William Kerr (British Army officer, died 1741) facts for kids

William Kerr (died January 17, 1741) was a British Army officer and a Scottish politician. He served in the British House of Commons, which is like the main law-making group in Britain, between 1710 and 1727.

William Kerr was born before 1682. He was the third son of Robert Ker, the 3rd Earl of Roxburghe, and Lady Margaret Hay. In 1704 and 1705, he traveled around Europe. He visited countries like Holland, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Austria.

Early Military Career

William Kerr was a brave soldier. He fought in Europe under a famous general, John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough. In 1709, he was given command of a special army unit called a regiment of dragoons. Dragoons were soldiers who rode horses but could also fight on foot. His regiment was first called The Queen's Own Regiment of Dragoons. Later, it became the 7th Hussars.

Battle of Sheriffmuir

William Kerr showed great courage at the Battle of Sheriffmuir on November 13, 1715. People at the time said that three of his horses were killed under him during the battle. He was also wounded in his leg. A bullet even tore his coat! He was well-liked by his officers and soldiers because he always looked out for them.

Political Life

William Kerr tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for Roxburghshire in 1708 but did not win. However, in 1710, he was elected as an MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed without anyone running against him. He did not run for election in 1713.

When King George I became king, William Kerr gained favor. He was given a special job working for the Prince of Wales. In 1715, he was elected as an MP again for Dysart Burghs. He was part of the Whig party and always voted with the government.

Fighting the Jacobite Rebellion

In September 1715, William Kerr was sent to Scotland. His job was to help stop the Jacobite rebellion. This was a fight where some people wanted to bring back the old royal family to the throne. His regiment was renamed the Princess of Wales's Own Regiment of Dragoons.

In 1722, he was elected as an MP for Aberdeen Burghs. But he lost his seat on October 25, 1722, after someone complained about the election. He was elected again for Berwick in May 1723. In the same year, he became the Governor of Blackness Castle, a very old fortress. He kept this job for the rest of his life. He did not run for election in 1727.

Later Military Promotions

William Kerr's military career continued to do well. He was promoted several times:

• In 1727, he became a brigadier-general.
• In 1735, he was promoted to major-general.
• In 1739, he became a lieutenant-general.

Death

William Kerr passed away on January 17, 1741. He never married. At the time of his death, he had been in charge of his regiment for almost 32 years. He was the brother of John Ker, the 1st Duke of Roxburghe.