Biography and Descendays for Jacob Kern, PA

Submitted by Ardath Blue

This Jacob Kern was one of the founders of a Methodist Church in Greensburg, PA, along with John Kern and Samuel Bushfield in 1799-1800, the above being the initial members of this congregation. The early meetings in Greensburg up to 1830 were usually held at Bushfield's house. Church meetings were initially held at the home of SAMUEL BUSHFIELD and Jacob KERN until Jacob Kern "moved West" in 1817. History of the County of Westmoreland, PA, with Biographical Sketches, edited by George Dallas Albert, pub. by L. H. Everts & Co., 1882.]

George T. BUSHFIELD was Samuel's eldest son. He m. Katherine KERN, daughter of Jacob Kern, who was b. in PA. George and Katherine "moved West" with Jacob Kern and his family in 1817. The KERNs settled in Switzerland County, IN, where they lived for many years, where many of them are buried and where some of their descendants remain today.

Outline of Jacob Kern's Descendants

1 Phillip Jacob1 Kern b 1734 in Bavaria, Germany, d January 25, 1799 in York, Pa. m. Catharine Funk/Funck November 28, 1762 in York, York, Pa.
...2 John Kern, b. June 11, 1767 in York, Pa.; d. January 23, 1834 in Mt. Pleasant,Westmoreland Co., PA.
.......3 Joseph R Kern, b. February 19, 1797 in York Co, PA; d. October 20, 1855 in Adams Co., IL. m. Elizabeth Smith in Westmoreland Co., PA.
............4 Joseph C. Kern, b. April 21, 1830 in Morgantown, WV; d. April 24, 1884 in Livingston Co., MO. m. Margarett July 03, 1876.
.................. 5 Wilbur E. Kern
.................. 5 Barzilla Kern
.................. 5 Teretta Kern
.................. 5 Dowe Kern
.................. 5 Everett Kern
.................. 5 Prentiss Kern
.................. 5 Norman Kern
.................. 5 Orin Kern
............4 John Kern, orn 1819 in Westmoreland Co., PA; d. November 27, 1874 in Livingston Co., MO. m. Mary Kessler.
.................. 5 John Fletcher5 Kern, b. in Adams Co., IL. He m. Margaret Ethel Creel June 20, 1878 in Adams Co., IL.
.................. 5 Joseph C. Kern. m. Melvina Dawson.
...........................6 Stella May Kern, b. December 22, 1879 in Livingston, MO; d. January 17, 1933 in Pleasant Hope, Polk Co., MO. m. William Arthur Graham.
............4 Charles M. Kern. m. Lucinda McFarland.
................. 5 John William Kern, b. September 26, 1867.
............4 Susannah Kern m. Jeremiah Leach October 07, 1855.
................. 5 Emma Leach. She m. Sloueker.
................. 5 Joseph Leach.
................. 5 Mary E. Leach.
................. 5 Jacob N. Leach.
................. 5 George Leach.
................. 5 Charles Leach.
...2 Jacob Kern, Sr b: Abt April 7, 1770 in York Co., PA d: January 29, 1841 in Switzerland County, IN (Ebenezer Cemetary) m. +Susanna Kern (maiden name unknown) b: April 3, 1774 in Shippingsburg, Cumberland Co., PA d: October 15, 1845 in Switzerland County, IN (Ebenezer Cemetary)
....... 3 Edward Speilman* Kern b. March 15, 1811 in Greensburg, Pa; d. October 13, 1886 in Switzerland Co. In.. m. Mary Allen Demaree*/Edwards August 24, 1833 in Ripley Co., IN* (I'm thinking she was m. before to an Edwards as she is the dauighter of David Demaree and Rachel Blunk.) Notes for Mary Allen Demaree: I have the following information to prove that Mary Allen Demaree is connected to The Demarest Family by the Demarest Family Association: the reference on page 1148 of the History of Switzerland County mentioning her parents David Demaree and Rachel Blunk Abstract of a death abstract for the IN board of Health giving the same information (inf: Scott Culbertson) the nearness of the grave of David Demaree's Mother's grave at Long Run Baptist Church Allen is a family name that is used often in that line it would be easy for researchers to overlook her because she was probably b. after David d..
