MB ChB Manch 1890, MD 1895; MRCS LRCP 1890.
Kerr was educated at Manchester Grammar School before studying medicine at Owens College, the University of Manchester and MRI, where he was house surgeon in 1891. He then held junior appointments at St Mary's Hospital Manchester before settling in general practice in Rochdale where he quickly built up a large practice, retiring shortly before his death. In 1896 Kerr was appointed honorary surgeon to Rochdale Infirmary and was president of the medical board in 1911-1912, he was later appointed consultant surgeon. Kerr was also police surgeon in Rochdale for sixteen years, and factory inspector. Kerr was a politician and particularly interested in public health issues. He was a member of the town council for ten years, and a magistrate and justice of the peace for Rochdale Borough. Kerr died on 24 July 1924 aged 58.