• 9-5-1835 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 32.44 acres, 4N, 2W, Sec6, NESW
• 6-1-1845 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 32.44 acres, 4N, 2W, Sec6, SESW

"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Co.'s, Indiana" Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884 
C. P. WILLIAMS was born July 20, 1834, in the county where he yet resides, and was the oldest son in a family of thirteen children, ten of whom lived to years of maturity, born to Richard and Abigail (Kern) Williams who came to Lawrence County, Ind., in 1817, and were among the best of the early pioneers. C. P. Williams lived with his parents until twenty-nine years old, securing a good common school education. February 8, 1864, he married Lizzie S., daughter of B. and S. (Howard) Chase by whom he is the father of two children: Addie S., born March 15, 1865, died November 20, 1873, and Nellie C., born July 14, 1867. The mother was born April 7, 1840. Mr. Williams is one of the best and most thorough-going farmers in Spice Valley Township, and is the owner of 312 acres of nicely improved land. He is a Republican in politics and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

CANAAN WILLIAMS is a son of Richard and Abigail (Kern) Williams, appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere herein, and his birth occurred in Lawrence County, Ind., October 31, 1836. Like his brothers he was reared to manhood on the home farm, secured such educational advantages in youth as were common at that day, and February 20, 1863, was united in matrimony with Elizabeth Jane Hastings, who was born August 5, 1844, a daughter of Arthur and Catharine (Bowden) Hastings. Four children crowned this union, and were named Mary Ellen, John E., Carrie and Elizabeth Jane. The mother dying December 13, 1871, Mr. Williams married Miss Miranda, the daughter of J. and P. (Wagner) Moser, for his second wife, and this lady is yet living. In politics he advocates the principles of the National Republican party and he and wife belong to the Christian Church. As a farmer Mr. Williams ranks second to none in the township, and is the owner of 630 acres of nicely improved land.

T. H. WILLIAMS, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Lawrence County, is a son of Richard and Abigail (Kern) Williams, and was born June 26, 1847, in the county where he yet resides. His youth and early manhood was passed on the farm of his parents and attending district school, and November 4, 1873, he was united in marriage with Miss Josephine McClung, who was born May 6, 1852, a daughter of John and Lydia (Scott) McClung, who were of Welsh and Scotch-Irish descent. A family of five children blessed their union, viz.: James S., Jessie R., Birdie E., Richard and one other. He is the owner of 206 acres of well improved land, is a stanch Republican in politics, and in October, 1880, was elected County Commissioner from the Third District of Lawrence County, a position he yet retains with the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He and wife are members of the Christian Church at Mount Olive.

WILLIAM M. WILLIAMS was born in Lawrence County, Ind., April 6, 1854, and is one in a family of thirteen children born to Richard and Abigail (Kern) Williams. The father was born August 16, 1806, in Tennessee, and died August 10, 1880, in Lawrence County. Mrs. Williams was born November 13, 1811, and is yet living. William M. was liberally educated in the public schools of his native county, was raised to farm life, and November 23, 1876, married Miss Flora I. Short, who was born October 20, 1855, a daughter of Owens and Elizabeth (Lancaster) Short. The two children that have blessed them are Clarence, born March 3, 1878, and Claudius O., born September 17, 1881. Mr. Williams is one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of this township, and is the fortunate owner of a good farm of 476 acres, a part of which is the old homestead. In politics he is a Republican, and he and wife are active members of the Christian Church.

• 1816 moved to Lawrecne Co., IN
• 1820 Lawrence Co., IN Census - 1m26-45; 3m>10; 1f26-46; 2f10-16; 1f>10
• 1822 = "White River Church (Lawrence County, IN) Abraham Kern, minister -member of "Brethren Association."
• 8-9-1824 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec 1, W1/2 SE
• 5-20-1826 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec 24, W1/2 SE
• 5-20-1826 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 6N, 2W, Sec 26, E1/2 NW
• 2-13-1827 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec 11, W1/2 SE
• 12-2-1830 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec 1, E1/2 SW
• 6-1-1831 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec 36, W1/2 SW
• 12-31-1831 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec 35, E1/2 SE
• 6-6-1832 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 160 acres, 4N, 2W, Sec 2, NW
• 10-23-1834 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec 14, SWNW
• 3-15-1837 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec 11, SESE
• 8-5-1837 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 79.04 acres, 5N, 1W, Sec 19, SW
• 9-1-1838 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec 11, E1/2 SW
• 7-30-1840 Lawrence Co., IN - "Abraham Kern, MG" presided over the marriage of William Sanders and Mary Fisher
• 5-25-1845 Lawrence Co., IN - "Abraham Kern, Elder" presided over the marriage of Phineas Cox to Rachel S. Adamson.
• 8-7-1851 Lawrence Co., IN - "Abraham Kern, Elder" presided over the marriage of John Embree to Cyrena Cox

"The White River Church was the home of Abraham Kern, another strong leader of the "Brethren Association". Its name was later changed to "Old Union". It was just west of Bedford, in Lawrence County, Indiana. Families here were: Bower, Keithley, Hartman, Ribelin, Sears, Sheets, Stutzman and Younger. This church too, became a Disciples church after 1826. Adam Kern, father of Abraham, lived a little north of the White River Church, in Monroe County, and was a Bishop in the Disciples church."

"The Dutch Bethel Church of Christ, commonly called "Old Dutch" or "Bethel" is the second oldest church of the Restoration Movement in Owen County. At the first state convention in 1839, it reported having 200 members.  The church was organized in 1825. Abraham Kern from Lawrence County visited the scattered settlers near Middletown (now Arney) and, at a meeting held in Henry Arney, Sr.'s home, Obadiah Winters and John Arney were chosen as elders and Charles Inman and Andrew Arney as Deacons."

