Darius Kerns

KERNS, HEIDENMAN, CALLEN

Posted By: Marlene Skalberg (email)
Date: 6/1/2012 at 18:23:33

With the passing of Darius Kerns 95 year old veteran of the Civil War, taps were sounded for the last of this veteran in Adams County. It is significant that they were sounded by Fred Heidenman of Omaha, the grand nephew of the aged gentleman, who marched under the colors from 1862 to 1865. Full military honors were accorded the beloved war veteran at the funeral held at the Hilliard Funeral Home Monday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. J. H. Krennayre. Burial was made in the Prairie Rose Cemetery beside his wife. The members of the American Legion were in charge of arrangements.
Darius Kerns, who has made his home in the home of Mrs. S. T. Kerns for the past few years died at the Kerns home Saturday night following a long period of illness due to old age and complications. He had been able to be about most of the time until last Monday when he was taken seriously ill and lingered, growing gradually worse until Saturday.
Darius Kerns, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Kerns was born at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania April 2, 1844 and died July 29, age 95 years, 3 months, and 27 days. He came to Adams County and was married to Cynthia Callen October 26, 1871, who preceded him in death in 1917. They lived on a farm near the Taylor-Adams County line and frquently came to Corning. Since his wife's death he has made his home much of the time in Florida, visiting frequently in the home of his brother here. After his brother's death he came to make his home here and has been most tenderly cared for by his sister-in-law and her family. One other brother and several sisters also preceded him in death and he was the last one of his immediate family.
Mr. Kerns' war record is one on which he looked back with pride. Mr. Kerns first enlisted in 1861, but he was so young his father refused to let him go. In June 1862, he enlisted with the 83rd infantry and served with that regiment until the close of the war and was mustered out in July 1865. His regiment was attached to Sherman's army, but he did not make the famous "March to the Sea", as Hood's army was threatening Sherman's rear and at Atlanta a detachment was sent back to stop Hood, which they did at Franklin, Tennessee.
He participated in the battles of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain, but could not remember all, except that he just fought all the way through the war. He and General Sherman became fast friends at one time when they took a trip together by boat from St. Joseph to Omaha. He comes from fighting stock, as his father figured prominently in fighting the Seminole Indians in the South early in the history of the United States. He served as adjutant of the post at Corning, which position he held as long as there was a Post here. time has taken his comrades, one by one, until he was left alone.
Because of close relationship between the two brothers, Mr. Kerns always considered the S. T. Kerns family his family. The children, who were all at home to attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Helseman, and son and Glen Kerns of Omaha, and Carl Kerns and family of Corning, the latter assisted constantly in the care of the aged man. He is also survived by other nieces and nephews in southwest Iowa.
He was a kindly gentleman, patient and kind to all who knew him, keenly interested in all events of the times. He was a great reader and an interesting conversationalist. He will be greatly missed in the home where he was gicven so much attention and care.
Relatives from a distance who attended the funeral were Walter Kerns, Prescott, Roy Kerns, Mrs. Nellie Huber, Sharpsburg, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde O'Neal, Prescott, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Kerns, Lenox, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Atkins and Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Atkins, Nodaway, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Kerns, Clarinda, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Herring, Gravity, Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Carter, Council Bluffs, Mr. and Mrs. E. Heidenman and son, Omaha, Glen Kerns, Omaha. Mrs. Glen Kerns had been here the previous day and did not return for the funeral.
Adams County Free Press, August 3, 1939, page 1 and 6