Ker, Hugh, 1767-1845
Born in Accomack County, Dr. Hugh Ker was the son of Edward Ker and Margaret Shepherd. An erstwhile suitor of Elizabeth Upshur Teackle's, she made many derogatory mentions of him in her letters. After one extended visit, she noted that he was, "valiantly pestering us most intolerably. He acted a thousand foolishisms."
Mentioned in these documents
[Letter from Andrew D. Campbell of Glasgow to Elizabeth Upshur Teackle - May 1, 1800]
Letter from Andrew D. Campbell to Elizabeth Upshur Teackle. He teases her about flirting with boys in Virginia, discusses their shared acquaintances, including Henrietta Liston, wife of the British Prime Minister to the U.S. He talks about his family and the news of the wedding of Elizabeth's cousin Sarah Custis Handy to Ephraim King Wilson. He also talks about the marriage of Anna Teackle Smith to John Donnell of Baltimore and his dislike of her husband. He discusses the death of George Washington: "With you, I grieve for the loss your country has sustained in the death of your great Hero. Few are the ages that produce such characters, but we shall hope, as America is yet in her infancy, that she will produce many who will emulate him. Imagination can hardly picture one to surpass him. It is also a matter of consolation to reflect that he died in the zenith of his glory, in the possession of the noblest faculties of man to his last breath, and without experiencing any of those vicissitudes to which human nature, particularly in the high ranks of life, are so subject. In how few nations do we find men distinguished by their military and political career who retain their honors, as Washington did, while they live." He also mentions his friend, Congressman John Stratton and Henry Parker.
[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her sister Ann Upshur Eyre] - May 6, 1800]
Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her sister Ann Upshur Eyre, in which she discusses Dr. Hugh Ker and his unsuccessful run for the assembly.
[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her sister, Ann Upshur Eyre, April 1800]
Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her sister at Ann Upshur Eyre, sharing family news from the family home of her Uncle Littleton Upshur's home Vaucluse on Hungars Creek. People mentioned in the letter include Aunt Ann Parker Upshur, Juliet Upshur, Elizabeth "Betsy" Snead, and Dr. Hugh Ker.