James Frederick Kern: McKeown Genealogy

1927 - 1989 (62 years)

Generation: 1

James Frederick Kern was born on 1 Feb 1927 in Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa (son of Lester Earl Kern and Mary Elizabeth Carithers); died on 24 Apr 1989 in Muskogee, Muskogee County, Oklahoma; was buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa.

Other Events:

Occupation: farmer, truck driver

Notes:

James F. Kern, 62, of Mesa, Ariz., formerly of Blairstown and Marengo, died Monday in Veterans Administration Medical Center at Muskogee, Okla. after a sudden illness. He was a retired farmer and truck driver.
Survivors include his wife, Norma; a son, James Jr. of Chicago; two daughters, Deborah Berstler of Cedar rapids and Susan Ellenberger of Carson City, Nev.; his mother, Mary Kern Hensleigh of Blairstown; two sisters, Jayne Roth of rural Luzerne and Jo Ann Fiester of Blairstown; and three grandchildren.
Memorial services: 1 p.m. Friday, First Presbyterian Church. Inurnment; Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Russell’s, Blairstown, and from 11 a.m. to services time Friday at the church. A memorial fund has been established.
The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Wednesday, 26 April 1989.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/31295333/james-frederick-kern

Block 286, 1/2

James married Norma Mae Zigler on 9 Jan 1949 in Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa. Norma was born on 2 Jul 1929 in Iowa County, Iowa; died on 16 Jul 2016 in Hiawatha, Linn County, Iowa; was buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Generation: 2

Lester Earl Kern was born on 14 Oct 1898 in Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa; died on 17 Jun 1954; was buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa.

Other Events:

Occupation: farmer
Census: 1940, Leroy, Benton County, Iowa

Notes:

Blairstown – Services for Lester E. Kern, 55, Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Presbyterian church. Burial in Pleasant Hill cemetery. Body will be at the family home Saturday.
The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Friday, 18 June 1954.

Name:
son of Jacob Frederick Kern and Emma Elizabeth Miner

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/31295343/lester-earl-kern

Block 286, Lot NE 1/4

Lester married Mary Elizabeth Carithers on 2 Jun 1925 in Louisa County, Iowa. Mary (daughter of James Thomas Carithers and Minnie Lauretta Baird) was born on 30 Oct 1900 in Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa; died on 1 Oct 1992 in Belle Plaine, Benton County, Iowa; was buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary Elizabeth Carithers was born on 30 Oct 1900 in Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa (daughter of James Thomas Carithers and Minnie Lauretta Baird); died on 1 Oct 1992 in Belle Plaine, Benton County, Iowa; was buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa.

Notes:

Second marriage to someone with the surname of Hensleigh.

Mary E. Hensleigh, 91, died Thursday in the Belle Plaine Care Center of natural causes. Services: 1:30 p.m. Monday, First Presbyterian Church. Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Russell-Overton Funeral Home.
Survivors include two daughters, Jayne Roth of Luzerne and JoAnn Fiester of Blairstown; and a sister, Ellen Armstrong of Morning Sun.
The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Saturday, 3 October 1992.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/31295336/mary-elizabeth-kern

Block 286, Lot NE, 1/4

Children:

1. James Frederick Kern was born on 1 Feb 1927 in Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa; died on 24 Apr 1989 in Muskogee, Muskogee County, Oklahoma; was buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa.
Mary JoAnn Kern was born on 6 Mar 1934 in Marengo, Iowa County, Iowa; died on 13 Aug 2018 in Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa; was buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa.

Generation: 3

James Thomas Carithers was born on 4 Oct 1872 in Pennsylvania; died on 15 Dec 1943 in Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa; was buried on 17 Dec 1943 in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa.

Other Events:

Census: 1900, Yellow Springs, Des Moines County, Iowa
Census: 1910, Yellow Springs, Des Moines County, Iowa
Census: 1920, Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa
Census: 1925, Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa
Census: 1940, Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa

Notes:

J. T Carithers Died Wednesday Morning
Last Rites at R. P. Church Friday Afternoon.

James T. Carithers, 72, one of our best known and highly respected citizens of this community, died at his home here early Wednesday morning, December 15 (1943), following a five days illness. As noted in last weeks paper he suffered a stroke early Friday morning last.

Since 1926 he has been custodian of the high school building, which position he filled capably for seventeen years, always courtesy (sic) and accommodating. He will be missed by teachers and students alike, as well as by the general public who had occasion to be at the school building off and on during the school year in the years gone by.

The funeral service was held from the Reformed Presbyterian church Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, conducted by his pastor, Reverend H. G. Patterson, assisted by Reverend M. W. Dougherty. The burial was at the Sharon cemetery, the pallbearers being Robert Dickson, John Kilpatrick, Edward Hudson, Curtis Royer, Merritt McElhinney and Zenas McMurtry. The Pierce funeral home was in charge.

