BENJAMIN KERN, an honored citizen of Slatington, was born in his present residence, August 26, 1834, and was educated in the local schools and later at Kessler's Allentown Academy. He engaged in the mercantile business at the age of twenty years with his brother-in-law, Henry Kuntz, under the firm name of Kuntz & Kern. They conducted a general store, and were also pioneers in the slate industry in the earlier 50's. Later the firm became Kern & Opp and after twelve years, Mr. Opp withdrew. Mr. Kern continued the business alone for forty-five years, and retired in 1893, after a busy and successful career.

Mr. Kern was chief burgess during the railroad strike in 1877 and was a member of council for many years.

He and the family are members of St. John's Reformed church, where he served as deacon and elder for many years. In 1857, he was married to Leanna, a daughter of Jonas Peter. Mrs. Kern died May 10, 1894, in her 54th year.