Son of Lorenz Kern and Katharina Wilhelmina Weiffenbach. Husband of Matilda Louise Wilde.
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THE HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY, WISCONSIN - 1880
Town of New Berlin - page 915
ABRAHAM KERN, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Waukesha; born in Sprendelingen, Province of Rhine Hessen, Hesse Darmstadt, Jan. 2, 1819; he was educated in Germany, and, in 1843, his parents, Lorenz and Katrina Kern, came to America, reaching Milwaukee, July 18, and New Berlin, Aug. 3, 1843; Lorenz Kern bought and improved a farm on Sec. 17, where he died, July 5, 1869, and where his widow now lives, in her 91st year ( the oldest person in New Berlin). Abraham Kern lived eight years with his parents, then settled on his present farm of 40 acres; it was then a forest, and has been cleared by Mr. Kern, who has built a pleasant home, with barn, etc., his land and that around it being worth fivefold its value thirty-seven years ago. In 1849, he married Matilde Wilde, who was born in Barwalde, Province of Brandenburg, Prussia, in 1823, and came to America and Wisconsin, in 1848. They are members of the Evangelical Reformed Church. Mr. Kern is a Democrat, was Collector in 1854-55, and is now serving his fourth term as Supervisor.
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Portrait and Biographical Record of Waukesha County - 1894
ABRAHAM KERN, (deceased) was a self-made man and one of New Berlin's most honored pioneers, having resided in that town for almost fifty-one years. He was born in Sprendlingen, province of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, June 2, 1819, and died at his home in Waukesha County, January 25, 1894. He was reared and educated in his native land, pursuing his studies in the common schools. Being brought up on a farm he chose that occupation as his life work. When twenty-four years of age he accompanied his parents, Lorenz and Kathrina (Wfeifenbach) Kern, to America, sailing from Bremen to New York. Upon their arrival at the latter port they continued their journey westward to Milwaukee, coming from Buffalo by way of the lakes, thence to the town of New Berlin, reaching that place in July, 1843. Here the father purchased a farm; the country was almost an unbroken wilderness; straggling bands of Indians often stopped at their cabin to beg for food. It was here that the labor of a lifetime began; acre after acre of the heavy timber was felled by Abraham Kern, and when a comfortable home was assured for his parents he turned his attention to the making of a home for himself. On the 12th of February, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Louise Matilda Wilde, a daughter of Karl H. and Louise (Frank) Wilde, who resided on section 14, in the town of New Berlin. In 1852 Mr. Kern bought forty acres of wild land upon which he erected a log house and began the work of developing a farm. By thrift and hard work he soon replaced this primitive home with a brick residence and made of his land one of the most desirable farms in this section of the country.
Mr. Kern was a leading spirit in the organization of the German Reformed Church, which was perfected in 1856, his collegues in the undertaking being Jacob Wagner, Daniel Schley and Philip Streader. The same year a modest brick structure was erected at a cost of $1,400, a sum of no small consequence in those days. September 7, 1864, this society was incorporated and throughout its entire existence, from its inception to the time of his death, Mr. Kern was an important factor in promoting its success, taking great pride in its prosperity. When the first missionary minister came he found in him a devout and valuable assistant and friend in prosecuting the work of the church, and to the succeeding ministers he has stood always in a like relation. He was a man who lived in harmony with the Christian profession he made, and one whose life is worthy of emulation. When the last sad rites were performed in the church for which he had labored so faithfully, it was with the greatest effort that his beloved pastor, Rev. Richard D. Hanisch, mastered the emotion which bespoke the warm personal friendship that existed between them. He had lived beyond the three-score and ten years allotted to man, his long life ever being a busy, useful one. A great friend of the church and school Mr. Kern found the time from the duties if his farm to fill the offices of town Treasurer, Supervisor, and for a number of years was an officer of the New Berlin Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In political faith he was a stanch Democrat.
His good wife, who walked by his side through so many years of toil and care, still survives. She was born October 20, 1823, in Baerwalde, province of Brandenburg, Germany, and emigrated to New Berlin, with her parents, in 1848. She is one of a family of three children, being the second in order of birth. August Wilde, her eldest brother, resides in a beautiful home on section 14 and is one of New Berlin's prosperous and highly esteemed citizens. Karl, the youngest, is engaged in farming and stock raising in Cuming County, Neb. Mrs. Kern received a good education in her native country, and has in her possession her confirnation diploma received from the church of her nativity, bearing the date April 8, 1838. She also treasures with pride an old bible given her by her parents nearly half a century ago. Her life is made brighter by the presence and companionship of her niece, Minnie, daughter of Abraham Kern, Jr.
