GEORGE AND HIRAM KERLIN - Among the early families of Johnson
County, was the Kerlin family. The father, George Kerlin, was born
in Kentucky, January 19, 1790, and died in Johnson County, Ind., in
1852. He was the son of James and Margaret (Smith) Kerlin, early
settlers of Kentucky, in which state George was reared, and was
united in marriage with Rachel Banta, December 5, 1816. Rachel was
also a native of Kentucky, born March 14, 1800, and died in this
county in 1872. For about fifteen years after the above marriage
was consummated, Mr. and Mrs. Kerlin resided in Kentucky, and in
1831, removed to Indiana, and in the same year settled in Johnson
County, locating on Section 24, of what is now Union Township. This
was their home until called away in death. Their marriage was
blessed by the birth of the following offspring: John, Peter,
deceased, Arta Mecy, Delilah, deceased, James, deceased, Rachel,
Joseph, deceased, Margaret, deceased, Levina, deceased, George,
Hiram and Carolina, deceased. Their father was a farmer by
occupation, and was a hardy pioneer, living for over twenty years
in the county. He and his wife were members of the Regular Baptist
Church, taking active parts in the work of the church. George
Kerlin, a son of George and Rachel Kerlin, was born in Union
Township, February 15, 1834, and was reared and educated on a farm,
receiving a fair education for his day. His youth was devoted to
farm work, and in early manhood, learned the carpenter's trade,
which he followed till he was about thirty years of age, since when
he has followed the pursuit of farming, in which he is practical
and successful. February 25, 1864, he was united in marriage with
Susan Keaton, daughter of William and Sarah Keaton, who were early
settlers of Nineveh Township, this county. Mrs. Kerlin was born in
Johnson County, August 22, 1838. Unto the above marriage, have been
born these children: Lizzie A., deceased, William H., George L.,
and John E. After Mr. Kerlin's marriage, he settled on a farm of
twenty acres in Section 13, Union Township, and now owns and
cultivates a farm of 118 acres. Mr. Kerlin is not a member of any
church, yet he is not adverse to the church cause, and advocates
that religion is a reality, and has always aided the church. His
wife is a member of the Christian Church, and both enjoy the esteem
of their neighbors. Hiram Kerlin, also a son of George and Rachel
Kerlin, was born in this county, August 10, 1836. His youth was
spent on the farm, and his education obtained at the country
school, during short winter terms. His life has been devoted to
farming, and has been marked by industry and perseverance. His
father died when he was a youth, but he remained on the farm with
his widowed mother till he reached the age of twenty-five years.
December 24, 1863, his marriage with Lucy A. Clark was solemnized.
His wife is the daughter of Allen and Martha (Webb) Clark, and was
born in this county, March 21, 1840. Her parents were natives of
Kentucky, and in an early day emigrated to Kentucky, from which
state they removed in 1832, settling in Johnson County int he same
year. This marriage has resulted in the following births: Jessie
Albertine, Ella Belle, Isaac Webster, Maggie May, deceased. Soon
after his marriage, Mr. Kerlin settled in life as a farmer, and has
been favored with success in life. He and his wife are members of
the Primitive Baptist Church.
Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker