ject of this sketch, was reared to the same pursuit, which he has followed the greater part of his life. He received good educational advantages in his youth, attending the Bloomingdale Academy, and the seminary at Sullivan, Indiana. After completing his education he taught school for two years, and was considered a very successful teacher. He has since devoted his attention to general farming, and owns a tract of thirty acres where he resides, his land being well improved and very productive. Mr. Kerns was married September 15, 1878, to Miss Catherine S. Shane, a daughter of James Shane, of Effingham County, Illinois. Two children have been born to this union, named Lawrence J. and Edgar O., of whom the former is deceased. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and among the respected citizens of the county.
LEWIS H. REED, druggist, St. Bernice, Indiana, was born in Helt Township, December 20, 1849, a son of John W. Reed, a native of Stokes County, North Carolina, born August 3, 1822, his grandfather, Jacob Reed, who was also a native of Stokes County, came with his family to Indiana in 1831 and settled in Vermillion County. Lewis H. Reed was reared in Helt Township, on a farm. He was given good educational advantages and after leaving school, taught eight years. In March, 1879, he moved to St. Bernice, and engaged in the drug business, which he has since followed. His stock is valued at $1,500 and consists of a full line of drugs, medicines, groceries, stationery and notions. He does an annual businiess of $5,000, which is constantly increasing. he had charge of the post office five years, but on the change in the administration resigned his position. In politics he is an ardent Republican. He now holds a commission as a notary public. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was married July 11, 1880, to Isabel Benefiel, a native of Edgar County, Illinois, daughter of Robert Benefiel, who was killed by a hose striking him on the head; he died in 1883.
