The History Of John Yost Kern And His Posterity
John Yost Kern, progenitor of the Kern family in Snyder county, Penna., and of those who emigrated to Ohio and other western states, was born in Freischbach, Germany, in the year 1746. He was married there to Eva Marie Weiss; who was born Nov. 17, 1769, died March 21, 1835. He emigrated to America in the year 1771, and settled in the Middlecreek valley, on territory now composing the township of Franklin, Snyder Co., Pa.
On the 24th day of June, 1772, he obtained a warrant on certain lands in pursuance of which a survey was made Sept. 7, 1773, of land adjoining lands of John George Eslinger, Leonard Diehl, Jacob Walter, and others, containing one hundred sixty-five and one-half acres. Here he settled and commenced improvements. On the 31st day of December, 1805, John Yost Kern and Eva Marie, his wife, by deed, conveyed these lands to their son, John Kern. Years afterwards the larger part of this tract was owned by Henry M. Rearick. Further divisions have since been made and the eastern part 1B now (in 1908) owned by Hopner Mitchel, and the western part is owned by Robert Rearick, son of Henry M. Rearick. At the time John Yost Kern settled here the Indians still roamed through the valley, and when at work in the fields the rifle was an indispensable protection to the settlers. Tradition has it that in those early days in this locality, deer were very plenty and were sometimes seen grazing with the domestic cattle.
In 1790 John Yost Kern bought a farm containing one hundred fifty acres from John Swift, near where Beavertown now stands. This town was laid out in 1810, then called Swiftown. In I806 John Yost conveyed this farm to his son, Henry, senior. John Yost Kern died in 1815. Tradition has it that both he and his wife, Eve Marie, are buried in the old graveyard at Christ's church, more familiarly known as Hassinger's church, named after several old pioneers by the name of Hassinger, who lived close by for many years in Franklin Township, two miles west of Middleburg. This is one of the oldest burial grounds in this section of the state. Here many of our pioneers are buried and at rest in unmarked graves.
Johan Yost Kern and Eve Marie, his wife, had six sons, Henry, John (Johan,) Adam, Peter, George Jacob, and Philip; also three daughters, Anna Mary, Loseana and Christina. Henry Kern, Sr., first son of Johan Yost, was born Nov. 17, 1769, and lived on his farm near Beavertown, which he had bought from his father John Yost, in 1806. He died March 21, in Seneca county, Ohio, in 1835, at the house of his brother, Peter. (The circumstances of his death will be given hereafter.) He was married to Catherine Lepley, who survived him twenty years. His wife Catherine, was a niece of Michael Lepley, who, with Jacob Gift, and others, was killed by the Indians at Port Preeland, Penna., in 1779, while serving as soldiers under Washington in the war for freedom. As already related in the genealogical history of John Adam Gift, Henry Kern, Sr., and Catherine, his wife, had one son, Henry, Jr., and seven daughters: Elizabeth, Catherine, Mary, Susan, Margaret, Barbara and Leah. Henry Kern, Junior, only son of Henry Kern, senior, and grandson of John Yost, was born in Beaver twp. in l8l4. He lived in the old homestead conveyed to him by his father in about 1832. He died in 1894, aged 80 years and is buried in the Beavertown graveyard. He was an honest, kind-hearted and respectable citizen of the county. This old homestead has now, up to 1908, remained in the Kern family for one hundred and sixteen years, and part of It is still in that name. It has since been divided, the northeastern part being owned by his son, Millard H. Kern, while the western part is owned by John H. Hetrick. Henry Kern was married twice. His first wife was Rachael Winters. She died Oct. 10, 1855, and Is buried in the cemetery at Beavertown. There were four children surviving her. Mary, married to George 0. Smith, resides at Beavertown. Their issue was six children; Lucy, the second daughter, is married to John H. Hetrick, and lives on the western part of the old Kern homestead near Beavertown. They have two sons, Jacob and Ammon, who reside at home. Sarah, the third daughter, was married to Joseph Middleswarth. She died March 20, 1864, and had two children. Susan, the fourth daughter, was married to Jacob W. Dreese, and died at Harrington, Kansas, and is buried there. Their union was blessed with three sons. Henry Kern, Jr., for his second wife, married Mary Smith, widow of Adam Smith, deceased (nee Specht). Their union was again blessed with three sons: Henry, Millard, Franklin B., and John S. They are all married and reside at Beavertown. Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of Henry Kern, Sr., was married to John Swinehart, who died in Beaver township Nov. 21, I858, aged 49 years. His wife, Elizabeth, died in 1887 at age 83 years. Catherine died single in Beaver Township, Mary, married to Enoch Dick, died in Seneca county, Ohio. Susan married to George Fender also died in Seneca county, Ohio. Margaret, married to George Fall, died in Marshall county, Indiana. The circumstances of her lamentable death were as follows: She was engaged in general house work and while making a bed her son was outside of the house loading a rifle. The gun was accidently discharged through a small opening of the door which had not been entirely closed; the ball entered her body in the region of the heart, and she died almost instantly. Barbara, married to Henry Etsler, died in Beavertown, May 14, 1885, aged 70 years. Her husband (Etsler) also died in Beavertown, March 27, 1891, aged 73 years. Both are buried in the Beavertown cemetery. Leah married Martin Fogle and both of them died at Beavertown. John Kern, Second son of John Yost in Berks county, Pa., married Catherine Royer, a daughter of Johan George Royer, and granddaughter of Christopher Royer, who came from the Rhein Pfaltz, South Germany, in 1748. Catherine was a sister of Henry Royer, who died at Rebersburg, Centre county, Pa., aged 95 years.
In 1811 John Kern purchased two farms in Beaver township, two miles east of Beavertown; the one was formerly owned by A. J. Middleswarth, deceased, but now, in 1906, by George Smith; the other was owned by John S. Smith, deceased, and is now owned by his son, Dr. A.M. Smith. On the latter farm John Kern and his wife died. John Kern and Catherine, his wife had five children, three sons and two daughters; John, Jr., Daniel, George, Elizabeth and Catherine. John Jr., after the death of his parents lived with his uncle, Colonel Henry Royer near Rebersburg, Centre county, Pa., and afterwards learned the tanning trade at Brungard's tannery. He was married to a Miss Bridge. Finally he purchased a small farm near Spring Mills, Centre county, Pa., and settled down for life. He died without issue in 1869. His widow survived him a number of years.