Abraham Kern's parents spent the last years of their lives in Waukesha County, the father dying in 1869, while the mother passed away at the age ninety-three years. Of his brothers and sisters Anna Maria died abroad; Jacob, a pioneer of the town of New Berlin, died July 28, 1872; William, also deceased, was for many years a resident of the same township; Simon and Catherine, twins, complete the family. The former is a merchant of St. Paul, where he has lived for many years; the later became the wife of John Kramer, a well-to-do farmer and stockman of Vernon Township, Waukesha County.
**********
Obituary - Waukesha Freeman Newspaper - Feb. 1, 1894
Abraham Kern, aged 75, an old and much respected resident of New Berlin, died last Friday. Funeral services were held at the German Reformed Church in New Berlin Sunday. Deceased was a native of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and came to this country in 1843, settling in New Berlin.
**********
THE HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY, WISCONSIN - 1880
Town of New Berlin - page 915
ABRAHAM KERN, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Waukesha; born in Sprendelingen, Province of Rhine Hessen, Hesse Darmstadt, Jan. 2, 1819; he was educated in Germany, and, in 1843, his parents, Lorenz and Katrina Kern, came to America, reaching Milwaukee, July 18, and New Berlin, Aug. 3, 1843; Lorenz Kern bought and improved a farm on Sec. 17, where he died, July 5, 1869, and where his widow now lives, in her 91st year ( the oldest person in New Berlin). Abraham Kern lived eight years with his parents, then settled on his present farm of 40 acres; it was then a forest, and has been cleared by Mr. Kern, who has built a pleasant home, with barn, etc., his land and that around it being worth fivefold its value thirty-seven years ago. In 1849, he married Matilde Wilde, who was born in Barwalde, Province of Brandenburg, Prussia, in 1823, and came to America and Wisconsin, in 1848. They are members of the Evangelical Reformed Church. Mr. Kern is a Democrat, was Collector in 1854-55, and is now serving his fourth term as Supervisor.
**********
Portrait and Biographical Record of Waukesha County - 1894
ABRAHAM KERN, (deceased) was a self-made man and one of New Berlin's most honored pioneers, having resided in that town for almost fifty-one years. He was born in Sprendlingen, province of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, June 2, 1819, and died at his home in Waukesha County, January 25, 1894. He was reared and educated in his native land, pursuing his studies in the common schools. Being brought up on a farm he chose that occupation as his life work. When twenty-four years of age he accompanied his parents, Lorenz and Kathrina (Wfeifenbach) Kern, to America, sailing from Bremen to New York. Upon their arrival at the latter port they continued their journey westward to Milwaukee, coming from Buffalo by way of the lakes, thence to the town of New Berlin, reaching that place in July, 1843. Here the father purchased a farm; the country was almost an unbroken wilderness; straggling bands of Indians often stopped at their cabin to beg for food. It was here that the labor of a lifetime began; acre after acre of the heavy timber was felled by Abraham Kern, and when a comfortable home was assured for his parents he turned his attention to the making of a home for himself. On the 12th of February, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Louise Matilda Wilde, a daughter of Karl H. and Louise (Frank) Wilde, who resided on section 14, in the town of New Berlin. In 1852 Mr. Kern bought forty acres of wild land upon which he erected a log house and began the work of developing a farm. By thrift and hard work he soon replaced this primitive home with a brick residence and made of his land one of the most desirable farms in this section of the country.
Mr. Kern was a leading spirit in the organization of the German Reformed Church, which was perfected in 1856, his collegues in the undertaking being Jacob Wagner, Daniel Schley and Philip Streader. The same year a modest brick structure was erected at a cost of $1,400, a sum of no small consequence in those days. September 7, 1864, this society was incorporated and throughout its entire existence, from its inception to the time of his death, Mr. Kern was an important factor in promoting its success, taking great pride in its prosperity. When the first missionary minister came he found in him a devout and valuable assistant and friend in prosecuting the work of the church, and to the succeeding ministers he has stood always in a like relation. He was a man who lived in harmony with the Christian profession he made, and one whose life is worthy of emulation. When the last sad rites were performed in the church for which he had labored so faithfully, it was with the greatest effort that his beloved pastor, Rev. Richard D. Hanisch, mastered the emotion which bespoke the warm personal friendship that existed between them. He had lived beyond the three-score and ten years allotted to man, his long life ever being a busy, useful one. A great friend of the church and school Mr. Kern found the time from the duties if his farm to fill the offices of town Treasurer, Supervisor, and for a number of years was an officer of the New Berlin Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In political faith he was a stanch Democrat.
