Kern, Edward Meyer, 1823-1863

Edward Meyer Kern was an artist, scientist, and explorer from Philadelphia. In 1845, Edward accepted the position of artist and topographer for John Charles Frémont's third expedition, which was to explore the central route to California. The Frémont expedition merged California Battalion when the Mexican War began, and Edward was made commander of Sutter's Fort.

From the description of Diary of Edward Meyer Kern, 1848, October 8-November 11. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 756872118

Edward Meyer Kern was an artist, scientist, and explorer from Philadelphia. In 1845, Edward accepted the position of artist and topographer for John Charles Frémont's third expedition, which was to explore the central route to California. The Frémont expedition merged California Battalion when the Mexican War began, and Edward was made commander of Sutter's Fort. Also included are small pencil sketches.

From the description of Edward Meyer Kern's diaries, circa 1848-1851. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 756870222

Edward and Richard Kern were brothers who participated in many expeditions in the West, including Fremont's third and fourth expeditions, Sitgreaves' expedition of the Little Colorado, and the exploring expedition to the Northern Pacific in the USS Vincennes in 1853-1856. Richard Kern was killed in the Gunnison Massacre in 1853, and Edward died of epilepsy in 1863.

From the description of Edward Meyer Kern and Richard H. Kern papers, 1795-1895 (bulk 1850-1860) (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 80581742

From the description of Edward Meyer Kern and Richard H. Kern papers, 1795-1895 (bulk 1850-1860). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702164047

Artist.

From the description of Edward Kern letter, 1851 Oct. 27. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122648150

Edward Meyer Kern (1823-1863) and Richard Hovenden Kern (1821-1853) were brothers from Philadelphia who became artists, scientists, and explorers. In 1845, Edward accepted the position of artist and topographer for John Charles Frémont's third expedition, which was to explore the central route to California. The Frémont expedition merged into the California Battalion when the Mexican War began, and Edward was made commander of Sutter's Fort.

In 1848, Edward convinced his brothers Richard and Benjamin Jordan (1818-1849) to join him on Frémont's fourth expedition, which was to test the viability of a winter pass for a railroad in the central Rockies. The winter was unusually harsh and a third of the men died after becoming stranded in the snow and ice. The three Kerns made it safely to Taos, New Mexico. In the spring of 1849, Benjamin Kern returned to the mountains with a guide to retrieve a cache of papers and possessions, only to be killed by Ute Indians.

Edward and Richard lived in New Mexico for two years, working for the Corps of Topographical Engineers. In 1851 Richard joined Lieutenant Lorenzo Sitgreaves on an expedition to explore the Little Colorado River, and Edward joined Lieutenant John Pope, who was looking for a better route between Santa Fe and Fort Leavenworth. In 1853, while working on the Pacific Railroad Survey along the 38th parallel with Captain John W. Gunnison, Richard was killed by Ute Indians in the Gunnison Massacre.

From 1853 to 1856, Edward served aboard the U.S.S. Vincennes on the North Pacific exploring expedition commanded by Cadwalader Ringgold (later replaced by John Rodgers). This expedition navigated the globe and mapped the Japanese coast. Edward next joined Lieutenant John M. Brooke on a survey of the sea lanes between California and China, returning in 1860. During the Civil War, Edward served under Frémont, who had command of the Army of the West, but when Frémont was relieved of command, Edward was as well. He died November 23, 1863 of an epileptic attack.

From the guide to the Edward Meyer Kern and Richard H. Kern papers, 1795-1895, 1850-1860, (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library)