Daniel Kern, second son of John Sr., married Wilhelmina Romig, a daughter of John Romig, who died in 1867, in West Beaver township, now a part of Spring township. After the death of Daniel's parents, he found a home in the family of George Hassinger, who resided in what is now known as Franklin township. Here he remained until he went to George Swlneford in Mlddleburg to learn the cabinet makers trade. Daniel bought his first farm west of Troxelville along Jack's Mountain which he occupied until after the completion of the Sunbury and Lewistown railroad. This farm three-fourths of which was well timbered, he sold to a lumber company and immediately bought the western part of the old Beaver farm, located one half mile east of Beavertown and contained two hundred acres. His wife died Jan. 21, 1882, aged 71 years. Twelve years after on Nov. 21,
1894, he also breathed his last at the ripe old age of 83 years. Both are buried in the Beavertown cemetery. They were both honest and highly respected. John Jefferson was their only child and heir. On April 29, 1887, he made his last Will and Testament by which he bequeathed his homestead to his son. John Jefferson united in
holy matrimony with Elizabeth Weaver, with whom he had two sons, John D. and Robert F., also four daughters, Ellen H., Susan E., Annie M., and Ada M. John D. married Sallie Houser, Robert F. married Carrie C. Ewing, Ellen H. is married to William H. Hackenberg, Susan E. to Irvin J. Freed, Annie M. to John A. Hackenberg
and Ade M. is still single. His wife Elizabeth, died March 2, 1882, at the age of 40 years. She is buried in the cemetery at Beavertown.
George Kern, youngest son of John, was quite young when his parents died. He then made his home withhis sister Elizabeth, who was married to John Gift. They were as father and mother to him. George, after leaving his uncle and aunt's home, went to his brother Daniel, to learn the cabinet makers trade.George married Mary
Magdalena Fetterolf daughter of Peter Fetterolf. She died August 27, 1844, at the age of 19 years and 6 months. Their issue was one son, Robert, who died April 18, 1845, aged 1 year and 3 months. Both mother and son lie buried in the cemetery at Troxelville. His second wife was Rachael Hasslnger, a daughter of Daniel Hassinger. The children with this wife were one son and one daughter; Daniel A. and Lydia A. Daniel A. is married to Mary Moyer, daughter of John M. Moyer, They reside in the borough of Mlddleburg, Pa., Lydia A., who was married to G. M. Motz, died Nov. 12, 1892 at the age of 42 years. Before her death they had one son, George K. Moatz, and
two daughters, Jennie R., who died in I896 at the age of 15 years and 10 months, and Maude E., whois living at home. Mrs. Moatx and her daughter Jennie R., are both buried in the Mlddleburg Union
cemetery. George Kern died Oct. 4, 1896, at the age of 77 years, and is buried on their family lot in the Middleburg, union cemetery. He died intestate, but had accumulated during his life, a great deal of real estate and other valuable property. After his demise, the property he had so faithfully accumulated descended to his widow and legal heirs. He was a good, honest and kind-hearted neighbor, loved by all who knew him. His wife, Rachael, at the time of writing, in 1908, still survives him. She is 85 years old, her sight and hearing being defective, but considering her great age, her mental faculties are very good. She loves to talk about occurances that happened more than sixty years ago. She can remember the names of many who lived in the last generation. She is now the only surviving aunt of the writer.
Elizabeth, eldest daughter of John Kern, whose grandfather on her mother's side was Johan George Royer, and her great grandfather was Christopher Royer, who came from the Rhein Pfaltz, South Germany, in 1748. After the death of her parents, she lived with her uncle and aunt, Jacob Gift and wife until she was married to John Gift in 1826, after which they resided on their farm near Paxtonville, two and one-half miles west of Mlddleburg. They had three sons and four daughters: Aaron K., the writer of these sketches, David, and William D., Amelia, Barbara Ellen, Amanda, and Susana. (A full history of these children is given in the genealogy of
the Gift family, in that part relating to John Gift). Both Elizabeth and her husband, John Gift, died at the home of their son. William D. Gift, in Franklin township. Her husband died in 1866, aged 68 years; and she died in I876, at the age of 68 years. Both are buried in the cemetery at Christ's church,
now known as Hassinger's church. They were both known as honest and upright people.
Catherine, youngest daughter of John Kern, after the death of her parents, which was while she was very young, lived with her uncle and aunt, Colonel Henry Royer and wife, until she grew to womanhood. Her ancestry is the same as that of her sister, Elizabeth, and their brothers, already noted. She was married to Isaac Zeigler, on June 18, 1843, as his second wife.
DIE MAMMI
Es gebt en Scheehelt vun de Seel,
En liebliche Gerechtigkeit,
As sich veschennert mit de zeit
Un is vum wahre Gott en Dheel.
Sei is die haupt sach; in der Dhat
Sei is es eenzigscht Ding as bschteht
Wann Welt un Himmel mol vegeht,
Un sei hot aa die Mammi g'hat.
In ihrem kleene finger war
Meh Weisheit vun de rechte sart
As mancher Wltzkop flnne ward
In all de Bicher gross un rahr.
In rememberance of my mother, Catharine Zigler,(nee Kern). C.C. Zigler.
Isaac Zigler and wife resided at Rebersburg, Pa. The following children were born to this union: - Emeline Jane, John Henry, Thomas Royer, George, Elizabeth, and Charles Calvin. Emeline Jane Zigler was born Apr. 5, 1844, and died Feb. 10, 1892, aged 47 years, 10 mos., 5 days. She was married to Ralph M, Musser, who was born Apr. 12, 1844. They have three children: Harry Clymer, John Isaac, and Minnie Maude. Harry Clymer Musser was born at Rebersburg, Pa., Mar. 13, 1867. When a young man, he taught school in Centre Co., Pa. Then he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he was employed in the post office. Later he returned to Rebersburg, where he married Mary Corman, daughter of Harvey Corman, who was a son of Henry Corman. They have four children: Mabel, Margaret, a baby, and one dead. John Isaac Musser was born in Dec. 1869, or 1870, at Cedarville,
Ill., and died June 7, 1873.
Minnie Maud Musser was born Apr. 10, 1873. She married Curtis Greininger. They reside at Phila,, Pa. and have one child.
John Henry Zigler was born Nov. 27, 1847. He married Malinda Moyer, daughter of John Moyer, in 1872. He graduated from a college of medicine in Baltimore, Md., but before he came home he had been ill with consumption. He opened an office, however, at Rebersburg, and was ready for practice, when he died, July 24,
1874, and was buried there.
Thomas Royer Ziegler was born Dec. 5, 1849. He married Lydia Ann Yearick, Nov. 14, 1872, who was born Nov. 13, 1851. They had three sons: Clarence James, Calvin Henry and Edwin Allen. They reside at Eldred, McKean Co., Pa., where he runs a creamery. Clarence James Ziegler was born July 25, 1875, and died, date of
death unknown to the writer.
Calvin Henry Ziegler was born July 22, 1878, is married, and lives at Watsontown, Pa., where he is chief clerk for the Penna. railroad Co. They have one son.