His good wife, who walked by his side through so many years of toil and care, still survives. She was born October 20, 1823, in Baerwalde, province of Brandenburg, Germany, and emigrated to New Berlin, with her parents, in 1848. She is one of a family of three children, being the second in order of birth. August Wilde, her eldest brother, resides in a beautiful home on section 14 and is one of New Berlin's prosperous and highly esteemed citizens. Karl, the youngest, is engaged in farming and stock raising in Cuming County, Neb. Mrs. Kern received a good education in her native country, and has in her possession her confirnation diploma received from the church of her nativity, bearing the date April 8, 1838. She also treasures with pride an old bible given her by her parents nearly half a century ago. Her life is made brighter by the presence and companionship of her niece, Minnie, daughter of Abraham Kern, Jr.
Abraham Kern's parents spent the last years of their lives in Waukesha County, the father dying in 1869, while the mother passed away at the age ninety-three years. Of his brothers and sisters Anna Maria died abroad; Jacob, a pioneer of the town of New Berlin, died July 28, 1872; William, also deceased, was for many years a resident of the same township; Simon and Catherine, twins, complete the family. The former is a merchant of St. Paul, where he has lived for many years; the later became the wife of John Kramer, a well-to-do farmer and stockman of Vernon Township, Waukesha County.
**********
Obituary - Waukesha Freeman Newspaper - Feb. 1, 1894
Abraham Kern, aged 75, an old and much respected resident of New Berlin, died last Friday. Funeral services were held at the German Reformed Church in New Berlin Sunday. Deceased was a native of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and came to this country in 1843, settling in New Berlin.
Son of Lorenz Kern and Katharina Wilhelmina Weiffenbach. Husband of Matilda Louise Wilde.
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THE HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY, WISCONSIN - 1880
Town of New Berlin - page 915
ABRAHAM KERN, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Waukesha; born in Sprendelingen, Province of Rhine Hessen, Hesse Darmstadt, Jan. 2, 1819; he was educated in Germany, and, in 1843, his parents, Lorenz and Katrina Kern, came to America, reaching Milwaukee, July 18, and New Berlin, Aug. 3, 1843; Lorenz Kern bought and improved a farm on Sec. 17, where he died, July 5, 1869, and where his widow now lives, in her 91st year ( the oldest person in New Berlin). Abraham Kern lived eight years with his parents, then settled on his present farm of 40 acres; it was then a forest, and has been cleared by Mr. Kern, who has built a pleasant home, with barn, etc., his land and that around it being worth fivefold its value thirty-seven years ago. In 1849, he married Matilde Wilde, who was born in Barwalde, Province of Brandenburg, Prussia, in 1823, and came to America and Wisconsin, in 1848. They are members of the Evangelical Reformed Church. Mr. Kern is a Democrat, was Collector in 1854-55, and is now serving his fourth term as Supervisor.
**********
Portrait and Biographical Record of Waukesha County - 1894
ABRAHAM KERN, (deceased) was a self-made man and one of New Berlin's most honored pioneers, having resided in that town for almost fifty-one years. He was born in Sprendlingen, province of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, June 2, 1819, and died at his home in Waukesha County, January 25, 1894. He was reared and educated in his native land, pursuing his studies in the common schools. Being brought up on a farm he chose that occupation as his life work. When twenty-four years of age he accompanied his parents, Lorenz and Kathrina (Wfeifenbach) Kern, to America, sailing from Bremen to New York. Upon their arrival at the latter port they continued their journey westward to Milwaukee, coming from Buffalo by way of the lakes, thence to the town of New Berlin, reaching that place in July, 1843. Here the father purchased a farm; the country was almost an unbroken wilderness; straggling bands of Indians often stopped at their cabin to beg for food. It was here that the labor of a lifetime began; acre after acre of the heavy timber was felled by Abraham Kern, and when a comfortable home was assured for his parents he turned his attention to the making of a home for himself. On the 12th of February, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Louise Matilda Wilde, a daughter of Karl H. and Louise (Frank) Wilde, who resided on section 14, in the town of New Berlin. In 1852 Mr. Kern bought forty acres of wild land upon which he erected a log house and began the work of developing a farm. By thrift and hard work he soon replaced this primitive home with a brick residence and made of his land one of the most desirable farms in this section of the country.
