J. G. KERLIN is a native of Camden, Carroll County, Ind., born February 18, 1860, and is the youngest in a family of three children born to J. L. and Amanda (Fleeger) Kerlin. - He lived with his parents at Camden until he was six years of age, and then with his grandfather Kerlin in Juniata County, Penn. There the father remained a few days, and then took his departure, and since has only been heard of a few times. With his grandfather, who was in very meager circumstances, J. G. remained until he was twelve years old, when, imagining that there were more prosperous fields in life for him, he came to Princeton Township, and for awhile lived with his mother, and then went to Carroll County, near Delphi, and for five years worked on a farm. In the spring of 1877, he began clerking in C. S. Kepner's store at Seafield, and here remained three years, and then worked on a farm for G. W. Chamberlain one summer, for 75 cents per day and board. After this, Mr. Kerlin turned his attention to merchandising, and formed a partnership with Z. Pippenger in the grocery business; the whole amount of capital invested was $47. This partnership existed about one year, when Mr. Kerlin purchased his partner's interest, the stock on hand invoicing at $60. Mr. K. then put in a stock of dry goods, and is now carrying a good stock of goods. In 1879, he was commissioned Postmaster at Seafield, and on the 13th of June, 1882, was appointed railway agent. On November 26,1880, he married Miss Josie Templeton, a daughter of James and Mary Templeton. To this union was born one child, Freddie, who died September 15, 1882. Mrs. Kerlin died January 10, the same year. Mr. Kerlin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and belongs to Orion Lodge at Wolcott, No. 598. He is a Democrat, and a self-made man in all respects.

Back to the White County Biographies Main Page