Page 16 - MOST RECENT

Lain Funeral Home originated from a casket shop in 1891 operated This was the hom eplace of Joseph J. Korner, son of Philip Korner, and
by Fulp and Linville. Later Linville bought Fulp's part and it became grandson of Joseph of Kernersville which stood on an elevation between
Linville Funeral H ome until 1945. At this time, I. P. Roberts bought the South Main and Salisbury Streets. Sometimes known as the "Whittington
business and operated as Roberts Funeral H ome. In 1964 it was sold to Place" it was noted for its cedar lined avenue and boxwood planted by
Lain-Bartl ett and ran under that name until 1970 when Richard L ain bought Joseph's Aunt Salome Korner Harmon around 1837. Joseph bought the
the partnership and the business became Lain Funeral Home. house from Mr. John H ester in 1867 and it was decorated by Jule Korner
his brother, with murals and ceiling fresco. The house has been converted
into Lane Funeral Home with the entrance now facing South Main Street.

In 1871 the population of the "new" town of Ker- One event of the 1880' s should be noted. During
nersville was 147. The revenues of the town the first this period there was an attempt to make Kernersville
year were $15 with no indebtedness. With incorporation a county seat. A delegation made up of Dr. Elias Kerner,
in 1871 and the coming of the railroad in 1873 the town Mr. J. Calvin Roberts and Mr. W. C. Stafffford went to
began to boom. By the census of 1880 the population Raleigh to petition that this be done. After all, this area
had swelled to about 500 and by 1888 it had doubled had already been in five counties! The answer was
in only eight years. negative, so Kernersville did not get her courthouse, but
The Winston Chamber of Commerce bulletin of the independent spirit of Kernersville' s citizens remained
1888 stated, "There are more brick residences, stores· and as strong as ever!
factories in Kernersville than any other town of its We come to the end of the early history of Kerners-
size in the state, thus showing it to be substantial. This ville. What remains today? The primeval forest has
is an excellent brick clay and the dirt from the cellar vanished save for a few of the valiant old oaks that have
is often used at once to make the brick for the super- survived time and the sawmill. The beautiful elms,
structure." planted by Joseph Kerner and his children, that once

Main Street looking
North 1909 .