Identity area
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Authorized form of name
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Description area
Dates of existence
History
Robert Floyd Kerr was born on April 12, 1850, in Sugar Grove, Indiana. He attended Wabash College and later DePauw University, graduating in 1877. After teaching in Indiana for two years, Kerr traveled to Hirosaki, Japan, in 1879, where he taught English and mathematics. He returned to the United States in 1880 and taught throughout the Midwest before settling in Brookings, Dakota Territory, in 1885.
At Dakota Agricultural College (now South Dakota State University), Kerr served as professor of political economy and Principal of the Preparatory Department. He was dismissed from the college in 1892 and spent several years in Illinois before returning to Brookings in 1898. Upon his return, he was appointed Librarian and again served as Principal of the Preparatory Department.
In addition to his academic roles, Kerr managed the men's dormitory, served as steward and manager of the student boarding club, and advised the Dakota Agricultural Cadets, the campus military organization. He was also active in civic life in Brookings, helping to found the Forum, a local men’s association, and participating in the Masons.
In 1905, Kerr was appointed Private Secretary to South Dakota Governor Samuel H. Elrod. He later served in the South Dakota Legislature in 1911 and 1913. In his later years, Kerr remained in Brookings, edited a farm paper, and remained engaged in community affairs. He died on October 16, 1921.