THOMAS KERN, late president of the National Bank of Slatington, lumber merchant and planing mill operator, was born Oct. 26, 1839, near Emerald, Washington township. By hard labor and application, he acquired a good practical education and worked upon the farm until his majority. In 1860, he began farming for himself and what is now the American Slate Farm, better known as the Washington Slate Company, and continued there until 1868. Through the death of his father in 1861 he obtained possession of the farm at the appraisement in 1863, at which time he entered into partnership with Henry Kuntz and John Bower, and opened up the American Slate quarry, No. 2. These three men operated this quarry about three years, when Mr. Kern sold his interest, and in 1865 opened up the American Slate quarry No. 1, which he operated until 1868, when he disposed of his interests to the American Slate Company, of Bethlehem.

In the latter part of 1868, he purchased an interest in the A. Berkemeyer lumber yard, and in 1871 he became sole proprietor by purchasing the interest of his partner. This yard was located at the corner of Second Street and Center alley. In the fall of 1888 he purchased from the administrators of John Balliet, the lumber yard and planing mill between Railroad and Cherry streets, the only lumber yard in Slatington, which now employs 22 men. From July 24, 1906, until his death, Jan. 12, 1914, Mr. Kern was president of the National Bank of Slatington, and was a director since 1875, being one of the original directors and organizers.

Mr. Kern took a keen interest in political affairs and held the offices of chief burgess of the borough, councilman, and school director. He and his family held membership in St. John's Reformed church, which congregation he served as trustee since its organization.

In 1859 he was married to Amanda Kern, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Miller) Kern.