Relatives called here to attend the last rites were Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Kern and family and Mrs. Albert Mecklenburg of Blairstown, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Carithers of Burlington; Lt. and Mrs. Harold Sexton and Joyce Ann of Camp Claiborne, Louisiana; Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Sexton and Clark, Jr., Mrs. Ray Westfall and Mrs. Harry Sexton of Oakville.

James Thomas Carithers was born October 4, 1871, at Allegheny, Pennsylvania. At the age of nine years he came to Iowa and settled in the Sharon community near Morning Sun. In early life he became affiliated with the Sharon Reformed Presbyterian church, and 1917 transferred his membership to the Morning Sun congregation, of which he was a member at the time of his death.

On August 14, 1895, he was united in marriage with Minnie L. Baird. To this union were born four children, Mrs. Clark Sexton of Oakville, Mrs. Lester Kern of Blairstown, Mrs. D. T. Armstrong of Morning Sun, and William B. Carithers of Burlington. These [survive him], with nine grandchildren, Lieut. Harold Sexton and Clark Sexton, Jr., Mrs. Marlyn Westfall, Jas., Jayne and J. Ann Kern, Mary Ann and David Ross Armstrong and Thos. Michael Carithers, and two great-grandchildren, Joyce Ann Sexton and Keith Allen Westfall; also three brothers, Reid Carithers of Morning Sun, Wm. McClaren of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Robert McClaren of Newton, Iowa.

Morning Sun News-Herald, 16 Dec 1943

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/22938832/james-thomas-carithers

James married Minnie Lauretta Baird in 1896. Minnie (daughter of James Wallace Baird and Mary Ann Walkinshaw) was born on 24 Aug 1874 in Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa; died on 29 Jun 1950 in Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa; was buried on 1 Jul 1950 in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Minnie Lauretta Baird was born on 24 Aug 1874 in Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa (daughter of James Wallace Baird and Mary Ann Walkinshaw); died on 29 Jun 1950 in Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa; was buried on 1 Jul 1950 in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa.

Notes:

MORNING SUN WOMAN DIES LAST THURSDAY

Mrs. Minnie Carithers, 74, a life resident of the Morning Sun community died at the Burlington hospital at 11:45 am Thursday where she was taken June 24 following a fall at her home when her left hip was fractured. She was the former Minnie Baird, daughter of James and Mary Ann Walkinshaw Baird and was born on a farm in the Sharon vicinity August 24, 1875, where she grew up. She was married to James Carithers August 14, 1895, who died in 1943.

She is survived by three daughters: Mrs. Clark Sexton, Oakville; Mrs. Lester Kerns Blairstown; Mrs. D. T. Armstrong, Morning Sun; one son, William, Galesburg, Illinois; ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Blanche Meyers, Ontario, California, Mrs. J. P. Robertson, Morning Sun; four brothers; Ralph and Oscar Baird, Wapello, Dr. Oliver Baird, Tarkio, Missouri; and M. W. Baird, Morning Sun.

Two brothers are dead. Funeral services were held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. from the Reformed Presbyterian Church of which she was a member. The Reverend H. C. Patterson officiated and burial was in Elmwood cemetery. [note: this is incorrect, is buried at the Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church Cemetery beside her husband.]

The Wapello Republican, 6 Jul 1950

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24278683/minnie-lauretta-carithers

Children:

Mabelle Margaret Carithers was born on 10 Mar 1897 in Des Moines County, Iowa; died on 7 Mar 1992 in Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa; was buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa.
3. Mary Elizabeth Carithers was born on 30 Oct 1900 in Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa; died on 1 Oct 1992 in Belle Plaine, Benton County, Iowa; was buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa.
Ellen Rose Carithers was born on 1 Mar 1904 in Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa; died on 28 Jul 1998; was buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa.

Generation: 4

14.

James Wallace Baird was born on 18 Sep 1847 in Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa (son of John Baird and Catherine McElhinney); died on 27 Sep 1923 in Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa; was buried on 29 Sep 1923 in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa.

Other Events:

Census: 1880, Yellow Springs, Des Moines County, Iowa
Census: 1900, Yellow Springs, Des Moines County, Iowa
Census: 1920, Yellow Springs, Des Moines County, Iowa

Notes:

Obituary from Find a Grave and Kim Thompson:

Prominent Farmer Is Laid to Rest.

In the death of James Wallace Baird, which occurred September 27th (1923), the community suffers a real loss. He was one who could be depended upon, clear spoken, and ever ready to help those in need. His kindly counsel will be greatly missed.