Edwin Allen Ziegler was born Sept. 20, 1880. He taught school for a time, but is now in the employ of the Government, in the Bureau of Forestry, Department of Agriculture. He married Rebecca Moyer, daughter of Joseph K. Moyer, son of John Moyer. They reside at 1906 third St., N.W, Washington, D.C. They have no children.
George Ziegler, third son of Isaac Ziegler, was born Mar. 19, 1846, and died Apr. 4, 1849.
Elizabeth Ziegler, second daughter of Isaac Ziegler, was born July 31, I852 and died in infancy.
Charles Calvin Ziegler, youngest son of Isaac and Catherine (Kern) Ziegler, was born June 19, 1856. He was given a common school training at Rebersburg, but he especially benefited by the select and normal schools, conducted at that place by county superintendent, R. M, Magee and Henry Moyer. He ascribes much of his success in life to the thorough teaching of those two eniment educators. On invitation of his brother, Samuel Benjamin, at West Union, Fayette county, Iowa, he journeyed to that place in April I870. Here he made himself useful for a time in his brother's "Fayette County Bank" and then filled a clerical position in the recorder's office of that county. Through the liberality of his brother, Samuel B., he was enabled to take a course of study at the State
University of Iowa at Iowa City, where he graduated A.B. Ph. in 1878, and some years subsequently received the honorary degree of Master of Arts. He returned to Pennsylvania where he engaged in teaching for a number of years in the counties of Centre and Clinton. In Sept. 1882, he entered Harvard College where he devoted himself especially to the study of Geology of which science he was very fond. He graduated June 25, 1884, A.B. "Magna Cum Laude," with honors in Natural History and Honorable Mention in English Composition. He again went to Iowa and took the post of Professor of Natural Science in Upper Iowa, University at Fayette, Iowa, but the work not being to his liking he migrated to St. Louis, Mo. Here he engaged in business, becoming connected with the Missouri Pan Electric Telephone Co., and on the dissolution of that company in 1887 became connected with the American Brake Co., of which company he has been the secretary and treasurer since October 1901. Mr. Ziegler is the author of "Dranss un Deheem," a small volume of poems in the Pennsylvania German dialect, which has been very favorably received and has enjoyed great popularity. The Reformed Church Messenger said of it: "These verses are exceedingly creditable. The author not only possesses genuine poetic feeling, but is a man of culture, who has elaborated his verses with the utmost care." The New York Nation said:"A most curious and interesting little book which might well have been much larger," and the late Prof. John Fiske called it in one of his histories: "A charming little book." The first edition is entirely exhausted and the author intends to
get out a second, much enlarged and with a vocabulary. April 13, 1888 he married Mary Catherine Conser, of Brush Valley. This union has been blessed by two children, twins, born June 21, 1889, Laura Alpha, who died Nov. 30, 1899 and Calla Alpha, now a musical student in the Beethoven Conservatory at St. Louis. Mr. Ziegler has been a member of St, Mark's Evangelical Lutheran church at St. Louis since 1890; was made a Free Mason in 1900; is a member of the Pennsylvania society of St. Louis and of the St. Louis Railway club.
Isaac Ziegler was born in 1800 and died June 21, 1883, aged 83 years.
Catherine Kern Ziegler was born near Mlddleburg, Pa., Oct. 12, I8l4. Her youth was passed on a farm and as was the custom in those early days, she was one of the "hands" to work in the fields whenever occasion required. She was kind-hearted and credulous to a fault. She was a devoted member of the Reformed church at Rebersburg and endeavored to rear her children in the same faith. She died May 21, 1884, aged 69 years, 7 months and 9 days. She and her husband, Isaac, are burled at Rebersburg, Pa.
The death of both John Kern and Catherine (Royer) Kern occurred within a short space of time in 1823. Tradition has it that both are burled in the old Hassinger's church cemetery. Their young children were left fatherless and motherless at an age when they were greatly in need of parental love, guidance and protection. They were mostly reared and taken care of by their uncles and aunts.
THE JOHN KERN ORPHANS
In 1823 the affair is sad indeed-
to think of little children, five
Their parents ne'er to greet.
The summons came to parents dear,
And called them to their home-
Beyond the skies fore'ver to live
In glory there to dwell.
But father, mother dear, like all,
Had breathed their last on earth;
In prime of life they had their call-
Their call from off this earth,
And children five, they left behind,
This cold world here to face;
But uncles and aunts they all proved kind,
And each one had a place.
Alas how very said it must be
For children thus bereft-
Of all parental love and care-
Of dear ones, and be left- -
To face this cold and icy world-
This world of ups and downs-
And live with uncles and with aunts
Without parental love.
Yet so it was with John and Dan
And George, the boys, all three,
With Lizzie and with Catherine-
Which makes the five, you see-
The Children of John Sr.,
And Catherine, his wife,
All grew to man and womanhood
And all led christian lives.
The following is the genealogical history of George Ziegler and
family:
George and Elizabeth (Wetz) Ziegler lived near Reading , Pa., where they owned some land and also operated a saw-mill. They had a family of six children of whom Isaac Ziegler was the youngest. He was bom near Reading, Pa., in 1800. He was left an orpahn at the age of seven years and became separated from his brothers at an
early age. As a young man he was the "hired man" on a farm but finally learned the trade of shoe-maker, He settled at Rebersburg, Pa., in about 1830. By his first wife, Christina Remp, he had six children: Martin Samuel Benjamin, Nancy, Christina, Elijah Remp, and Lovina.
Samuel Benjamin Ziegler took up the profession of law and was admitted to the bar at Belefonte, Pa. Later he removed to West Union, Iowa, where he became associated with an old attorney as a partner. He also became a real estate broker and was engaged in the banking business. He accumulated considerable property and is now retired. He married after he moved to Iowa. His wife died some years ago, without any children.
Nancy Ziegler married Dr. Stern. They had two children: Calvin R., and one whose name is not known to the author.
Calvin R. Stern was born July 27, 1853, and is married to Rose Musser, daughter of Daniel Musser, a miller at Mülheim, Pa. They settled at West Union, Iowa, where he is engaged in the mercantile business. After Nancy's death, Dr. Stern married again and has one daughter to his second wife.
Elijah Remp Ziegler was born March 9, 1837. When a young man he worked in Halfpenny's Woolen Mills at Laurelton, Union county, Pa. He followed school teaching for a while. Then he studied medicine and graduated from Pennsylvania Medical College. He married Marie Schnure of Laurelton, Pa., and settled at West Union, Iowa, where he practiced his profession until his death about 1872. They had two children: Mamie, who died about 1871, and Arthur, born September 11, 1864, at Laurelton, Pa.