• Between 1792-1797 moved to Nicholas Co., KY
• 1819 - "Harmony Church (Monroe County, IN) Adam Kern Sr, minister -part of "Brethren Association."
• 7-1-1823 Montgomery Co., IN - Bought 320 acres, 17N, 5W, Sec31, E1/2
• 7-1-1823 Montgomery Co., IN - Bought 160.88 acres, 17N, 5W, Sec31, NW
• 7-1-1823 Montgomery Co., IN - Bought 80.24 acres, 17N, 5W, Sec32, E1/2 SW

• Between 1832-1834 moved to Boone Co., IN.
• 10-7-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 326.92 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec31, N1/2
• 10-7-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 320 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec32, N1/2
• 10-7-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 124.87 acres, 19N, 2W, Sec25, S1/2 SW
• 10-7-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec33, E1/2 NE
• 10-7-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 160 acres, 19N, 2W, Sec35, SE
• 10-7-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec34, W1/2 NW
• 10-7-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 160 acres, 19N, 2W, Sec36, SW
• 10-30-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 160 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec14, SE
• 10-30-1834 Montgomery Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 19N, 4W, Sec34, W1/2NE
• 10-30-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec34, E1/2 NW
• 10-30-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 234.67 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec29, SW
• 10-30-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 108.8 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec14, NW
• 10-30-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 109.52 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec14, SW
• 10-30-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 96.68 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec14, W1/2
• 10-30-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec32, NWSW
• 10-30-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec31, NESE
• 10-30-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec15, E1/2 SE
• 10-30-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 124.71 acres, 19N, 2W, Sec25, SE
• 10-30-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 108.71 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec11, SW
• 10-30-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 93.76 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec11, W1/2
• 10-30-1834 Boone Co., IN - Bought 36 acres, 19N, 2W, Sec25, N1/2 SE
• 3-18-1837 Boone Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec32, E1/2 SW
• 3-18-1837 Boone Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 19N, 1W, Sec32, W1/2 SE
• 1850 Boone Co., IN Census - Adam, farmer, $10,000, 55 NC; Jane, 38 KY; Robert, farmer, 19 KY; Katharin J, 21 KY; James N, farmer, 17 KY; Olier S, 13 IN; Adam D, 10 IN; Mary F, 9 IN; Margaret J, 7 IN; George, 2 IN

1850 Boone Co., IN Census - Jesse A Kern 23 KY farmer 1500; Mary E 20 IN; Margaret A 3 months IN

"Settlements began as early as 1829. It is stated that James SCOTT entered the first land, followed by William YOUNG, who was elected justice of the peace; Michael W. CAMPBELL, Allen LANE, Ed. COX, William HILL, John THOMPSON, Lewis DENNY, Wm. M. MCBURROUGHS, Abraham UTTER, R. COX, Clayburn CAIN. Following these came the CALDWELLS, TAYLORS, John HILL, Adam KERN, John STEPHENSON, Wm. DARROUGH, Thomas M. BURRIS, Samuel MOORE, Sampson BOWEN, Gid JACKSON, Rural JACKSON, Erskins THREILKELDS, James A. THOMPSON, James DAVIS, Samuel HOLLINGSWORTH, Nathan CORY, Manual HEISTAND, Wm. SANFORD, Jesse JACKSON." 

"The Pleasant View church was the first organized in the township. The meetings at first were held in the home of Adam KERN. Benjamin BEEMAN conducted the meetings. This was in the fall of 1836. The following eight persons were the parties that organized the church: Adam KERN, James HALL, Jane HALL, Arice PAULEY, John BOWEN, John PAULEY, James KERN and Miles HALL."

Jefferson Twp., Boone Co., IN

• 8-1-1839 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec27, SESW
• 1880 Indian Creek, Lawrence Co., IN Census - Albert Kern 60 IN ?? KY farmer; Elizabeth 59 IN TN MD; Carline 27 IN; Fannie 21 IN; Lety 17 IN 

"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Co.'s, Indiana" Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884 
ALBERT KERN was born in Indian Creek Township, Lawrence Co., Ind., January 15, 1820, son of ELDER ABRAHAM and SUSAN (WILSON) KERN, and is of German-Irish origin. The father of Mr. Kern was born in NICHOLAS COUNTY, KY., in 1786, and came to Lawrence County in 1816. He was one of the pioneer preachers of the Hoosier State, and founder of what was long known as White River Union Church. The only renumeration he ever received for his services in the ministry was 25 cents, and that was forced upon him. His death occurred in 1858. The year 1840 dated the marriage of the subject of this mention to Miss ELIZABETH HUTTON, a native of Lawrence County, born in 1820, daughter of ABEL and AUZY HUTTON, whose maiden name was DENSON. To this union were born twelve children. In 1840 Mr. Kern settled where he now is, and has since resided. Here he owns 360 acres of well improved land, and the greater part of which he cleared from the unbroken forest. As a farmer he is one of the most successful as well as one of the best in his township. He is a prominent Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for Harrison. These people are among the pioneers of Lawrence County, and as citizens none stand higher. Mrs. Kern is a member of the Christian Church, and a most amiable Christian lady.

