My Genealogy Hound

HON. ALVIN J. KERN, M. D. Prominent among the physicians and surgeons of Slatington is this gentleman, who is a native of this city, and whose life, with the exception of the years he was pursuing his studies at the schools of the state, has been spent here. His birth occurred March 28, 1865, his parents being Thomas and Amanda Kern, well known in Lehigh County. A sketch of the former may be found on another page of this volume, where the ancestral history of the Doctor is more fully dwelt upon.

Dr. A. J. Kern prepared for his future career of usefulness in life by laying a good foundation in the branches of study taught in the common schools, and on the completion of these studies engaged in teaching for one term. He then entered Ursinus College, at Collegeville, Pa., where, in 1885, after remaining for a full course, he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science. In the fall of that year he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, and after devoting his time and earnest thought to the branches there pursued, graduated in 1888, his studies having been confined to the allopathic system. Immediately after graduating he began practice in Slatington, and has successfully conducted his profession up to the present time. He has built up an extensive practice, and among his professional brethren is regarded as a young man of bright promise, whose success has been remarkable for one of his years. In 1891 Dr. Kern pursued a six-weeks course of special study at Philadelphia, attending the polyclinics. He is connected with the Lehigh County Medical Society as a member, and with the Lehigh Valley Medical organization. A Republican in politics, the Doctor is interested in the welfare of his party, and also in the cause of education. In 1 889 he was elected a member of the School Board, and was again elected in 1892. November 6, 1894, he was elected to the General Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania, an honor not often won by one so young. He is numbered among the stockholders of the Slatington Rolling Mills, and has other city investments.

Fraternally he is a member of Slatington Lodge No. 440, F. &A. M.; of Allen Chapter No. 203, R. A. M.; and of Allen Commandery No. 20, K. T. As a member of the Odd Fellows’ society, he belongs to Slatington Lodge No. 624, and to Encampment No. 231. In addition to those already mentioned he belongs to the Order of United American Mechanics, and to the Patriotic Order Sons of America. June 13, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Kern and Miss Emma J. Schaffer, of Whitehall, Lehigh County, and they have one child, Marion Schaffer Kern, born March 28, 1894. They are members of St. John’s Reformed Church of Slatington, and are well received in the best society of this place.