[4] It was staffed by the Daughters of Charity from Emmitsburg, Maryland, while the Christian Brothers, ran St. Vincent's orphanage for boys.

From 1870 until his death, Kernan served on the University of the State of New York Board of Regents.

In 1871, Kernan was an ally in Samuel J. Tilden's efforts to overthrow the Tweed ring.

[6] He numbered among his friends Abraham Lincoln, Horatio Seymour, Samuel J. Tilden, Thomas F. Bayard, Grover Cleveland, and other distinguished Americans, and his counsel and advice were often sought by them.

He showed so decided a spirit of justice and moderation that he was often consulted by President Lincoln on matters pertaining to the conduct of the war.

[9] At the 1876 Democratic National Convention in St. Louis, Kernan nominated Samuel J. Tilden for President.

After Platt's resignation in May 1881, Kernan ran again for the Senate in the following special election but was defeated by Republican Warner Miller.

He represented Georgetown College at the Catholic Congress of laymen at Baltimore in 1889, and delivered a memorable address on that occasion.

In charity he gave much, considering his means, as he was never a very wealthy man, to his church and to charitable institutions; and his legal advice was often freely given to the clergy and to Georgetown University.

[2][11] In the rancor of politics, "...his religious views were ruthlessly assailed, but during his whole public life no breath of suspicion was ever cast on...his character or the integrity of his action, in the discharge of the high trusts confided to him.