1880 Indian Creek, Lawrence Co., IN Census - David L Kern 38 IN IN IN farmer; Enely 33 IN TN NC; Norman 12 IN; Oretus 10 IN; Lola C 8 IN; Francis WILDMEM 16 IN OH ?? servant; Isac E BAKER 20 IN TN IN laborer

"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Co.'s, Indiana" Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884 
DAVID L. KERN. Among the most prominent and successful farmers and stock-raisers of Lawrence County is the subject of this biography, who was born in Indian Creek Township in 1843, son of Albert and Elizabeth (Hutton) Kern, and is of German-Irish lineage. Mr. Kern remained at home and labored on the farm for his father until twenty-five years of age. His marriage took place in 1867 to Miss Emily Williams, a native of Lawrence County, born 1847, daughter of Dixon and Cynthia Williams. To this household have been born three children: Norman, Oretus and Lola. In 1869 Mr. Kern settled where he now resides. His farm now consists of 170 acres. One hundred and thirty acres Mr. Kern cleared from the unbroken forest. He has about seventy-five acres in the White River Valley. In 1879 Mr. Kern erected his present residence, which is a substantial frame, with a front 40x16 feet, and an L 18x16 feet, and cost $1,600. Mr. Kern is a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. Kern are members of the Christian Church. He is an enterprising citizen, and one of the highly respected men of his neighborhood.

• 3-15-183 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec35, SWSE
• 9-1-1838 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec14, NWNW
• 8-1-1839 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec35, NWSE
• 1840 Lawrence Co., IN Census
• 1850 Lawrence Co., IN Census

• 1880 Indian Creek, Lawrence Co., IN Census - 51 IN PA PA farmer; Malinda 50 IN NC NC; William 24 IN at home; Alcaney D 21 IN, son,  at home; Samuel F 18 IN at home; Vine 13 IN daughter; Decy HARRES 7 IN granddaughter

"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Co.'s, Indiana" Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884 
A. J. KERN was born in Lawrence County, June 9, 1829, son of ELDER ABRAHAM and SUSAN KERN, whose maiden name was WILSON. The father of Mr. Kern was one of the pioneer ministers of this county. He emigrated from KENTUCKY to Lawrence County on a sled. The subject of this mention is one of a numerous family, and is of German-Irish origin. At eighteen years of age he commenced life for himself. His marriage occurred in 1848, to Miss MELINDA RAINS, daughter of JOHN RAINS, ex-County Commissioner of Lawrence County. To this union there are six children: WILLIAM H., JAMES D., ELCANEY, VINE, DECY and SAMUEL F. The first of these children is a Christian minister, and located at Harrison, Ohio. In 1851 Mr. Kern made a settlement on his present farm, which consists of 651 acres. He has a splendid residence which was built in 1884, and cost $2,000, and a barn erected the same year that cost $1,000. He is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Kern are members of the Christian Church. By energy and economy Mr. Kern has been successful in life, and is now in very comfortable circumstances. He is one of the leading stock-raisers of the county, and a much esteemed citizen in his community.

1880 Indian Creek, Lawrence Co., IN Census - Henry C Kern 33 IN IN IN; Frank M 32 IN IN IN wife; Charley T 14 IN; Dova E 9 IN; Cloa La 2 IN

• 10-28-1835 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 4N, 2W, Sec4, SWNE
• 1840 Lawrence Co., IN Census
• 10-1-1840 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 4N, 2W, Sec4, NWNE
• 10-1-1840 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 4N, 2W, Sec4, SENE

• 1820 Lawrence Co., IN Censu - David Seeres 4m<10, 1m26-45; 1f 26-45
• 6 Jun 1832 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - E1/2NE 34 5N 2W
• 15 Mar 1837 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - NWSE 22 5N 2W
• 5 Aug 1837 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - E1/2SE 3 5N 2W
• 5 Aug 1837 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - NWNE 1 5N 2W
• 5 Aug 1837 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - NESW 10 5N 2W
• 1 Sep 1838 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - SENW 12 5N 2W
• 1850 Lawrence Co., IN Census

"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Co.'s, Indiana" Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884 
ADAM SEARS was born in Nicholas County, Ky., in 1818, son of DAVID and ANNA (KERN) SEARS, and is of German extraction. The father of Mr. Sears was born in North Carolina in 1792, and when ten years of age removed to Kentucky, and there remained until 1818, when he with his family immigrated to Indiana, and effected a settlement in Lawrence County. Here the father of Mr. Sears resided until his demise. The subject of this mention settled where he now and since has resided in 1839, and this same year was united in marriage to MISS REBBECA WRIGHT, a native of Washington County, Ind. To this marriage were born thirteen children, the following of whom are living: MELISSA J., TABITHA E., PETER W., DAVID L., AMBROSE K., NANCY E., ARLEY R., and ULYSSES G. Mr. Sears now has 320 acres of well improved land. He is a Republican, but cast his first Presidential vote for the Democratic nominee. Mr. Sears is one of the pioneers of Lawrence County. Mr. and Mrs. Sears are members of the Christian Church. He has been a successful farmer, and is one of the well-to-do citizens of his township.

JOHN M. SEARS was born in Lawrence County, Ind., April 23, 1856, a son of William and Phebe (Cox) Sears, who were of English-German descent. At nineteen years of age he began doing for himself, and in June, 1876, in company with W. I. Jordan, embarked in general merchandising at Fayetteville. This partnership only lasted until August of the same year, when Mr. Sears purchased his partner's interest, since when he has conducted business alone. He keeps a large and well assorted stock of general merchandise, and has established a profitable trade. In politics he is a Republican, casting his first Presidential vote for Gen. Garfield in 1880. In 1882 he was the successful nominee of his party for the office of Township Trustee, serving one term to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, and erecting two schoolhouses. He takes an active interest in educational matters of all kinds and is recognized as one of the county's progressives young men. He is a member of the Christain Church.

