Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 August 1917 — GENERAL AND STATE NEWS [ARTICLE]

GENERAL AND STATE NEWS

Telegraphic Reports From Many Parts of the Country. SHORT DITS OF THE UNUSUAL A. Happenings in the Nearby Cities and Towns—Matters of Minor Mentioa from Many Places. EX-SEN. JOHN W. KERN DEAD Hoosier State Is Sad Over Death of distinguished Leader. John Worth Kern, distinguished statesman and one of the foremost men in Indlan*a, ipassed away Friday nigiht at Asheville, North Carolina, where he had been for about a week to recuperate. Death, was caused by uremic poisoning. John W. Kern was born in Howard county, Indiana, December 20, 1849, and at the time of his death was 67 years, 5 months and 27 days old. After graduating from law school Mr. Kern opened an office in Kokomo. He was city attorney of his home city until elected reporter of the supreme court in 1884, since which time he had resided In Indianapolis. In 1892 he was elected to the state senate and served four years with credit to himself and his constituents. In 1900 Mr. Kern was nominated for governor of Indiana, but was defeated by Mr. Durbin. He was again nominated for governor ■ln 1904, and was again defeated by Mr. Hanly. He was his party’s nominee for vice-president in 1908. In January, 1911, Mr. Kern was elected to the United States senate by the Indiana legislature, and was floor leader of that august body until his term expired in 1916. Mr. Kern was twice married and his real qualities were best portrayed in his home life. He was simple and unpretentious in all things and made no effort to display and had no desire to be (measured by the world by a fictitious standard. He is survived by his wife and three children, Mrs. George B. Lawson, John W. Kern, Jr., and William Kern. During his term in the United States senate Mr. Kern was always in close touch with the administration and was always on the side of the common people in all matters. He was beloved by all who knew him and leaves a rich heritage in the esteem of his fellowmen. The funeral was held at Hollins, Virginia, late Sunday afternoon, and burial was made at Kerncliff, the family home.