Excerpt of the book "Writer and Engraver's Picture of Graham County's Progress Since Its Organization" (1906)

A. E. Kern's Lumber Company

(pages 14-16)

In every city there are examples of those whose special business persuits, whose prominence in all matters of public enterprise and whose records of integrity, energy and untiring industry make them objects of note, not alone in their special fields of labor, but where ever exalted commercial reputation is recognized and respected.

A more striking example of the reward which always follows honest efforts, close application to correct business methods and untiring energy was never more fully exemplified than in the business career of A. E. Kerns.

Albert E. Kerns was born in Wyoming, Illinois, and came with his parents to Plainville, Kansas in 1885, when he was but 16 years of age. The family pioneered until the death of the father when the step-mother, two sisters and one brother moved to Topeka where they now rside.

At the age of 21 years, Mr. Kerns entered the emyloy of the Baker-Greenleaf Stock and Grain Co., of Atchison, Kansas, trading in grain and stock throughout western Kansas.

During the drouth and crop failure of 1893 and 1894 he took a bunch of cattle to Nebraska to feed. It was at Nebraska City, that he met and married Mrs. Kerns.

In 1896 and 1897 he bought for Mr. Baker the 10,000 acres of Graham county land, since known as the Baker Ranch. For 5 years Mr. Kerns was manager and overseer of the ranch and it was during that time that most of the improvements were made.

When the ranch was first operated Mr. Kerns worked under many disadvantages, either sleeping in a tent or driving six miles to Edmond for the night.

But the improvements came, and he soon had a ranch home with all the comforts and many of the luxuries.

In 1902, Mr. Kerns moved to Hill City and engaged in the lumber business. As an evidence of his explicit confidence in Mr. Kerns’ business judgment, and great regard for him personally, Mr. Baker, in whose employ Mr. Kerns had been for 12 years offered to assist him in a financial way and become a half owner in the Kerns’ Lumber Company. Their stock today is valued at $10,000.00 evidencing a rapid growth in the business which promises to be even greater in the future.

Aside from his business Mr. Kerns owns 720 acres of the well watered pasture land, 9 miles southwest of Hill City.

He has never lost interest in live stock and today owns 475 head of cattle worth $12,000.00, which he intends to fatten for the market. In addition to this business building, he owns a fine $4,000.00 residence in Hill City. It is one of the most modern and best kept homes in our city. The intention bears every evidence of the elegancy of taste and knowledge of the art of homemaking which characterizes Mrs. Kerns.

Two beautiful and promising little daughters make glad this pleasant home.

Mr. Kerns wishes nothing better that Graham county for a place to live and a place to thrive. He considers limitless, the possibilities of the Graham county. To quote from him, "Land purchased today at $15.00 an acre is a better investment than the same land at $3.00 to $5.00 an acre, fifteen years ago."