Andrew Sears
23 Oct 1835 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - SWNE 34 5N 2W
15 Mar 1837 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - NWNE 34 5N 2W
Ezra Sears
1 Oct 1835 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - W1/2NW 12 5N 2W
18 Mar 1837 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - NENW 12 5N 2W
1 Oct 1840 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - SWNE 27 5N 2W
William Sears 
15 Mar 1837 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - S1/2SW 26 5N2W

Misc. Sears
Barton Sears
1 May 1845 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - E1/2SE 32 5N 2W
Benjamin Sears
1 Jun 1845 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - NENW 33 5N 2W
1 Oct 1850 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - SWSW 28 5N 2W
Henry Sears
30 Aug 1858 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - W1/2SW 31 5N 2W
Jacob Sears
31 Dec 1831 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - E1/2SE 26 6N 2W
Mathias Sears
20 May 1826 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - W1/2SE 11 6N 2W
20 May 1826 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - E1/2SW 11 6N 2W
31 Dec 1831 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - E1/2SE 1 6N 2W
1 Aug 1839 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - SWNE 11 6N 2W
1 Aug 1839 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - E1/2SE 11 6N 2W
1 May 1845 Lawrence Co., IN Land Grant - SWSW 11 6N 2W

• 1850 Boone Co., IN Census - Arthur P, farmer, $2500, 27 KY; Eliza Ann, 24 IN; Eliza J, 4 IN; Henry W, 1 IN; Harvey, 4/12 IN

From "Biographical Record of Cowley County, KS" 
"Adam Staggers, a prominent resident of Cowley county, KS and an enterprising and prosperous farmer of Vernon township, was born in Whitely township, Greene county, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1844, and is a son of Harvey Staggers, and grandson of John Staggers. John Staggers was an old settler of Greene county, Pennsylvania, where he died, after having spent the greater part of his days there. He was married to Miss Maple, by whom he reared five sons and six daughters. Harvey Staggers was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, August 24, 1822, and there he was reared. In 1847, he moved to Monongalia county, VA, located on a farm near the village of Morgantown, but in his later years he moved to the village, where he passed from this life in 1894. His wife was Alice Shriver, a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, who was born in 1819, and died in 1851. Adam Staggers accompanied his parents to Monongalia County, where they settled upon the Costello farm, which is situated on Decker Creek. In 1849, they left the farm and moved to the village of Morgantown. Harvey Staggers bought lots and built houses in the little suburb known as Thomasville. There Adam Staggers' early boyhood was spent in attending the public and private schools. He afterward took an academic course in Monongalia Academy. Subsequently, he entered Washington College, at Washington, PA, but his collegiate course was interrupted by the breaking out of the Civil War. Laying aside all plans for the future, he enlisted in the Union army. After the close of the war, he returned home and began teaching a select school in the little log school house on the flats north of Morgantown. He was his own janitor, and furnished the fuel, which he was obliged to haul from his father's coal mine. He then taught ten months in the academy of which he was once a pupil. His next contract was made with the board of education, in the Dorsey neighborhood, on the old Kingwood Pike, and there he taught two years. The legislature had but recently passed a law making the village of Morgantown an independent school district, of which Mr. Staggers became superintendent, and served thus for three years. As his health was failing, he declined a reappointment to that position, and in March, 1871, he bade farewell to the scenes of his boyhood and to his many dear friends, and moved west to Broadwell, Logan county, IL. There, in the district where he resided, he taught school for eleven consecutive years. In 1882, he settled in Cowley county, KS, where, on September 4, of that year, he located on the northeast quarter of section 13, in Vernon township. He also owns half of the southwest quarter of section 12. In connection with his farming, he taught in the district school for a period of nine years. In 1894, he was elected clerk of the district court in which capacity he served until January, 1897. Since then, he has devoted all his time to farming, in which he is very successful. His industrious habits and honorable business methods make him an honor to his occupation as well as to his adopted community. Mr. Staggers was married December 24, 1865, to Caroline V. Kern, of Virginia, and they have had 11 children, namely: George A. and Charles A., both residing near Lamont, Oklahoma; Jessie Lee (Burdick), of Newton, Kansas; Dorsey F., who died in Illinois, August 11, 1874, aged nine months; William H. and Mary A., the latter a teacher, and both of Cowley county; Shriver, of Lamont, Oklahoma; Anna K (deceased); Carrie Hope; Henry M.; and Hazel K. Anna K. was a prominent young lady of nineteen years, who was attending St. John's Business College at Winfield, Kansas, at the time of her death, January 31, 1901. In politics, Mr. Staggers is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to Winfield Lodge, No. 58, A.F. & A.M. of Winfield, Kansas; and to Siverd Post, No. 85, G.A.R. of Winfield. Mr. Staggers and his family are members of the Presbyterian church." Adam enlisted in the 17th W.Va. Volunteer Infantry July 1, 1864 and was musterd our as Sargeant Major July 11, 1865.

• 1850 Nicholas Co., KY Census - William Morrow 32 KY stonemason; Mary F 21 KY; Sarah L 1 KY; C.A. PERRY 28 KY female; Marcy C RIBELIN 15 KY; George M RIBELIN 13 KY; Martha A RIBELIN 11 KY; Wm. J. RIBELIN 9 KY.