Arthur located in Philadelphia, Pa., and was at one time employed by the Penn Mutual Life Ins. Co.
Lousla Ziegler married a Mr. Caldwell, and lives at Landisburg, Perry Co., Pa.
Johan Adam Kern, third son of John Yost, the original ancestor in this country, owned and oocupied a farm in what is now Adams township. The farm has since been divided. Harrison Moyer owns the eastern part, and the westernpart, on which a sawmill is located, is now owned by Daniel A. Kern, a son of George Kern, deceased, who was the former owner. Johan Adam died at an advanced age and is burled in the old cemetery near Troxelville. He had three sons and one daughter, namely:Jacob, John S., Daniel and Susan.
Jacob died on his farm two miles east of Beavertown, May 22, 1858, aged 54 years. Sarah, his wife, (nee Weirick) died Aug. 27, I87O, at the age of 63 years. They are buried in the cemetery at Beavertown. Their children were as follows: Robert W. Kern died at Ashland, Schuylkill county, Pa., in about
1885. Charles died while serving in the Union Army in about 1862, and is buried at Grafton, West Virginia. Mary married Thomas J. Thomas, and died at Bellevue Ohio, in about 1902. Matilda died single Sept. 10, 1863, at the age of 29 years, and is buried at Beavertown, Pa. Salinda, widow of Alfred Wolf, deceased, is living at Minneapolis, Kansas. Amelia K., widow of William Gise, deceased, lives at Chicago, Ill. S. Ellen, intermarried with Alfred Specht, Esq., resides at Beavertown. Their matrimony was blessed with two sons: Charles F. and Thomas J. Charles F. united in matrimony with Miss Clara Hartman. They have one daughter, Laura. They reside at Lewlstown where he is employed as a conductor on the trolley road. Thomas J. married to Miss Ella Custer, resides in Franklin where he is employed by the P.R.R. Co. as clerk and assistant agent. His union with Miss Custer has been blessed with one son, namely Ben Custer Specht.
John S. Kern, second son of John Adam, born September 30, 1802 and died at Rennsalaer, Jasper county, Indiana, July 29, 1865. After two years the remains were removed to Logansport, Indiana. In 1863 he sold his farm and mill property at Paxtonville, Snyder County, Pa. and migrated to Mich, and from there to Indiana. Catherine E., nee Tittle, wife of John S. Kern, was born May 9, 1814 and died May 10, 1900 and is burled at Logansport. They were blessed with the following issue: Sabina Kern was born Feb. 19, 1833, and died Nov. 19, 1867 and is buried at Rennsalaer, Ind. She married Beuben Middleswarth and has a son, William D., living in Dubuque, Iowa and his address is No. 3 Grave Terrace. Reuben Middleswarth died at Rennington, Ind., in the year 1872, aged 38 years. Their children were William D., Ammon, dec'd., Charles, Maggie, Allen and Lizzie. Jane Kern was born June 16, 1835. Do not know the date of her death. Married Alexander Robinson and his sons address is F.K. Robinson, Champaign, Ill. The writer could not obtain any more data concerning this family. Stephen T. Kern was born December 5, 1850. Died a single man, April 18, 1876. Buried at Logansport, Indiana. Wiland Kern was born October 16, 1853. Died July 7, 1857 and was buried on the old homestead farm at Beaver Furnace, now Paxtonville, Snyder County, Pa.
Rolson Kern was born April 6, 1857 and is buried beside Wiland on the same homestead farm and J.S. Kern, the father, made tombstones for these two children before he left for the west. Lillie C. Kern was born December 19, 1858 and died February 13, 1883. She was married to Atwater Barnett, who still survives her. William T. Kern was born February 15, 1858 and died November 13, 1876. Buried at Logansport, Indiana. Not married. William was engaged in the mercantile business and was very successful. Ammon S. Kern was born October 13, 1840. Died and was buried at South Bend, Indiana, September 20, 1897. Was married and his wife is also dead. No children. For many years Ammon was a successful merchant at South Bend, Indiana. Adam T. Kern was born December 1, 1845. Married and now lives at Logansport, Ind., where he is a successful business man. Eliza Kern was born April 20, 1843, and married Elmore McCray, who died about twenty-eight years ago. She is still a widow and has two sons only, all living in Kentland, Indiana. Clem J. Kern was born May 25, 1848. Married. No children, and lives in Valparaiso, Ind. Clem J. for years has been a successful and well-to-do merchant at Valparaiso, Ind., and in other localities. The foregoing data was furnished the writer by W. D. Middleswarth and C. J. Kern, parties above named.
A history of Daniel S. Kern 3d. son of John Adam, and wife, Sarah Jane Parker Kern and their family. In 1853 he sold his valuable farm in Penn'a, and moved to Bellevue, Ohio, from thence he moved to Indiana. He was born in Beaver Township, Union (now Snyder) county, Pa., Jan 1, 1809, and died May 17, I883, at Hanna, Indiana, LaPorte County, and was buried in Morgan Cemetery located in Cass Township, LaPorte County, Ind. Sarah Jane Parker was born in Beaver township, Union (now Snyder) county, Pa., August 31, 1813, and died at Hanna, Ind., LaPorte County, on May 19, 1905, and was buried in Morgan Cemetery in Cass Township, LaPorte County, Ind. They were united in marriage in Franklin Township, Union County, Pa., In the year 1829. To this union were born the following children, their births being in the order named: Harietta, born Aug 18, 1831, in Franklin township, Union, now Snyder Co., Pa., was married to Jacob Eckhart at the same place. Eckhart died in Missouri, Feb. 13, i860, her present home being Centerville, Mich., and she is still a widow. Simon P. Kern was born May 29, 1833, in the same township, county and state, and was married March 30, 1853, to Maria Gemberling in Penns township, Union (now Snyder) County, Pa. This wife died Feb. 17, 1904, and was buried in Hanna Ind, Cemetery, LaPorte Co. He was married a second time to Mary C. Lee on Sept. 11, 1906, and resides at present in Hanna, Ind.. LaPorte Co. Simon P. Kern with his first wife had 2 sons and one daughter. The elder son resides at Battlecreek Mich, the younger lives at Hanna Indiana near his father. The daughter resides at Longbranch, Cal. Roswell Kern, born Feb. 14, 1836, in the same township, county and state, married in Sandusky Co., 0., to Elizabeth Fees, who died in 1888, in Cass township, LaPorte Co., Ind., and was buried in Hanna, Ind., Cemetery, LaPorte Co. He resides at present in Cass twp., LaPorte Co., Ind. Sarah Kern, was born June 20, 1838, in the same township, county and state, was married to Joseph Lehr in Michigan, St. Joseph Co. Mr. Lehr died in August 1906, at Centerville, Mich., and is buried at Three Rivers, Mich., where his widow resides at present. Erwin P. Kern, born Nov. 23, 1840, in the same township, county and state, was married to Elizabeth Moyer in 1862, at White Pigeon, Mich., and resides at present in Noble twp., LaPorte Co., Ind. Postoffice Union Mills, Ind. Tammer Kern, Born Oct. 23, 1843, in the same township,County and state, married James Johnston in 1863. He is now dead and buried at Three Rivers, Mich. She is still a widow and lives at Three Rivers, Mich, Calvin P. Kern, born April 26, 1846, in the same township, county state, and died July 28, 1892, in Furnace Co., Neb., and is buried in Beaver City, Nebraska. He was married in 1866, to Laura Davis at Hanna Ind. She resides at present with her children in Wyoming. Sowara Kern, born Jan. 21, 1848, in same township, county and state was married to Almira Smith in Cass township, LaPorte Co., Ind., in 1875, and resides at present in Hanna, Ind., LaPorte Co. Agness Kern, born Feb. 28, 1853, in Sandusky County, Ohio and was married to Henry Duke at Three Rivers, Mich., in 1873. They reside at present at Three Rivers, Mich. The foregoing data were furnished the writer by Simon P. Kern, a son of Daniel S. Kern.