............4 David Cain Kern, b. December 27, 1843 in IN; d. August 29, 1922 in IN. m. Cecelia Taylor April 18, 1869 in Switzerland Co, IN.
.................. 5 Cora Elizabeth5 Kern, b. June 20, 1870 in Switzerland Co., IN; d. 1933 in Greensburg, IN.
.................. 5 Mary Delogene Kern, b. April 19, 1872.
.................. 5 Ella Ross Kern, b. February 10, 1885 in Switzerland Co, IN; d. August 07, 1980 in Greensburg, IN. m. William Robert Turner September 01, 1919 in Switzerland Co, IN.
............4 Louise Kern. m. Thomas E. Kincaid July 18, 1877 in Switzerland Co, IN.
.................. 5 Bradley Kincaid, b. Abt. 1895; d. September 26, 1989 in Springfield, OH. Notes for Bradley Kincaid: Bradley Kincaid was a rather well known country singer who was known as "The Kentucky Mountain Boy".
............4 Mary Kern.
............4 Mariah Kern.
............4 Jacob C. Kern, b. February 21, 1841 in Switzerland Co, In; d. August 14, 1921 in Switzerland Co, In. m. Ibbi Riley July 25, 1871 in Switzerland Co, In.
.................. 5 Mary Ballard Kern, b. June 13, 1872 in Carroll Co., KY; d. December 01, 1948 in Switzerland Co., Ind.. Notes for Mary Ballard Kern: Mary was b. in Carroll Co., KY but moved with her family to Switzerland Co., IN when she was less than a year old. She never m. but devoted her life to her family.
.................. 5 Jessie Louise Kern, b. 1875; d. 1911. m. Andrew J. Monroe.
........................... 6 Florence Monroe, b. August 27, 1893.
........................... 6 Dorothy Monroe, b. December 28, 1895; d. August 16, 1976.
........................... 6 Geneva Monroe, b. May 01, 1905; d. December 21, 1905.
.................. 5 Edward W. Kern, b. July 14, 1877 in Moorefield, Switzerland Co,IN; d. February 19, 1949 in North Madison, Jefferson Co., IN. m. Daisy Brindley May 30, 1907.
.................. 5 Harry L. Kern, b. 1879 in Switzerland Co, Ind; d. 1957 in Switzerland Co, Ind. m. +Pearl M. Taylor
.................. 5 John B. Kern, b. April 05, 1882 in Switzerland Co, Ind; d. October 28, 1900 in Switzerland Co, Ind.
.................. 5 Charlie F. Kern, b. September 18, 1884 in Switzerland Co, Ind; d. September 18, 1886 in Switzerland Co, Ind.
.................. 5 Frank Kern, b. 1888 in Switzerland Co, Ind; d. 1910 in Switzerland Co, Ind.
.................. 5 Lelia Kern, b. October 05, 1891; d. November 04, 1980 in Lawrenceburg, IN. m. Scott Dennis
............4 James Edward Kern, b. November 23, 1847 in Switzerland Co, Ind; d. December 11, 1915 in Connersville, Fayette Co. IN.
............4 Joseph Kern, b. May 27, 1856 in Switzerland Co, In; d. July 29, 1937 in Scottsburg, In.
.......3 John George Kern, b. September 01, 1796 in Greensburg, Pa ?; d. November 03, 1835 in Switzerland Co, In. m. unknown
............4 Bethanie Kern, b. Abt. 1818.
............4 Elizabeth Kern, b. Abt. 1820 in Switzerland Co, IN.