• 10-1-1754 Arrived at Philadelphia aboard the "Phoenix" from Rotterdam.
• 1762 - "Yadkin Congregation (Crane Creek, Salisbury NC) Conrad Kerns, minister."
• 8-2-1762 Conrad Kern bought 308 acres of land on both sides of the Cane Creek on the road leading from the Yadkin Ferry to Salisbury from Conrad Michel, part of a tract of 510 acres granted to John Long from the Earl of Granville.  Deeds IV, P923-7.
• 3-22-1764 Minutes of Rowan Co., NC show the naturalization of Conrad Carn.
• 5-5-1774 Sold land to John Karn. Deeds VIII, P138
• 8-12-1785 Bought 510 acres of land adjoining the land bought in 1762 from Maxwell Chambers. Deeds X, P357
• 1790 Rowan Co., NC Census - Conrad Karen 2m16+, 2m-16, 5 females
• 2-23-1797 Conrad gave to his son Simeon land on the south fork of Cane Creek.  Deeds XVIII, P985
• 11-19-1798 Sold land to John Karn.  Deeds XII, P201
• 1800 Rowan Co., NC Census - 1m45+, 1m26-45, 1m16-26, 1m10-16, 1f45+, 1f16-26, 1f10-16, 1f-10
• 12-20-1807 Rowan Co., NC - Will written.
• 11-1812 Rowan Co., NC - Will probated.

• 11-8-1807 Will, Book G, P40  "...very sick & weak...", "...one stud horse and yearling mare colt and a note for $60 to be.....", "...also one rifle gun..." to his brother Henry who was executor.
• 1808 Will probated.

• 3-18-1837 Monroe Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 8N, 2W, Sec9, E1/2 SW
• 1850 Monroe Co., IN Census - Coonrod, 53 NC; Mary, 46 TN; Martha, 26 IN; John T, 20 IN; Sarah J, 17 IN; Mary O, 14 IN; Joseph K, 9 IN; Saver Y, 7 IN

• 10-1-1835 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec36, SESW
• 9-1-1838 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec36, SWNW
• 9-1-1838 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec26, NESW
• 8-1-1839 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec35, E1/2 NE
• 6-1-1845 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec36, NESW
• 5-10-1848 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec36, E1/2 NW
• 5-10-1848 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec36, NWNW
• 1880 Indian Creek, Lawrence Co., IN Census - Mahale Kern 53 IN TN KY widowed; John F 12 IN; Matilda J WEBB 36 IN daughter, widowed; James M WEBB 13 IN; William H WEBB 12 IN; Susan M WEBB 8 IN; 

1880 Spice Valley, Lawrence Co., IN Census - Cornelius Kern 48 IN KY TN farmer; Melvina 41 IN NC TN; Seigel 17 IN works on farm; Minnie J 14 IN; Francis 11 IN; Fredric 8 IN
1880 Spice Valley, Lawrence Co., IN Census - Isaac Kern 45 IN KY TN farmer; Hannah 46 IN NC SC; Mollie 13 IN; Sallie 10 IN; Maud 2 IN
1880 Indian Creek, Lawrence Co., IN Census - Prior L Kern 41 IN KY TN farmer; Mary F 27 KY KY KY; Olly W E 5 IN; Coromdrer ROMINE 50 KY KY KY m-i-l, widowed

• 10-1-1835 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec26, SWSE
• 10-1-1835 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec35, W1/2 NE
• 10-1-1835 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec26, SESE
• 3-15-1837 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 6N, 2W, Sec36, W1/2 SE

HENRY COX, farmer and stock-raiser, was born November 17, 1835, in Indian Creek Township, Lawrence Co., Ind., son of Alexander and Zibah (Adamson) Cox, and is of Irish-German extraction. Mr. Cox remained at home and worked on the farm for his father until about twenty-seven years of age, when he began farming and stock-raising for himself. He was united in marriage to Miss Emily J. Kern, also a native of Lawrence County, daughter of Benjamin Kern. The year 1836 marks this event. They have the following children: Minnie M., Idis and Alex. Mr. Cox is one of the leading farmers of Indian Creek Township, and he now has 700 acres of land, and the same is in a high state of cultivation, save 150 acres which is yet in timber. On this farm there is one of the best as well as one of the most complete farm residences in the County. It is a frame with a front 45x18 feet, and an L 40x27 feet built in 1878, at a cost of $5,000. In 1863 Mr. Cox settled where he now resides. He is a stanch Republican and cast his first Presidential ballot for John C. Fremont. For twelve years he has held an official position in the Christian Church. Mrs. Cox is also a member of that denomination. Mr. Cox enjoys more than an ordinary education and he is manifesting much interest in the education of his children. He is one of the representative and highly respected men of Lawrence County

• 1810 Monongalia Co., VA Census
• 1840 Caldwell Co., VA - Mary Kern 1m10-15, 2m20-30; 1f60-70 (One of the 20-30 males was probably Francis James, who were the other 2 boys?)
• 1860 Bourbon Co., KY Census

• 1850 Boone Co., IN Census - Henry B, farmer, $3500, 33KY; Nancy, 26 O.; James S, 6 IN; Frances Ann, 4 IN; Phebe C HOWARD, 16 IN; Barton HALL, 12 IN; Jesse THOMPSON, farmer, 23 IN

• 12-20-1807 Not yet 21 as per his father's will.
• 1819 Rowan Co., NC Tax List - 284 acres valued at $1136

• 1840 Nicholas Co., KY Census
• 1850 Nicholas Co., KY Census - Levi, farmer, 41 KY; Elvira, 34 KY; Jesse P, 12 KY; Mary C, 10 KY; Barbara A, 9 KY; Barton, 7 KY; Eleanor A, 5 KY; Rachel A, 4 KY; Amanda, 2 KY
• 1860 Nicholas Co., KY Census
• 1873 Nicholas Co., KY Tax List
• In a letter to his brother - "I married Miss Elvira Kern...... A few descriptive observations may not be considered amiss.  My darling is nearly 23 years old.  I little over common heighth or about common and tolerable raw boned at that.  Her features are very good, and her appearance splendid and handsome.  She has black hair with small black eyes and som freckles in the face.  A pleasant countenance and a winsome disposition.  For further particulars, come and judge for yourself."