Susan, only daughter of Johan Adam Kern, was married to William Frederick at her home in Beavertown, Snyder county, where she died childless, at the age of 77 years. Her remains lie at rest in the burial grounds at that place. She was an honest and kind lady, beloved by all the community in which she lived.
Peter Kern, fourth son Johan Yost, owned a farm in what is now known as Adams Township. He was a wagon maker by trade and followed that business in Pennsylvania, and made the wood work of wagons and wooden plows. These plows were entirely made of wood including the mould board, excepting the share and point, called the cutter, which ware made of iron. These plows were very cumbersome and unwieldy, but they were the only plows known nearly or about a century ago. When the writer was a boy about 65 years ago, he saw one of these wooden plows, which was kept as a curiosity and as a relic in his father's barn. Wooden harrows were also made and used during these primitive times, when iron and steel were scarce, and high in price. They were made of white oak sapling of the required size, hewed square and framed at regular distances apart. One and one-half to two inch holes were bored through the beams for the teeth, which were made of hard dry hickory wood, and driven into these holes for the teeth. These teeth extended about eight inches on the under side of the harrow, and did excellent work. Alas; those times have gone by and now all our farming implements are made combine and trusts and the farmer is compelled to pay the high prices which they ask, or do without such conveniences.
Peter Kern was born in Penn'a, Feb, 22, 1776, and died in Thompson township, Seneca county, Ohio, June 12, 1855. He was married to Miss Christina Lepley, said to have been a sister of Michael Lepley, who was killed by the Indians with Jacob Gift and others, at Fort Freeland, Pa., in 1779. (See history of the Gift family). Christina was born in New Jersey, Sept. 4, 1775, and died March 3, 1857. She was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. The issue of this union was a s follows: Anthony Kern was born Feb. 14, 1813, and died Feb. 6, 1886. Sophia, wife of Anthony, was born Feb. 5, 1816, and died June 17, 1872. Levi Kern was born Sept. 16, 1842, and died Feb. 28, 1904. Michael Kern was born April 7, 1805, and died June 13, 1847. Peter Kern, Jr., was born March 3, 1807, and died Nov. 9, 1857. Mary, a daughter of Peter Kern, was married to Samuel Romig, who died April 3, 1884, aged 81 years, 7 months and 9 days. Mary, his wife, died Jan. 23, 1882, aged 75 years, 1 month and 27 days. Both died at their home, two miles west from Beaver Springs, Pa., and are buried in the old cemetery at that place. The issue of this union was as follows: Ephraim was married to Miss S. Ada Schroyer. He died Jan. 2, 1907, aged 67 years, 3 months and 28 days. Pharus was married to Miss Alvilda Brechbill. He died in April, 1905. Both brothers are buried in the new cemetery at Beaver Springs, where their residence was. Tilman married Miss Kate Howell. He is engaged in farming near Milroy, Pa. Mena was married, and died Feb. 21, 1883, aged 52 years, 1 month and 19 days. She is buried in the old cemetery at Beaver Springs. Delilah was married to Samuel Shank. He died and his widow resides at Siglerville, Mifflin Co., Pa. Judda was married to Samuel Whitesides, who died. She now resides at Three Rivers, Mich. Rachel was married to Charles Kempher, who died, and his widow resides at Edwards, Minn. Samuel Romig was first married to a daughter of Abraham Keller. She died, and afterwards he married Mary Kern, mother of the above named sons and daughters. The foregoing data were furnished the writer by Clymer Romig of Beaver Springs, Pa., a son of Ephraim, and a grandson of Samuel Romig.
George Jacob Kern, fifth son of Johan Yost, owned and occupied a farm now in West Beaver township, one mile east of where McClure is located. This farm was since been divided; the eastern part is owned by Isaac Middleswarth and the western part by Ner B. Middleswarth, Ex-Sheriff of Snyder Co. It is asserted that Peter and Jacob were both sober, honest and industrious farmers. Peter and Jacob sold their farms in 1833, and by wagons emigrated to Seneca and Huron counties, Ohio, and settled in the vicinity of where the present city of Bellevue is located. Here in their new homes, they raised their families; they grew up with the country and accumulated a large amount of real estate. Nearly all of their descendants reside in Sandusky and Huron counties, and in the city of Bellevue. In 1883, when they arrived at their chosen place for their new homes, they entered government lands which then cost the trifling sum of one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre and the necessary office expenses. There is not a better wheat country to be found in that locality. Improved farm land is worth now (1906) from one hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars an acre.
George Jacob (Yocob) Kern was born April 22, 1784, in Perms, now West Beaver township, Northumberland county, Pa. On Nov. 3, 1807, he was married to Elizabeth Shock, a daughter of George and Esther Sharp Shock. Elizabeth was born Oct. 17, 1787, and died Oct. 22, 1856, her husband having died June 21, 1853, in Thompson township, Seneca county, Ohio. This union was blessed with the following children: Yost, born, March 7, 1811, and died March 16, 1888. George, born June 1, 1821, and died June 29, 1895. Edward, born Sept. 7, 1825, and died Aug. 21, 1901. Edward had three sons and three daughters. All are married and still (1907) living. Joseph is the eldest son. Isaac was born Jan. 2, 1828, and died Aug. 14, 1895. He was married twice, had three daughters by his first wife and eight sons by his second. Mason H. is the fifth son, residing in his fine home at Bellevue, Ohio. He has two daughters and one son. Benneville was born May 24, 1901. Sarah united in marriage with John Romig. Sophia, born July 4, 1813, died single May 11, 1853. Hannah was married to George Heter. She was born Nov. 16, 1815 and died June 11, 1893. Mary was born August 14, I8l8 and died March 28, 1866. Rachael was born July 1, 1823. She was united in marriage with Jacob Zeiber and is still living. (1906) The above data was furnished the writer by Mason H. Kern, a descendant of George Jacob.
