D. ALVIN J. KERN, physician and surgeon, was born in Slatington, March 28, 1865. He was educated in the public schools and graduated from the Slatington high school, and in 1885 from Ursinus College. He entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1885, graduating in 1888, and located at Slatington. In 1891 he took a post graduate course in the Philadelphia Polyclinic Hospital, and now enjoys a large practice in Slatington.

Dr. Kern is a member of Slatington Lodge, No. O, F. & A. M.; Slatington Chapter, No. 292, R. A. M.; Allen Commandery, No. 20, K. T., of Allentown; and of the I. O. O. F.; of the Jr. O. U. A. M.; Knights of Friendship; and of the P. O. S. of A. He is a Republican in politics, and was the first Republican member of the Legislature elected from Lehigh county, being elected in 1894 and reelected in 1896 He was a member of the school board of Slatington for nine years, having been elected three successive terms, and served one term as president, one term as secretary, and one term as treasurer. He is a member of the Reformed Church.

Dr. Kern was married June, 1893, to Emma J. Schaffer, daughter of Charles and Hetty (Steckel) Schaffer, of Cementon. Mrs. Kern died Nov. 1907, -aged 44 years. They had one daughter, Marion Schaffer Kern, who graduated from the Slatington high school in 1911 with first honor. Mrs. Kern was a school teacher in Lehigh county for thirteen years, possessing a professional certificate, and. was highly esteemed by her pupils.

In 1894, Dr. Kern built his present fine residence, which contains a large library which is frequently consulted, as its owner is a student of standard literature.

At the time Dr. Kern was a candidate for the Legislature, as Lehigh county was known to be one of the most reliable Democratic counties in the state, very few people supposed that the Republican party had any opportunity of winning, but the entire house delegation of the party triumphed by a good majority.

Dr. Kern was a member of the committees on public health and sanitation; fish and game laws; and bureau of statistics. He introduced and exerted his utmost efforts to have passed a bill providing for the appointment of inspectors of slate quarries, in which his constituents were largely interested, and gave his best and most careful attention to all his legislative duties.