. Travelled to London in 1709 to receive payment for his services. Despite all of his activities for the English Crown, remained in a desperate financial situation. Ended up in debtor's prison in London where he died in 1726. Buried in St George's churchyard, Southwark