He was born September 18, 1847, in Louisa County, Iowa, and died at is home near Mediapolis, Iowa, nine days after his seventy-sixth birthday. On April 7th, 1871, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Walkenshaw and had lived in the home where he passed away, fifty years.

To this union nine children were born, all of whom live near Morning Sun, with the exception of Dr. Oliver E. Baird of Blanchard, Iowa. All the children are living with the exception of Otto C. Baird, who passed away in 1910. The remaining children are: Mrs. Minnie L. Carithers, Edmund A., Merrill W., Oliver E., Ralph E., Oscar M., Mrs. Lena May Robertson and Mrs. Blanche U. Thompson.

Early in life he joined the Sharon Reformed Presbyterian church where, in after years, he served faithfully as deacon, and to the end of his life he was treasurer until failing health made it impossible, Mr. Baird was to be found regularly at the church he loved on the Sabbath day.

Those who were bending over him in his last moments caught his last words "The Almighty has power."

Funeral services were conducted at Sharon church and he was buried at Sharon cemetery, Saturday, September 29, 1923.

Morning Sun News-Herald, 4 Oct 1923

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/22318418/james-wallace-baird

James married Mary Ann Walkinshaw on 7 Apr 1871. Mary (daughter of John Walkinshaw and Margaret Glasgow) was born on 19 Mar 1850 in Londonderry, Guernsey County, Ohio; died on 21 Nov 1948 in Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa; was buried on 24 Nov 1948 in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

15.

Mary Ann Walkinshaw was born on 19 Mar 1850 in Londonderry, Guernsey County, Ohio (daughter of John Walkinshaw and Margaret Glasgow); died on 21 Nov 1948 in Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa; was buried on 24 Nov 1948 in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa.

Other Events:

Census: 1940, Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa

Notes:

Obituary from Find a Grave and Kim Thompson:
Mrs. Mary Ann Baird Dies Sunday

Mrs. Mary Ann Baird, 97, the town's eldest citizen, died at midnight Sunday (November 21, 1948) at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Minnie Carithers. She had been in declining health for several weeks.

Mary Ann Walkinshaw was the daughter of John and Margaret Glasgow Walkinshaw, and was born March 19, 1851, at Londonderry, Ohio. On April 7, 1871, she was married to James W. Baird, and for many years they lived on a farm in the Sharon community. Baird died in 1928 and in 1927 Mrs. Baird came to Morning Sun to make her home with her daughter.

In addition to Mrs. Carithers, Mrs. Baird is survived by six other children: Mrs. J. P Robertson and Merrill Baird, Morning Sun; Ralph and Oscar Baird, Wapello; Dr. Oliver Baird, Tarkio, Missouri; and Mrs. L. L. Myers of Ontario, California. Two sons, Otto and Edward Baird, are dead.

Also surviving are 34 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Baird was a member of the Sharon Reformed Presbyterian church, at which church services were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. Reverend M. W. Doughterty was in charge, and burial was in Sharon cemetery.

Morning Sun News-Herald, 25 Nov 1948

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/22318456/mary-ann-baird

Children:

7. Minnie Lauretta Baird was born on 24 Aug 1874 in Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa; died on 29 Jun 1950 in Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa; was buried on 1 Jul 1950 in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa.
Edmond Alfonz Baird was born on 13 Sep 1876 in Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa; died on 29 Nov 1941 in Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa; was buried on 1 Dec 1941 in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa.
Lena Mabel Baird was born on 20 Aug 1878 in Des Moines County, Iowa; died on 29 Sep 1952 in Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa; was buried in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa.
Merrill Waldo Baird was born on 25 Dec 1880 in Des Moines County, Iowa; died on 24 Sep 1964 in Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa; was buried in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa.
Oliver Emmett Baird was born on 8 Dec 1882 in Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa; died on 8 Feb 1964 in Clarinda, Page County, Iowa; was buried in Tarkio Home Cemetery, Tarkio, Atchison County, Missouri.
Otto Clarence Baird was born on 17 Jul 1886 in Des Moines County, Iowa; died on 24 Aug 1910 in Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa; was buried in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa.
Ralph Ehrman Baird was born on 4 Jun 1888 in Garland, Des Moines County, Iowa; died on 8 Dec 1963 in Wapello, Louisa County, Iowa; was buried in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa.
Oscar Marion Baird was born on 15 Aug 1890 in Des Moines County, Iowa; died on 30 Mar 1960 in Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa; was buried in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa.
Blanche Verona Baird was born on 15 Aug 1890 in Des Moines County, Iowa; died on 25 Feb 1983; was buried in Sharon Cemetery, Mediapolis, Des Moines County, Iowa.

McKeown and Shields Families

James Frederick Kern