Karn, Aaron Jakob

Karn, Aaron Jakob a Lutheran minister, was born in London Co., Virginia, August, 1820. In his youth he dedicated himself to the service of the Lord, and, with a view to enter the Christian ministry, became a student in the institution at Gettysburg in the autumn of 1837, and was graduated from Pennsylvania College in 1842, and from the theological seminary in 1844. After his license to preach he accepted a call to the Lutheran Church at Pine Grove, Pa.; thence he removed to Canton, Ohio. In 1848 he took charge of the English Lutheran Church in Savannah, Georgia. Here he labored, enjoying the confidence of his people and the respect of the whole community, till his physical strength gave way, and advancing disease compelled him to suspend the exercise of his office. His congregation suggested a trip to foreign lands. They provided the expenses for the journey, and supplies for the pulpit during his absence. He travelled through France, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland, but his impaired health derived no advantage from the tour, and he returned to his native country only to close his life surrounded by the tender sympathies of loved ones at home. He died at Chicago, Ill., Dec. 19,1860. Karn was an able preacher and an excellent man. His ministry was fruitful in good results. During the prevalence of the yellow fever in Savannah in 1854 and 1858, he continued at his post, exhausting his time and his strength in ministering to the suffering and the dying, not only of his own congregation, but to others who were not in connection with any Church, amid scenes the most distressing and heart-rending, in his offices of kindness to the sick and in the burial of the dead. It is supposed his physical constitution sustained an injury from the influences of the epidemic from which he never recovered. (M. L. S.)