Kerr, William (London)

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Dates c.1705-1722
Location London
Vocation Army officer and politician
Place of Birth Newbattle, Edinburghshire
Marriage Jean Campbell
Issue William; Anne; Jean; Elizabeth; Mary; 3 further sons
Place of birth Source Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Fifth Lord Jedburgh (1692). Advancement through military ranks: Colonel of the 7th dragoons (1696). brigadier-general (1702) and succeeded his father and was promoted major-general (1704). Political associate to second duke or Argyll (his nephew) and fortunes tended to follow that of his newphew's. Supported union in 1706. Promoted lieutenant-general (1707) and chosen as a Scottish representative peer in 1707 and 1708 (though unseated in 1709). When duke of Argyll switched to support the tories, Kerr also appears to have assisted the tories in the 1710 election. Again, elected Scottish representative peer (1715). Died in London (1722) and buried at Westminster Abbey.