• 1880 Indian Creek, Lawrence Co., IN Census - Lewis D Kern 55 IN PA KY dry goods merchant; Susan V 45 IN KY KY; Homer 31 IN; William B 18 IN; Walter M 15 IN

• 10-1-1835 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec27, NESE
• 10-1-1835 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 40 acres, 5N, 2W, Sec27, SENE
• 4-10-1849 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 4N, 2W, Sec5, S1/2 NW
• 6-3-1856 Lawrence Co., IN - Bought 80 acres, 4N, 2W, Sec5, N1/2 NW
• 1880 Indian Creek, Lawrence Co., IN Census - Garrot Williams 76 TN NC NC farmer; Lucinda 70 KY NC ??; Nevada PHILLIPS 14  IN IN IN, granddaughter

Z. T. WILLIAMS, the seventh son in a family of fourteen children, was born February 8, 1847. His parents, G. G. and Lucy (Kern) Williams, were natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, the former coming with his father, Isaac, to Indiana at a very early day. Z. T. Williams has always considered Lawrence County his home, for here he was reared, educated, and April 19, 1871, married Miss Sarah J. Witsman. He selected farming as his life's vocation, and by industry and good management has secured a valuable farm of 231 acres. He is a Republican in politics; favors the advancement of all laudable public enterprises; he and wife belong to the Christian Church, and are the parents of four children, whom they have named Everett B., Walter G., Volney M. and Lawrence Edward.

• 1772 - Michael Kern's grist mill established, was Morgantown's first commercial enterprise.

Michael Kern, Sr. came to Morgantown, Monongalia County, VA (WV) from maybe New Jersey. He fought with Uriah Springer's Revolutionary Army . He married Susanna and settled in Monongalia County. Michael Kern built a stockade fort (which is known today as Kerns Stockade and a monument has been placed in Monongalia County, where the fort stood) in the wilderness where Morgantown now stands, where the few families in the settlements could have refuge from the Indians and wild beast of the forest. It was located between the old Kern's home and Deckers Creek. It had a command of the surrounding country and was among the largest forts of the county and was the rallying ground for the west side.

Transcript of “The Weekly New Dominion (Virginia) -12/27/1905

Old Kerns Stockade

. . . . . . . .According to tradition the Eckerleys were the first white persons who attempted to settle in the region of the country southward of Pennsylvania, in the territory which afterwards became Monongalia County. It is not sure that they were ever near the site of Morgantown. The first white persons who are known to have been at this point was Thomas Decker and his followers. He came and attempted to make a settlement just above the mouth of the creek which now bears his name. "Deckers Creek" It was about the year 1758. The precise place of the settlement it is said was on the Harner Bottoms one and half or two miles from the mouth of the creek.
The development known as Sabraton, which has recently grown into prominence would no doubt cover their locality. The tarrying of this little colony was brief for history records in few words that In the early Spring of 1759, ere the frosts of winter had fled the earth, the Red Warriors of the forest swooned down upon the daring little colony and swept it from the face of the earth. A local orator has said Whence they came we know not. History only records their sad fate; and the stream near whose banks we now stand along perpetuate the memory of Thomas Decker.”
Twenty years later with the Morgans the Scotts and Evans and others came one Michael Kern and made a settlement at the mouth of the creek. Morgan on the north and Kerns on the south of the creek, and on the Kern land was built the stockade fort that serves to perpetuate his name. Monongalia county history says that Michael Kern was a small heavy set man, weighing about 170 pounds. He came from Holland and was at the site of Morgantown in 1772. His name appears in the earliest lists of persons and property returned for taxation in the County, Messrs. W. T. Kern and Frank Kern of Morgantown are great, great grand sons.
Wiley’s History states that Bald Eagle, a noted Indian who was most friendly to the whites was a frequent and welcome visitor at Kern’s Fort. Bald Eagle was murdered about the year 1774. Withers Border Warfare says that he was killed by Jacob Scott, William Hacker and Elijah Runner, and set afloat in a cone in the Monongahela River with a piece of Johnny-cake thrust into his mouth, and the canoe floated down the river, and in Pennsylvania Mrs. Provins observed the canoe and had it brought to shore and the old Indian decently buried.
It is said that Bald Eagle had his wigwam on Cheat River not far form its mouth, and from there he made his visits to the Kern Fort. His is said to have been on one of his friendly visits to the Fort when he was thus murdered. Jacob Scott lived on the stream that bears his name and which puts into the Monongahela river opposite Randall, only three miles below Morgantown.
It is probably that this unsuspected old Indian was discovered and thus made way with along the river, or at about that place. The murder of Bald Eagle is mentioned in history as one of the causes leading to the war of 1774, in which war the Indians perpetrated the most enormous barbarities and many of their atrocities were committed in the borders of Monongalia county. When the savages were reeking vengeance on the whites during that war, we may surmise that they had in their mind many times that they were avenging the death of a chief of their nation wantonly and treacherously murdered by the occupants of the Kern Fort or their associates.
The history of Monongalia County says that Kern’s Stockade Fort stood on Decker’s Creek opposite the site of Morgantown. In a letter written by William Haymond, Jr., a son of Major William Haymond given in Wiley’s history the writer says In the year 1773, my father moved to this Country. . .The next I recollect our family was living in the Monongalia Glades, near Decker’s Creek. . . .As soon as war broke out we had to leave the place and the whole family went to Kern’s Fort, opposite where Morgantown now stands. Thus its seems certain that the Kern’s Fort was not within the boundary of the old town. By the old town is meant the confines within the boundary of the old town. This fact however is well established by tradition.
Morgantown was established by Act of the General Assembly of Virginia passed in October 1785, and Michael Kern was one of the trustees. By an Act 50 acres of the Zackwell Morgan land was vested in Samuel Hanway, John Evans, David Scott, Michael Kern, and James Daugherty, gentlemen, as trustees to be by them laid out into lots with Streets, etc.
Whether or not Michael Kern was a miller by trade, does not appear but certain it is that he built the first mill in Monongalia County, and the Wiley’s County History said that From 1785 to 1873 Morgantown . . . . .grinding. And this is the same mill that Michael Kerns built, for the land on which it stood in 1785 belonged to him but was subsequently purchased by John Rogers. Michael Kern’s survey is recorded in the county Clerk’s office of this county in Book No. 5 at page 416, and recites that there was surveyed for him 710 acres including two surveys one for 400 acres and one for 215 acres, granted to him in right of two settlements by two patents both bearing date of 6th day of April 1784. This survey was platted and given by metes and bounds extends form the mouth of Deckers Creek to the Pool Rocks. It would embrace all the first and second wards of the City and a large portion of the fifth. It would include all of East Morgantown and a good portion of Sabraton and the peninsula.
It was on this survey, or plantation that Michael Kern built the old mill and the old fort. And a little to the southeastward form the mill was the old fort and his residence. John Rogers and Zaddock Walker purchased this entire survey from Michael Kern in 1816. Subsequently Walker conveyed his interest to John Rogers and most of its was in Rogers’ possession till the day of his death, a period of half a century. This old mill was operated during all of this period. And a huge stone structure known as the Old Paper Mill was built by John Rogers further up the Creek at the peninsula. A tunnel through the hill at that point served to convey water used for power in the manufacture of paper, which industry was there conducted by Mr. Rogers for years. Both the old Grist Mill and the Paper Mill were in plain view of the ground on which stood the Old Kern Fort, one to the northwest, the other to the northeast of it. It was a whim of Mr. Rogers that after death his bones should repose on the knoll which was within the old stockade fort and accordingly he built a vault of considerable dimensions intending that his remains should be deposited there after death. But as to this he was led to change his mind when vandals had defaced the walls of the vault by chiseling on them inscriptions uncomplimentary to its owner. After the death of John Rogers his remains were deposited elsewhere, and his devisees took down the vault and the stone was presented to and worked into the foundation of the Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church which was erected about that time. The vault was removed about 1867, and some of the older inhabitants of the town remember it well.