.......3 Juliana Kern, b. July 05, 1805 in Greensburg, Pa; d. September 07, 1871 in Switzerland Co, In. m. John Froman Cotton Abt. 1823 in Switzerland Co., In, (son of William Cotton and Christina Froman. Notes for John Froman Cotton: John F. COTTON, farmer, Craig Township, was the first white male child b. in the county, and is therefore its oldest native b. citizen. He was b. at the old Cotton homestead, on Indian Creek, October 29, 1803, and his boyhood and youth were passed in that locality among the boys of the few white settlers, and the sons and daughters of the Native Americans. His parents, John and Christina (FROMAN) Cotton, have been referred to in the first general chapter of this work. Mr. Cotton was educated in such schools as were provided for the youth of his time, a hint of which has been given in the history of Jefferson Township. He was reared on the farm, and during his lifetime, which spans the lapse of eighty-two years, he has given his attention to agricultural pursuits, though in early life, from 1827 to 1843, he did an extensive flat-boating business on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, dealing in all kinds of country produce. Being afflicted with disease of the eyes, he spent the great part of seven years, 1843 to 1850, in seeking relief at the hands of the most skillful doctors of Cincinnati, but failing of the desired result, he applied to Dr. COGLEY, of Madison, Ind., and was permanently cured in three months. In 1851 Mr. Cotton began farming and dealing in stock, exclusively, and this he has continued with marked success ever since. By his excellent management of business affairs, coupled with b. habits of industry and frugality, he has amassed a considerable fortune, now owning 732 acres of landed estate, under good improvements. He has served his township as trustee for many years, and has been a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1842. Mr. Cotton was m., September 18, 1823, to Julia Ann KERN, a native of PA, b. July 5, 1805, and there were b. to them four children: Eliza, Perry K., Christie Ann and John W. After nearly fifty years of toil and trial this faithful wife of his better days, and tender mother of his children, passed to her reward September 7, 1871. Mr. Cotton was again m. in 1875, and is now passing the retrospective year of his life at his comfortable home in Craig Township, one of the most highly esteemed of the county's pioneers. Source: History of Switzerland County, IN 1885 Chicago: Weakley, Harraman & Co., Publishers 1885
............4 Eliza Cotton
............4 Perry K. Cotton.
............4 Christie Ann Cotton.
............4 John W. Cotton.
.......3 Elizabeth Kern b. June 17, 1807 Greenburg, PA* d. March 27, 1857 Switzerland Co., IN. m. David Cain Oct 27, 1825 Switzerland Co., IN
.......3 Susannah Kern b.abt 1794 Greenburg, PA. m. ??? Weaver
............4 Zerelda Weaver b. abt 1816
.......3 Sarah Ann Kern b. March 2, 1813 Greenburg, PA* d. Feb 1, 1883 Switzerland Co., IN. m. ???? Wright/Aljah Wright Novemer 5, 1835 Switzerland Co., IN
.......3 Maria Kern b. abt 1810 Greenburg, PA. m. Meschach Hyatt
.......3 Joseph Kern b. aug 27, 1803 Greenburg, PA* d: Aug 28, 1826 Switzerland Co., IN. m. Mary Ann Hutchison
............4 Joseph Kern, Jr.
.......3 James Francis Kern, b. Abt. 1800 in Greensburg, Pa ?; d. in Switzerland Co, In.
.......3 Jacob Kern, Jr b 1798 Greenburg, PA* d. bef Dec 14, 1840 Switzerland Co., IN. m. Elizabeth Cotton March 23, 1820 in Switzerland Co, In
............ 4 Elizabeth C. Kern, b. Abt. 1825.
............ 4 Louisa Kern, b. 1826-1828. m. Robert A. Knox Abt. 1842 in Switzerland Co, IN. Notes for Robert A. Knox: Robert A. KNOX, retired farmer, Vevay, is a native of that city, b. in 1819, to George G. and Elizabeth (POINDEXTER) Knox. He has done considerable business during his lifetime, but is now one of the most retired men of his native town. Like most other boys of his time he shared the benefits of a common school only in his efforts to gain an education, though he has worn his "thinking cap" all his life. While a young man he learned the cabinet trade in part, and subsequently spent five years on the river, flat-boating. In 1842 he m. Louisa A. KERN who was b. in 1828. Their only son and child, Henry K., was b. in 1843, and m., in 1865, Miss Maria T. DAVIS. Leaving the river trade Mr. Knox was engaged about three years in the wharf-boat and the same length of time with his father in the milling business. He then purchased a farm, which he was sixteen years engaged in cultivating, and upon which, in 1866, he "raised a fuss with work" and then came to Vevay, where he has since resided. Has since done some work as clerk in the treasurer's and recorder's office. Source: The History of Switzerland County, IN 1885. Chicago: Weakley, Harraman & Co., Publishers. 1885
.................. 5 Henry K. Knox, b. Abt. 1843. m. Maria T. Davis 1865.