Philip Kern, Sixth son of Johan Yost had two sons, Reuben and Michael and three daughters, Rebecca, Susan and Mary. He died in Beaver Township. The writer was unable to ascertain the name of his wife or the time of his death.
Johan Yost Kern had three daughters as already stated. Anna Mary was married to John Walter; Loseana married Jacob Bubb and Christina married Joseph Walter. Joseph Walter and Christina his wife, resided in the borough of Selinsgrove at which place they died and are buried. Some of their descendants still reside in Selinsgrove.
Incidents connected with the early history of the Kerns is as follows: A few years after the death of Johan Yost Kern, one of his sisters, Elizabeth, widow of a Mr. Miller, was still living at Freischbach, Germany. She wrote to her nephews to send one of their number to Germany to accompany her to the United States, that she in the meantime would make her last will and testament and bequeath all of her estate, which was considerable, to the sons and daughters of her brother, Johan Yost. She stated that as her relations in the old country were very distant and few in number; she wished to live the remainder of her life among her kindred in the United States. Henry, the oldest son of Johan Yost, and father of Henry Kern, deceased, at Beavertown. It was written by one Thomas Youngman in high German and was translated from the German by the writer. It is very queer in its composition. Following is a copy as translated:
"Pennsylvania, Union County, Beaver township, April the 26, 1821. Know all men by these presents, as well as the Hon. authorities, concerning a power of attorney to collect a legacy we pray the esteemed superiors in office will have the goodness to give their kind attention There is a legacy to be received at Rein-Kreis, Kingdom of Bavaria. Inquire for the name of the minister, for the Curator (Trustee) Culleman, or for Jacob Peter Kern at Friechbach, etc, etc., to whom we make ourselves know as the true and lawful heirs, sons and daughters of the deceased Johan Yost Kern, who died six years ago from June the 25, last past, who resided at that time in Beaver township, Union County, in the state of Pennsylvania, being one of the United States of North America. Our names are as follows to wit: Anna Mary Kern married to John Walter; Henry Kern being the one named in this power of attorney, Johan Adam Kern: Loseana Kern, married to Jacob Bubb; Peter Kern; Christiana Kern, married to Joseph Walter; Philip Kern; John Kern and Jacob Kern. We the undersigned have resolved and hereby do resolve and hand over this power of attorney to Henry Kern as our lawful attorney, who has undertaken to journey from here to Europe and to collect and receive for us and in our stead our full legacy which our Aunt Elizabeth Miller (formerly) Elizabeth Kern, has bequeathed to us. She residing at Fieschbach in the county (Canton) of Germansheim, Duchy of Baden and upon the same condition we think it for good to authorize and hereby so authorize the said Henry Kern if necessary to empower anyone else he may think proper to do and perform all above matters and things the same as we could or would do were we personally present ourselves, In witness whereof and for the further confirmation of the foregoing power of attorney, we, the undersigned have hereunto set our hands and seals on the day and year aforesaid, Anna Mary Walter, John Walter, Johan Adam Kern, Jacob Bubb, Peter Kern, Christina Kern, Joseph Walter, Philip Kern, John Kern, Jacob Kern. /Seal/
Witnesses present: Abraham Waros, V Thomas Youngman.J
In due time, thereafter, Henry Kern started on his voyage to the fatherland. In the fall of 1821 he arrived in Germany. For some cause or other his aunt Elizabeth Miller, was not ready to go and he returned without her. In 1823 he made his second trip, and by this time his aunt had converted all her estate into money and was ready to go. Her money was exchanged for bibles, testaments and clocks by her nephew Henry, because at that early day there were no such facilities as now to exchange foreign money at our seaports or elsewhere. The clocks were manufactured at Black Forest (Schwarzwald), Switzerland. At the appointed time, Henry went to get his clocks. He was told that they were not finished; so he had to wait, but was invited to board with the proprietor, who wined and dined him every meal. A Shoppen ( a pint) of wine was set before him at every meal. Henry soon complained saying,"that he was too poor to pay for such luxuries." He was told, "This costs you nothing, we board all our customers free, who on our account are obliged to wait for their finished ware." After Henry returned to the United States with his aunt, Elizabeth, these foreign articles were sold, and thus was realized quite an amount of wealth for that day. Many of these clocks are yet in good running order, and at this day have become heirlooms, highly prized.
On her arrival, aunt Elizabeth first lived with her nephew, John, on the farm now owned by Dr. A.M.Smith. Both John Kern and Catherine, his wife, soon after the arrival of their aunt, in 1823, died within a short time of each other. She then made her home with Johan Adam, her other nephew, where she died at an advanced age. It is related by our old people, that she was buried in the old Musser's valley cemetery at Troxelville, Snyder county, Pa. This old German lady had many peculiarities. Where she came from, nothing was wasted. When her nephew, John, was clearing the forests and preparing the soil for cultivation, all the timber was rolled on heaps and burned because it was valueless in those days. Destroying the timber in this way was hard for aunt Elizabeth to see. and she would often exclaim, "It is a sin to so burn this nice wood", or in her native tongue, "Es ist eine sunde das schone holz so zu verbrennen." Against the protest of John, she would go out on the clearing, gather her apron full of small twigs and carry them home for fuel. She would go out and cut grass in the fence corners with her german sickel and carry it to the calves in the meadow pasture. She would tell her nephew, "0 Johan, my beloved nephew, you must not permit so much to go to waste, " or in her own language, "0 Johan, mein lieber enkel, sie müssen doch nicht so foiel ferschwenden lossen."