History of Fayette County, by Franklin Ellis, 1882: Fayette Co, PA
p753 The KERN family emigrated from Holland to Eastern Pennsylvania about 1700. From thence some of the family moved to Westmoreland county, settling in the neighborhood of Jones Mill. There one of the family was killed by Indians while returning home from a visit with a neighbor; several of those who had accompanied him escaping. Among some of the above family were Micheal Kern, William Kern, George Kern and Peter Kern. The latter died in Westmoreland County; George Kern becoming a resident of Washington County. William Kern served in the Revolution and after the war married Catherine Hoover. He moved to Springfield, buying out the claim of a man who held a tomahawk right to a tract of land in the present Murray district. On this land he died about 1837 at the age of ninety one years. He reared sons named: Solomon Kern, Abraham Kern, William Kern, Jacob Kern, Jonathan Kern, Joshua Kern, and daughters who married Joseph Eicher and George Nicholson. Solomon Kern was born in the township and died in 1862, at the age of eighty one years, his father being probably one of the very first settlers and he one of the first born in Springfield. Solomon Kern was a carpenter by trade and made many of the early carding machines. He also had in operation wood carding (shouldn't this be wool carding??) machinery in different parts of the State. For a time he was engaged in the Baldwin machine shops at Connellsville, but finally settled on a farm west of Springfield village, which is at present the home of his son, Judge John Kern. Other sons were: Josiah Kern, Solomon Kern, and Simon Kern. His daughters married Samuel Davis, Henry Gebhart, Henry Griffin and Aaron Hart. Abraham Kern, the second son of William Kern, removed to Ohio; William Kern, the third son, married Nancy White and lived and died on the Kooser place. Jacob Kern lived a little south of Springfield village where he died about twenty eight years ago. He was the father of George Kern and William Kern, both of the township. His sons, Abraham Kern and David Kern, died in the Rebellion. Jonathan Kern, the fifth son of William Kern, became a resident of Greene county, and Joshua Kern, the youngest son and only survivor, lives on Indian Creek, more than eighty years old. He has sons named William M Kern and George Kern yet living in the township; and John Kern and James Kern died in the war for the Union. The Kerns have become one of the largest and best known families in Springfield.

National Register of Historical Places
Kern's Fort  (added 1993 - Building - #93000225)
Also known as Michael Kern's Cabin
305 Dewey St., Morgantown
West Virginia - Monongalia County
Historic Significance - Architecture/Engineering, Person, Event
Architect, builder, or engineer - Kerns, Michael
Architectural Style - Other, Colonial
Historic Person - Kerns, Michael
Significant Year - 1775, 1774, 1772
Area of Significance: - Military, Commerce, Architecture, Exploration/Settlement
Period of Significance - 1750-1799, 1800-1824, 1825-1849, 1850-1874, 1875-1899
Historic Function - Defense, Domestic
Historic Sub-function: - Fortification, Single Dwelling
Current Function - Domestic
Current Sub-function: - Single Dwelling

Michael Kerns, Sr. : the Forgotten Hero of Monongalia County, West Virginia. Columbus: Robert E. Karnes, 1997.

