Early 20th Century Political Bust of J.W. Kern

This photograph presents a portrait bust of J.W. Kern, a notable political figure from the early 20th century. Kern served as Indiana’s U.S. Senator from 1911 to 1917 and was a prominent member of the Democratic Party. Educated at Indiana University, he began his career in law before transitioning into politics. As a senator, Kern focused on progressive reforms, including labor rights and women’s suffrage. His legislative efforts contributed to significant shifts in American social policies during a transformative period in U.S. history.

The image is part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, a repository known for capturing pivotal moments and personalities in American life. The Bain News Service, which produced this photograph, was vital in documenting the news through striking visual imagery in the early 1900s. By chronicling figures like Kern, the collection provides insight into the political landscape of the era and helps us understand the complexities of American governance during a time of change.