.......3 Samuel Kern b: March 4, 1809 Greenburg, PA?* d. May 6, 1865 Switzerland Co., IN. m. Elizabeth Vernon
.......3 Katherine Kern b: November 21, 1792 in PA d: February 26, 1868 in Buried at New Chapel Cem. m. George Taylor Bushfield b: October 9, 1791 in Greensburg, PA; son's death cert. says he was b. in Scotland d: December 28, 1822 in Drowned in IN; "In crossing a creek on the ice, it gave way"
.............4 James Spielman Bushfield b: October 6, 1812 in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co, PA d: November 8, 1888 in Allegheny, now Pittsburgh, PA. m. Isabella Best b: August 4, 1818 in Washington County, PA d: June 29, 1870 in Pittsburgh, PA
.................. 5 Jonathan Best5 Bushfield, b. 1845 in Washington, Co, PA; d. 1912 in Pittsburg, PA.
.................. 5 George Taylor Bushfield II, b. 1846 in Washington, Co, PA; d. 1925 in Pittsburg, PA.
.................. 5 Catharine Bushfield, b. 1848 in Washington, Co, PA.
.................. 5 Mary J. Bushfield, b. 1850 in Washington, Co, PA.
.................. 5 Charles B. Bushfield, b. 1853 in Washington, Co, PA; d. 1910 in Pittsburg, PA. m. Eliza Bushfield.
.................. 5 Elvyra J. Bushfield, b. 1855 in washington, Co, PA.
.................. 5 Joseph M. Bushfield, b. 1857 in Washington, Co, PA; d. 1894 in Pittsburg, PA.
.................. 5 James S. Bushfield, d. 1889 in Pittsburg, PA.
.................. 5 Robert Bushfield, d. 1890 in Pittsburg, PA.
.................. 5 Maggie J. Bushfield, d. 1897 in Pittsburg, PA.
............4 Louisa Bushfield b: Aft 1813. m. Elisha Bennett August 8, 1837
............4 Mary J. Bushfield b: Aft 1813. m. Erlem Bratney November 24, 1845
............4 Susannah Bushfield b: 1815 d: April 29, 1865; buried at New Chapel Cem., Utica, Clark Co., IN. m. Allen Summers b: 1811 d: April 4, 1865 in Buried at New Chapel Cem., Utica, Clark Co., IN
.................. 5 Delphia A. Summers b: 1844 d: 1889 in Buried at New Chapel Cemetery, Utica, Clark Co., IN. Mar James B. Swartz d: December 16, 1867
........................... 6 Mary Luella Swartz, b. August 18, 1867, 2nd Husband of Delphia A. Summers: m. Thomas Benton Jacobs b: 1838 d: 1919 in Buried at New Chapel Cemetery, Utica, Clark Co., IN
........................... 6 Ada Jacobs, b. March 27, 1872.
........................... 6 Eva Swartz, b. October 31, 1872.
.................. 5 George Summers b: 1847 d: 1852; buried at New Chapel Cemetery, Utica, Clark Co., IN
.................. 5 Ora Belle Summers b: 1848 in IN. m. Calvin Wesley Prather February 21, 1866 Clark Co., IN b: 1846 in IN
........................... 6 Anna May Prather, b. 1867.
........................... 6 Bertha Jane Prather, b. 1870.
.................. 5 Virginia Summers b: 1858 d: 1867; buried at New Chapel Cemetery, Utica, Clark Co., IN
............4 Catherine Bushfield b: 1816. m. Unknown
............4 Samuel May Bushfield b: September 9, 1821 in Lawrenceburg, IN d: April 18, 1902 in Utica, Clark County, IN. m. Elizabeth Eleanor Summers February 22, 1844 b: February 4, 1820 in Utica, Clark County, IN d: May 11, 1902 in Utica, Clark County, IN
.................. 5 Henry Pierson (hired hand?) b: 1833
.................. 5 George Floyd Bushfield b: 1845 in Clark Co., IN d: 1927 in Clark Co., IN (Union Cemetery), m. Nancy Fry b: 1847 d: 1928
........................... 6 Warren B. Bushfield, b. October 31, 1884.
........................... 6 Laura Bushfield.
........................... 6 Alvin Bushfield.
.................. 5 Charles Ezra Bushfield b: 1849 in Clark Co., IN d: May 24, 1889 in d. at French Lick, IN; buried at Union Cem. m. Ella (Luella) Bottorff b: 1855 d: 1936 m1878
........................... 6 Charles Bushfield. m. 1st Alta Foster, m. 2nd Doris.
