15 Facts About David Ker

David Ker, was an Irish-born American Presbyterian minister, educator, lawyer and judge.

David Ker was the first presiding professor of the University of North Carolina.

David Ker emigrated with his family to the United States in the 1780s and was recorded in Orange County, North Carolina, by 1789, when their son was born there.

In 1791, David Ker served as a Presbyterian minister in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

David Ker was a schoolteacher on weekdays and gave sermons in the courthouse on Sundays.

David Ker moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 1794, where he conducted the high school prior to being chosen as the first presiding professor of the University of North Carolina.

David Ker was one of the earliest donors to the University of North Carolina library, and donated three volumes.

David Ker resigned two years after taking the position, in 1796, after arguing with the trustees and students.

Charles Wilson Harris, who succeeded him as presiding professor, said that David Ker was "a man of talent" and "a furious Republican".

David Ker served as the first president of an academy founded by John Willis, a Brigadier General in the American Revolutionary War who owned a large plantation in Lumberton, in the 1790s.

David Ker moved to Natchez, Mississippi Territory with John Willis in 1800.

David Ker established the first public school for women in the Mississippi Territory.

David Ker died while serving as judge of the Mississippi Territory on January 21,1805, in Natchez, Mississippi Territory.

David Ker's widow burned many of his papers after his death, fearing they might inappropriately influence others.

David Ker's portrait is preserved at the Southern Historical Collection of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.