In the year 1834, about a year after, Peter and Jacob Kern emigrated to Ohio. Their brother Henry, who had traveled twice to Germany, made his first trip to Seneca and Huron counties, Ohio, to see his brothers, Peter and Jacob, and the wild west, as the Ohio country was then known. By his request, his family made him a strong knapsack (schnappsock). This was made of home grown flax, home spun, and home woven llnaacloth, (in those early days each family had its own spinning wheels and loom.) This was packed full of extra clothing, and some eatables. This he strapped on his back, and started to walk to Ohio, a distance of 450 miles, and arrived safe at his destination, where he was a welcome guest. While there, he entered some government land at the rate of $1.25 per acre, and entrance fees. He returned in the same manner as he had come. Before he started on his second and last trip, he said to his family, "I believe I will once more walk to Ohio to see the brothers and our land." In his Pennsylvania german he said, "Eich glaub eich will noach amohl nous noch der Hio lauffa, die bruder und unser lond zu sehna." Alas; A few weeks after his arrival, in 1835, he was taken sick and died at the home of his brother, Peter, in Seneca county, Ohio. During his sickness, he was carefully and kindly nursed by his brothers and other friends, and received a christian burial, even away from his nearest kindred-his beloved wife and children. He was an honest and courageous Pennsylvania German, beloved by all who knew him. Among the papers and other valuable relics in the possession of the heirs of Henry Kern, Jr., dec'd at Beavertown, is a wallet or money bag, which his father Henry Sr., had carried twice to Germany and back, and used in his trips to the State of Ohio. This is now indeed an heirloom.
At this point we will give a brief sketch of Jacob (Yocob) Walter. Two of his sons, Joseph and John, married two sisters, daughters of John Yost Kern. Both raised large families. Jacob (Yocob) Walter the original pioneer of all the Walter branches in Pennsylvania, and was born in the Kingdom of Wittenburg, Germany, in January 15, 1729. He was married to Miss Maria Kauffman, July 24, 1757. He landed at Philadelphia after a voyage of two months. He moved to Lancaster, Pa. He was a tailor by trade. He later moved to Penn (now Franklin) Township, Northumberland (now Snyder) County. Here he bought a tract of land, afterwards owned by Isaac Swarm, the bulk of which is now (1908) owned by Millard Schambach. This land is located about 1 1/2 miles west of Mlddleburg. The first roof under which they lived was a canvass tent erected under a large white oak tree. He soon cleared some fields and erected a log house. His trusty gun brought down the fleet-footed deer and other wild game for the family store. At this time the Indians were still inhabiting this valley. Here he erected the first linseed oil mill in this part of the State. He was a member of the building committee who erected the first Lutheran and Reformed union church, a log building, known as Hassinger's church in 1785.
Jacob Walter had a large family: David married Susan Ehrhart, John married Losena Kern, Joseph married Christina Kern, they were sisters, and daughters of John Yost Kern, Philip married a Miss Bowersox, Henry married a Miss Mertz, Jeremiah married Pearl Price, Christian married a Miss Swartz, Jacob Jr., married a Miss Lawver, Michael married a Miss Varick (Weirick), Elizabeth was married to Daniel Hassinger, Mary married a Mr. Stroub, Conrad of whose marriage we have no record. Joseph, third son of Jacob Walter, raised quite a family, one of their sons was Deitrick Walter, a full cousin of the writer's mother. He was born Dec. 17, 1807, and died April 8, 1848. He was married to Miss Rebecca Weller. She died Sept. 21, 1894. They resided on a farm in Franklin township, now owned by their son, John W. Walter. Their children were Aaron Walter, dec'd, lived near Bellevue, Ohio; Joseph dec'd; John W. and Elizabeth dec'd. Joseph Walter, son of Deitrick, was born June 4, 1835 and died Feb. 4, 1897. He is buried in the Mlddleburg Cemetery. He was married to Miss Susan Hassinger, a daughter of Conrad Hassinger; she still survives him. They lived on their farm one half mile south-west of Mlddleburg. They had the following children: Alice, Laura dec'd, Keamer, Maggie,Frank and Reno. Alice is married to Isaiah Walter, a son of Ephriam and grandson of Deitrick, who was a son of David. They have two sons, Rev. Lloyd W. WiLter, who is married to Anna May Guss, of Mifflin, Pa., who is a great-granddaughter of Rev. Conrad Walter, and Renel resides at home. Keamer, son of Joseph Walter married Miss Elizabeth Bubb, a daughter of Reuben Bubb. They have one son, Ray. They reside at Selinsgrove, Pa. Maggie married Rev. J. M. Rearick. They have the following children: Jodie, Susan, Alice, Walter, Paul and Luther. They reside in Clinton
county, Pa. Frank Walter is married to Miss Kate Garman, residing in Mlddleburg, Pa. Their children are Hazel, Laura, Marie, Garman, Chester and Ernest. Reno Walter is married to Miss Burnice Garman. Their children are
Joseph and Dalem. They reside in Cleveland, Ohio. John W. Walter was born Oct. 7, 1833 and died and was buried Aug. 21, 1908. He was married to Miss Harriet, daughter of Henry Hasslnger. They resided on their farm in Franklin township, Snyder County, Pa. The following children were born to them: Mina A., single, E. D.H. Walter married to Irene Beaver, daughter of W.H. Beaver, Louisa A., single. Mr Walter was a county commissioner up to the time of his death. Amanda, daughter of Deitrick Walter, is married to John A. Stahlnecker. They reside in Mlddleburg, Pa. Their children are George E., who married to William Snyder, Lester married to Gertrude Manbeck, all residing in Cleveland, Ohio and doing well. Elizabeth a daughter of Joseph Walter and sister of Deitrick, was married to Jacob Bolender. They lived on their farm east of Middleburg, Pa. Their children are Charles A., ex-county treasurer, who resides on the old homestead. He is married to Miss Kate Bickel. Their children are George D. dec'd, Harry and John. Eve Bolender married J. W. Renninger, He died April 10, 1906; the widow still survives him. Their children are Louisa married to J. B. Enterline, C. Lincoln, dec'd, Elizabeth married to J. H. Moyer, Carrie married to George H. Steininger, Mollie A., married W. L. Wehr, Verdie, dec'd, Annie M., married to L. C. Bachman and John B., dec'd. Emma Bolender was married to Robert Arbogast. She died soon after her marriage. Catherine Bolender married Peter S. Riegel, of Freeburg, Pa. Jacob Bolender died Nov. 24, 1872, aged 65 years, 3 months and 1 day. His wife Elizabeth, died Feb. 19, 1884, aged 71 years and 3 days.