*.......................... 6 Minnie Bushfield.
.................. 5 Nancy Ellen Bushfield b: February 28, 1853; headstone at Union Cem. says "1855-1939" d: May 24, 1939
.................. 5 Allen Fletcher Bushfield b: August 28, 1859 in Clark County, IN d: March 5, 1933 in Utica, IN (buried at Union Cem.) m. Nancy Eleanor (Nannie) Howes b: March 1, 1858 in Clark County, IN d: August 22, 1912 in Utica, IN (buried at Union Cem.)
........................... 6 Herbert Fletcher6 Bushfield, b. November 12, 1883 in Clark Co., IN; d. 1941.
........................... 6 Lucille Virginia Bushfield, b. September 04, 1886 in Utica, Clark Co., IN; d. August 26, 1966 in Jeffersonville, IN. m. Maurice Alvin Prather November 26, 1914 in Prather, IN.
........................... 6 Elizabeth Eleanor Bushfield, b. May 27, 1889 in Utica, Clark Co., IN; d. 1975. m. Horace Pendleton Myers February 22, 1917.
........................... 6 Eliza Parks Bushfield, b. January 25, 1893; d. February 07, 1976 in Jeffersonville, IN. She m. Elmer Fry Robertson.
.................. 5 Lucy Woodruff b: July 18, 1861; Orphan; raised by Samuel M. Bushfield and his wife, Eliz. Eleanor Bushfield d: April 30, 1957 in Buried at Union Cemetary in Prather, IN. m. Oscar Duffy b: 1860 d: 1932; buried at Union Cemetary in Prather, IN. m. 2nd Cornelius Ruddell b: August 5, 1769 d: July 15, 1849; buried at New Chapel Cem. with Katherine Bushfield Ruddell
............ 4 Jacob Edward* Ruddell b: September 4, 1832 Clark Co., IN* d: June 15, 1878; buried at New Chapel Cem. m. Virginia Rosina Crum/Crew b: May 12, 1835 d: July 5, 1897; buried at New Chapel Cem.
.................. 5 Mary Louise5 Ruddell, b. August 18, 1856; d. April 20, 1923. m. George Leonard Zinck.
.................. 5 William Cornelius Ruddell,Sr., b. November 15, 1859 in Clark Co., IN; d. February 07, 1920. m. Winnie Dustin McElhinney.
.................. 5 Charles Francis Ruddell, b. July 01, 1863 in Utica Twp., Clark Co., IN; d. November 09, 1934. m. Catherine M. Ashton.
.................. 5 Samuel Bushfield Ruddell, b. August 31, 1867 in Utica Twp., Clark Co., IN; d. January 22, 1943. m. Florence Alice Dix.
.................. 5 Richard Owen Ruddell,Sr., b. July 06, 1871 in Utica Twp., Clark Co., IN; d. May 31, 1934 in Clark Co., IN. m. Ida May Shephard.
.................. 5 Jacob Edward Ruddell,Jr., b. 1876 in Utica Twp., Clark Co., IN; d. 1926 in New Harmony, Posey, Co., IN.
.................. 5 Samuel Bushfield Ruddell b: 1867 d: 1943 in Buried at New Chapel Cem.
.......3 George W. Kern b: March 19, 1817 d: December 2, 1885 in South Mahoning Twp, IN Co., PA. m. Margaret Wolf/Wolfe
............... 4 Bethanie Kern
............... 4 Elizabeth Kern
............... 4 Susannah Kern b: 1843 m. ??? Wentzel
............... 4 Parthenia Jane Kern b: 1848 d: Bef 1885 m. William Long
...................... 5Three children of Wm. Long
............... 4 John Lester Kern b: 1849
............... 4 Linus T. Kern b: 1853
............... 4 George Kerns, Jr. b: 1855 d: Bef 1870
............4 Rosalie/Rosa L. Kerns b: March 20, 1859 d: August 29, 1917 m. Alexander Milton VanHorn b: January 20, 1850 d: May 28, 1944
...2 Joseph Kern, b. 1772 in York, Pa.
2 George Kern, b. 1775 in York, Pa.
2 Michael Kern, b. 1779 in York, Pa.