• 1805 Sold 133 acres  granted him in his father's will to Joseph Travis.
• 1810 Nicholas Co., KY Census - shows 3 boys and 3 girls under 10.  Who is the third daughter?
• 1840 Nicholas Co., KY Census
• 1850 Nicholas Co., KY Census - Simeon, farmer, $4000, 76 NC; Rachel, 72 KY
• 5-25-1839 A letter written to his son Alexander - "Son, we are enjoying about the usual health.  We are getting old and cannot enjoy the same portion of health that we once did.  Our neighborhood and county is generally enjoying good health which is the greatest blessing in the world.  Our crops at present look well.  The corn & small grain of every kind look well.  The prices of stock and produce is very high.  Corn 50 cents per bushel, wheat 80 cents per bushel, bacon 9 cents per pound, hogs $4 per hundred, cattle $5 to $6 per hundred, good horses high, mules dule.  Kentucky appears to be outgoing the most of her sister states in stock raising.  Please write me frequently.  Levi and family are enjoying good health.  I have nothing more but remain your affectionate father until death.    Simeon Kern"

1 Abraham K Sears (b9-15-1822; d8-27-1843) m Malinda Elliz
  2 Rebecca Jane Sears
  2 Martha Sears

• 1820 Lawrence Co., IN Census - 1m26-45; 3M>101f16-26; 1f>10
• 7-1-1823 Montgomery Co., IN - Bought 320 acres, 17N, 5W, Sec 33, E1/2

1880 Indian Creek, Lawrence Co., IN Census - Peter Kern 59 IN PA NC farmer; Mary J 52 IN KY NC; Mary E 8 IN; Thomas FULTS 22 IN son-in-law; Leniza A KERN 36 IN daughter; 
1880 Indian Creek, Lawrence Co., IN Census - James D Kern 28 IN IN IN farmer; Anerbeca 25 IN IN IN; Della  4 months
1880 Indian Creek, Lawrence Co., IN Census - Noah Kern 64 IN NC NC farmer; Evaline B 61 KY KY KY; George W 21 IN; Susan L IN IN IN dau-i-l; Olley Thurston Kern; 1 IN
1880 Indian Creek, Lawrence Co., IN Census - Benjamin Kern 60 IN farmer; Nancy J 57 IN VA VA

"John J. Kern, one of the most prosperous farmers of Center Township, Boone County, Indiana, and also a redoubtable hunter of large game, descends from an old Pennsylvania-Dutch family, but was born in Lawrence County, Indiana, December 25, 1828. His grandfather, Adam Kern, was the progenitor of the American family, having come form Holland in the colonial days and settled in Pennsylvania. He there reared a family and then went to Nicholas County, Kentucky, of which he was a pioneer, but finally settled in Monroe County, Indiana, where he died at an advanced age. His son, William Kern, the father of John J., whose name opens this sketch, was born in Pennsylvania, and was twenty-one years of age when he went with his father to Kentucky. He there married Susan Sears, of that state but of Pennsylvania descent. To their union were born ten children, who lived to be grown and were named as follows: Ezra, Noah, Benjamin, Peter, John J., Adam C., Catherine, Louisa, Susan J., and Mary S.; of these Ezra was born in Kentucky, but early in the century removed to Lawrence County, Indiana, with his father, William, who became one of the foremost farmers of that county, and was owner of one of the best farms, 160 acres of which he left his children at the time of his death at the age of fifty-six years.

John J. Kern, whose nativity is given above, was born on his father's farm and received a common school education. As a young man he took great delight in hunting and fishing, and, as game was abundant, killed many dear and wild turkey, as well as bear, catamounts, wild cats and numerous coons, possums, pheasants and squirrels, keeping the family well supplied with provisions, as well as ridding the country of vicious beasts of prey. August 15, 1847, he married Margaret E. Feely, daughter of William and Sarah (Alexander) Feely, which union was blessed with five children: Eliza J., Lois A., Marion, Susan R. and Mary E. In December 1852, Mr. Kern came to Boone County and settled on his present farm of 160 acres, to which he added by industry and thrift until he owned 535 acres, and of this handsome estate he has given his children all but 295 acres. Mr. Kern has always been a thrifty and hard workingman, and is entirely self-made. His course through life has been upright, winning the respect of his neighbors wherever he has resides, He and wife have long been members of the Christian Church, in which he has been a deacon for many years, and of which he is a trustee; he is also quite liberal in his contributions to its support. In politics he is an earnest Republican, and, fraternally, a non-affiliating Odd Fellow. Mr. Kern is among the best-known hunters of large game in the State of Indiana, as intimated I the opening of this biography. He has in his possession a magnificent head and antlers of a brown elk, which he shot in the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming in 1889, on the Columbia line, and these have been mounted by Beasley, of Lebanon, and are considered the finest in America. He has also many splendid specimens of skulls and antlers of deer that he has killed. His farm is well stocked with choice animals, and his is one of the best pasture farms of Center Township. Mr. Kern's daughter, Eliza J., is married to James H. Kersey, a thriving farmer of the township, and is the mother of two children - Stella M. and John J.; his daughter Lois A., is the wife of Solon M. Atkinson, also a prosperous farmer of the township, and has one daughter Lillian L. None occupy a higher social position in Boone County than the family of Mr. Kern."  Portrait & Biographical Record Boone Co., IN 1895 A.W. Bown & Co.

• 1850 Boone Co., IN Census - William P, farmer, $1600, 38 KY; Mary S, 23 KY; Caroline 2 IN