Joseph Frederic Kernochan (December 8, 1842 – August 17, 1929)[1] was an American attorney and socialite who was prominent in New York society during the Gilded Age.

His father, who was born in Scotland and came to America in 1790 as a baby, was a dry goods merchant and banker that was a founder of the University Club of New York.

After a year spent traveling abroad, he joined the law office of Abraham R. Lawrence in New York City working there from 1867 until 1869.

In 1869, he formed a partnership with his brother Frank under firm name of F. E. & J. F. Kernochan in New York, operating until 1873 when decided to stop practicing law.

[18] Kernochan died in New York City on August 17, 1929,[1] and after a funeral service at Grace Church,[21] he was buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, which was founded by his wife's grandfather.