John Berns

A dry recital of a man’s career can convey nd proper notion of what manner of an individual he is in his methods, his ideals and his influence among his fellam. Only those who come in personal contact with the subject of this sketch can thoroughly understand how nature and training, habits‘of thought ancl action have enabled him to accomplish his life work and made a fit representative of the enterprising farming class of people to which he belongs.

John Berns was born in Stockton township, Greene county, March 9, 1855, and he has preferred to make his permanent home in his native community rather than risk bettering conditions elsewhere. He is a son of Peter and Catharine (Stockrahm) Berns, both natives of Germ& y, the former emigrating to America in 1848, in a sailing vessel, the time required being eight weeks; forty years later Peter Berns made a visit to Germany and the the voyage required eight days. He settled in Stockton township and, followed the vocation of a farmer with marked success, having been a man of sterling qualities,.= a hard worker and honesf in his dealings. The subject’s parents were married in Germany and to them were born four children as follows: Jacob, a prosperous farmer of Stockton township; Helena, wife of John G. Haseman, of Linton ; Dr. S. P. Berns, of Willow Hill, Illinois, and John Berns, our subject.

The subject’ was married December 25, 1879, to Catharine Linderman; a daughter of William Linderman, who also came to America from Germany in the same vessel with Peter Berns on the date mentioned above. The subject and wife are the proud parents of the following children: Herman E., living at Linton; Ernest J., a resident of Detroit, Michigan; Charles H., Mamie E., John E.! Willie, all living at home; Ethel died at the age of eight years. Mr. Berns made his home with his parents until he was twenty-five years old, assisting on the farm and attending school, also studying at home in his spare time,, for he always had a thirst for knowledge, and by close application. to his studies gained a, good education. Taking up the teacher’s profession he followed this work in an eminently successful manner for a period of fifteen years, during which time he was recognized as one of the leading educators of the county. He began his first school in November, 1873, in Highland township, afterward teaching in Wright, Grant and Stockton townships. Something of his popularity as a teacher can be realized when we learn that during all his years of teaching he never solicited a school, his services always being in demand, and he always received good wages. After his marriage Mr. Bern bought and moved to his present home two miles. north of Linton which was soon well improved under his able management, and now owns two hundred and fifty acres, the crops being rotated in a skillful manner so that the soil is kept in a high state of productiveness. Mr. Berns is regarded as a representative of that class of American citizens who are the strength, and safety of the nation. He is a loyal Democrat, and in 1898 was his party’s candidate for county treasurer, and made a splendid race, but was clefeated by a small majority in a county safely Republican. He was county chairman of the Farmers’ Mutual Benefit Association when this organization was in the zenith of its popularity, and his advice was always sought in directing the affairs of the association during that time.

Mr. and Mrs. Berns worship at the German Reformed Church and no members of that congregation stand higher in public esteem or are more highly respected.

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"Biographical Memoirs of Greene County, Ind. with Reminiscences of Pioneer Days", B.F. Bowen & Co., Indianapolis, IN, 1908, Vol. 2 pg. 680-2

Last updated 8.11.2009