John P. Kerner, who succeeded his father in the general contracting business in Utica in 1916, is also well known in manufacturing circles of the city as president of the Mohawk Asbestos Slate Company, Incorporated, and is identified with real estate interests as the head of the Kerner & Oakes Company. In Utica, his native city, he has found ample opportunity for the exercise of his ability and initiative and his varied activities have been attended with a gratifying measure of success. He was born on the 25th of April, 1878, his parents being Pius and Rose (Eisenhuth) Kerner. The father, who emigrated to the United States from Germany more than four decades ago, took up his permanent abode in Utica, New York, and here embarked in the contracting business, to which he devoted his attention throughout the remainder of his active career, meeting with well-merited prosperity in his undertakings. He is now living retired in Yorkville, Oneida county, and enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance throughout the community.
John P. Kerner obtained his early education in the public schools of Utica, continued his studies in the Christian Brothers Academy and subsequently pursued a course in construction engineering and a general business course at the Shields & Hendricks School of Business Engineering in Utica and of Philadelphia. He also entered the Utica School of Music for a course in art under the tutelage of Professor Lombard. When nineteen years of age he became associated with his father in general contracting, working as a carpenter and bricklayer and thoroughly acquainting himself with the business in every particular. At the time of his father's retirement in 1916 he took over the business, which he continued with marked success. Mr. Kerner is likewise an active factor in industrial circles of Utica as president of the Mohawk Asbestos Slate Company, Incorporated, manufacturers of the famous tapered asbestos slate, and is prominent in the real estate field as president of the Kerner & Oakes Company. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is today his.
On the 10th of June, 1903, Mr. Kerner was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina A. Arndorfer, daughter of the late George A. and Adelaide Arndorfer of Utica. Mr. and Mrs. Kerner have become the parents of two children: Raymond Joseph, who was born on November 16, 1905; and Catherine Mary, whose natal day was September 15, 1910. Mr. Kerner belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and has long enjoyed an enviable reputation in both social and business circles of Utica.