Mr. Kern was a leading spirit in the organization of the German Reformed Church, which was perfected in 1856, his collegues in the undertaking being Jacob Wagner, Daniel Schley and Philip Streader. The same year a modest brick structure was erected at a cost of $1,400, a sum of no small consequence in those days. September 7, 1864, this society was incorporated and throughout its entire existence, from its inception to the time of his death, Mr. Kern was an important factor in promoting its success, taking great pride in its prosperity. When the first missionary minister came he found in him a devout and valuable assistant and friend in prosecuting the work of the church, and to the succeeding ministers he has stood always in a like relation. He was a man who lived in harmony with the Christian profession he made, and one whose life is worthy of emulation. When the last sad rites were performed in the church for which he had labored so faithfully, it was with the greatest effort that his beloved pastor, Rev. Richard D. Hanisch, mastered the emotion which bespoke the warm personal friendship that existed between them. He had lived beyond the three-score and ten years allotted to man, his long life ever being a busy, useful one. A great friend of the church and school Mr. Kern found the time from the duties if his farm to fill the offices of town Treasurer, Supervisor, and for a number of years was an officer of the New Berlin Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In political faith he was a stanch Democrat.
His good wife, who walked by his side through so many years of toil and care, still survives. She was born October 20, 1823, in Baerwalde, province of Brandenburg, Germany, and emigrated to New Berlin, with her parents, in 1848. She is one of a family of three children, being the second in order of birth. August Wilde, her eldest brother, resides in a beautiful home on section 14 and is one of New Berlin's prosperous and highly esteemed citizens. Karl, the youngest, is engaged in farming and stock raising in Cuming County, Neb. Mrs. Kern received a good education in her native country, and has in her possession her confirnation diploma received from the church of her nativity, bearing the date April 8, 1838. She also treasures with pride an old bible given her by her parents nearly half a century ago. Her life is made brighter by the presence and companionship of her niece, Minnie, daughter of Abraham Kern, Jr.
Abraham Kern's parents spent the last years of their lives in Waukesha County, the father dying in 1869, while the mother passed away at the age ninety-three years. Of his brothers and sisters Anna Maria died abroad; Jacob, a pioneer of the town of New Berlin, died July 28, 1872; William, also deceased, was for many years a resident of the same township; Simon and Catherine, twins, complete the family. The former is a merchant of St. Paul, where he has lived for many years; the later became the wife of John Kramer, a well-to-do farmer and stockman of Vernon Township, Waukesha County.
**********
Obituary - Waukesha Freeman Newspaper - Feb. 1, 1894
Abraham Kern, aged 75, an old and much respected resident of New Berlin, died last Friday. Funeral services were held at the German Reformed Church in New Berlin Sunday. Deceased was a native of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and came to this country in 1843, settling in New Berlin.
**********
THE HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY, WISCONSIN - 1880
Town of New Berlin - page 915
ABRAHAM KERN, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Waukesha; born in Sprendelingen, Province of Rhine Hessen, Hesse Darmstadt, Jan. 2, 1819; he was educated in Germany, and, in 1843, his parents, Lorenz and Katrina Kern, came to America, reaching Milwaukee, July 18, and New Berlin, Aug. 3, 1843; Lorenz Kern bought and improved a farm on Sec. 17, where he died, July 5, 1869, and where his widow now lives, in her 91st year ( the oldest person in New Berlin). Abraham Kern lived eight years with his parents, then settled on his present farm of 40 acres; it was then a forest, and has been cleared by Mr. Kern, who has built a pleasant home, with barn, etc., his land and that around it being worth fivefold its value thirty-seven years ago. In 1849, he married Matilde Wilde, who was born in Barwalde, Province of Brandenburg, Prussia, in 1823, and came to America and Wisconsin, in 1848. They are members of the Evangelical Reformed Church. Mr. Kern is a Democrat, was Collector in 1854-55, and is now serving his fourth term as Supervisor.
**********
Portrait and Biographical Record of Waukesha County - 1894
ABRAHAM KERN, (deceased) was a self-made man and one of New Berlin's most honored pioneers, having resided in that town for almost fifty-one years. He was born in Sprendlingen, province of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, June 2, 1819, and died at his home in Waukesha County, January 25, 1894. He was reared and educated in his native land, pursuing his studies in the common schools. Being brought up on a farm he chose that occupation as his life work. When twenty-four years of age he accompanied his parents, Lorenz and Kathrina (Wfeifenbach) Kern, to America, sailing from Bremen to New York. Upon their arrival at the latter port they continued their journey westward to Milwaukee, coming from Buffalo by way of the lakes, thence to the town of New Berlin, reaching that place in July, 1843. Here the father purchased a farm; the country was almost an unbroken wilderness; straggling bands of Indians often stopped at their cabin to beg for food. It was here that the labor of a lifetime began; acre after acre of the heavy timber was felled by Abraham Kern, and when a comfortable home was assured for his parents he turned his attention to the making of a home for himself. On the 12th of February, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Louise Matilda Wilde, a daughter of Karl H. and Louise (Frank) Wilde, who resided on section 14, in the town of New Berlin. In 1852 Mr. Kern bought forty acres of wild land upon which he erected a log house and began the work of developing a farm. By thrift and hard work he soon replaced this primitive home with a brick residence and made of his land one of the most desirable farms in this section of the country.
Mr. Kern was a leading spirit in the organization of the German Reformed Church, which was perfected in 1856, his collegues in the undertaking being Jacob Wagner, Daniel Schley and Philip Streader. The same year a modest brick structure was erected at a cost of $1,400, a sum of no small consequence in those days. September 7, 1864, this society was incorporated and throughout its entire existence, from its inception to the time of his death, Mr. Kern was an important factor in promoting its success, taking great pride in its prosperity. When the first missionary minister came he found in him a devout and valuable assistant and friend in prosecuting the work of the church, and to the succeeding ministers he has stood always in a like relation. He was a man who lived in harmony with the Christian profession he made, and one whose life is worthy of emulation. When the last sad rites were performed in the church for which he had labored so faithfully, it was with the greatest effort that his beloved pastor, Rev. Richard D. Hanisch, mastered the emotion which bespoke the warm personal friendship that existed between them. He had lived beyond the three-score and ten years allotted to man, his long life ever being a busy, useful one. A great friend of the church and school Mr. Kern found the time from the duties if his farm to fill the offices of town Treasurer, Supervisor, and for a number of years was an officer of the New Berlin Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In political faith he was a stanch Democrat.
His good wife, who walked by his side through so many years of toil and care, still survives. She was born October 20, 1823, in Baerwalde, province of Brandenburg, Germany, and emigrated to New Berlin, with her parents, in 1848. She is one of a family of three children, being the second in order of birth. August Wilde, her eldest brother, resides in a beautiful home on section 14 and is one of New Berlin's prosperous and highly esteemed citizens. Karl, the youngest, is engaged in farming and stock raising in Cuming County, Neb. Mrs. Kern received a good education in her native country, and has in her possession her confirnation diploma received from the church of her nativity, bearing the date April 8, 1838. She also treasures with pride an old bible given her by her parents nearly half a century ago. Her life is made brighter by the presence and companionship of her niece, Minnie, daughter of Abraham Kern, Jr.
Abraham Kern's parents spent the last years of their lives in Waukesha County, the father dying in 1869, while the mother passed away at the age ninety-three years. Of his brothers and sisters Anna Maria died abroad; Jacob, a pioneer of the town of New Berlin, died July 28, 1872; William, also deceased, was for many years a resident of the same township; Simon and Catherine, twins, complete the family. The former is a merchant of St. Paul, where he has lived for many years; the later became the wife of John Kramer, a well-to-do farmer and stockman of Vernon Township, Waukesha County.
**********
Obituary - Waukesha Freeman Newspaper - Feb. 1, 1894
Abraham Kern, aged 75, an old and much respected resident of New Berlin, died last Friday. Funeral services were held at the German Reformed Church in New Berlin Sunday. Deceased was a native of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and came to this country in 1843, settling in New Berlin.
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