SKETCH OF REV. JOHN CONRAD WALTER
Rev. John Conrad Walter became related through marriage to the numerous Walter families in Snyder county. He was born in Germany Nov. 30, 1775 and came to America when three years of age. His father settled in Tulpehocken, Pa. When Rev. Walter was a young man he came to Snyder county, living near Freeburg. He served numerous churches in this county, (for full particulars see history of Christ's or Hassinger's church.) Rev. Walter was married to Miss Catherine Ulsh, of Pfontz's Valley on Oct. 27, 1807. They had five children of whom two died quiet young. Elizabeth was born Oct. 17, 1810. She was married to George Rine; they lived near Schnee's church. They had eleven children. Maria married Andrew Bowersox; John was married to Matilda Arbogast; Elizabeth married Daniel Roush; Carolina married J. J. Yerger; Henry died young; Jacob married Miss Katie Ann Apple; Benjamin died; Sarah Ann married Samuel Boyer; Catherine married Henry Boyer; Barbara married John Arbogast and Matilda died young. Anna, daughter of Rev. Conrad Walter, was married to David Moyer, a tanner near Freeburg, Pa. They had eight children of whom two are living. Mary Ann married William Guss. He was a son of Abraham Guss, who was married to Miss Mary Magdaline Aughey. William Guss was born March 23, 1832. On May 5, 1859 he married Miss Mary R. Shuman for his first wife, who died. They resided in Mifflin, Juniata County, Pa. Their issue was one son, E. Milton Guss, who married Miss Anna E. Partner. They have three children: Lyman A., Leslie B., who married Martha W. Suloff and Carrie E. On Dec. 8, 1864 William Guss married his second wife, Miss Mary Ann Moyer, daughter of David Moyer and granddaughter of Rev. John Conrad Walter. This union was blessed with the following children: Carrie E., who died April 10, 1899; Rev. Jerome M. Guss, who married Miss Evangeline Dimm, daughter of Rev. Dr. Dimm, of Selinsgrove, Pa. They reside at Altoona, Pa., and have one son, Walter Dimm. Aula S. Guss, daughter of William Guss, resides at Mifflin, Pa. Rev. William Ira Guss married Miss Anna C. Croninger, residing at Duquesne, Pa. They have one daughter, Anna Ruth. David M. Guss. Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Anna May married Rev. Lloyd W. Walter, of Danville, Pa., and Rev. Uriah A. Guss, of Mifflin, Pa. Miss Carolina Moyer, Daughter of David Moyer, was married to W. C. Adams. Their children were Itasca; Carrie, who married Robert Farquer; Beatrice married to T. C. Ross; Emma; William; Walter; Edith, who married Millard Patton; Charles dec'd and Meta still living. George Conrad Moyer, son of David Moyer, married Miss Jane Kreider. She died and he afterwards married a Miss Bowess, living in Canton OH. Clara Moyer, daughter of David Moyer, was married to William Hummel, residing north east of Mlddleburg with her sons Benjamin and Aaron. Rev. Walter's widow, (nee Catherine Ulsh) afterwards married John Rein, whose first wife was Elizabeth Motz; she died April 23, 1819 and her funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Walter. Text: Luke 23: 27-31. This second wife of John Rein, died September 10, 1835, aged 44 years, 3 months and 20 days. Her funeral sermon was preached by Rev, Peter Swartz. She is buried in the Rein family grave yard. Rev Walter's widow with her second husband, John Rein, was the mother of eight children: Barbara married Samuel Young, living at Albian, Noble county, Ind.; Sarah married Samuel Motz, living at Canton, Ohio; John Jacob, married to a Miss Herrold, then to a Miss Lawver, and now his third wife is a Sassaman and they live at Cocolamus, Juniata County, Pa. Benjamin is married to Susan Hummel residing near Lewisburg, Pa. Christianna married William Boyer, of Gratz, Dauphin county, Pa. Carolina married Philip Roush. They live in Elkhart county, Ind. One son and one daughter died quite young.
The Geneological history of the Kern family whose ancestor was Johan Yost Kern, is now completed. It required a great deal of time, labor and expense to procure the proper data. The writer is under obligation to many of the descendants, for their kind assistance rendered by correspondence and otherwise. If anything of importance has been omitted that should have been inserted, it is to be regretted, but the historian could hardly be held responsible, for it was his aim to get all the information procurable for the interest of relatives. During a period of years other Kerns immigrated to America, among them are the following as taken from Prof. J. Daniel Rupp's collection of 30,000 Immigrants to Pennsylvania from Germany, Switzerland and other countries: Abraham Kern, Sept. 21, 1731, George Kern, Sept. 26, 1737, Johan Simon Kern, Oct. 7, 1743, Henrick Kern, Oct. 13, 1747, Mathew Kern, Sept. 25, 1751, and George Adam Kern, Oct. 23, 1752. More could be named if space permitted. The writer was not able to trace any descendants of the foregoing named Kerns, whether of any known relationship or not, to our ancestor Johan Yost Kern, who was born at Freischbach, Germany, in 1746. Yet there is reason to believe, that the various Kern branches Here originally related in the fatherland, but were separated and drifted apart, but these facts can not be learned at this late day, so we must leave them lie buried in oblivion. Rev. Robert M. Kern, a German Reformed minister, who is located at Allentown, Pa., has charge of St. Andrew Reformed congregation, says his father's name was James, his grandfather was also named James, who came over from Germany, but he can not fix the date. The following is gleaned from "The Pennsylvania German," a worthy publication by H. A. Schüler, editor, Allentown, Pa.: Jacob Kern, one of the ancestors of the Kern family in Lehigh and other eastern counties in Penna. taught one of the first English schools in connection with German, at Egypt in White Hall township. The school was opened Jan. 3, l809. His salary was $14.00 per month.
VALUABLE RELICS - ANCIENT POWDER-HORN, SPUR AND SHOTGUN
The following is copied from "The Pennsylvania German:" Among the relics owned by Daniel N. Kern, of Allentown, Pa., are a powder horn and a spur that were brought from Germany by Frederick Wilhelm Kern, in 1739. The powder-horn was made by a relative also named Kern, in 1664, in Germany. It was used to put the priming powder on the pan of flint-lock guns. An old shotgun bought from Germany by the Kern family, now belongs to Henry S. Kern, of Shimerville, Lehigh County. The spur above mentioned is said to have been used by a cavalry shldier in the Revolution, who had borrowed it from D. N. Kern's grandfather. The following I take in part from the "Commoner," a weekly paper published by the Hon. W. J. Bryan, Lincoln, Neb., which shows that people named Kern are still residing in Germany, the fatherland, and that at least some of them are prominent among its citizens. A cablegram from Berlin says: "Maximilian Harden, editor of "Die Zukunft," was acquitted today in the suit brought against him by General Count Kuno Von Moltke, formerly Military Governor of Berlin, for defamation of character. In addition, General Moltke was condemned to bear the costs of trial. The trial began October 23, 1907- This case attracted the greatest interest throughout Germany. This case was tried before Judge Kern, the presiding judge, (Richter). There is also located in Virginia a branch of the Kern family, said to be directly connected with the Pennsylvania family of that name. From this Virginia branch is descended John W. Kern of Indianapolis, Ind., who is the present nominee of the Democratic party for office of Vice President of the United States.
Taken from the GENEALOGICAL HISTORY of the GIFT, KERN AND ROYER
FAMILIES by Aaron Kern Gift, Mlddleburg, Pa. Copyrighted 1909
Herald Printing and Publishing Company, Beaver Springs, Penna.