[1] Frederick John Kern was born on the family homestead farm near Millstadt, St. Clair County, Illinois, the son and grandson of German immigrants.

[3] While in Arkansas, Kern lost his left hand in a hunting accident, and subsequently returned to Millstadt, IL where, after completing his education at Illinois State, he taught at various times in the Bohleyville, Hoepfinger, and Englemann Township schools.

In 1892 his partner withdrew, and Kern served as Publisher, Editor and Sole owner of the newspaper until his death.

Married on July 23, 1893 to Alma Fredericka Eidmann Of Mascoutah, IL, the couple had three sons, Alfred E., Robert L., and Richard P.[6] Fred J. Kern died in Belleville, Illinois, on November 9, 1931, and was interred in Walnut Hill Cemetery.

[1] This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress