ANCESTOR NO. 3: LEO JEREMIAH KIRNER, AKA LEE FRANCIS KIRNER

 

Leo Jeremiah Kirner, my paternal grandfather, was baptized at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Jersey City, New Jersey, on December 27, 1896. The baptismal record showed he was born on December 13, 1896, to John Joseph Kirner and his wife, nee Mary Ellen Quinlan. The godparents were his mother’s half-sister Ellen McCormack and Francis Hennessy.[1] His middle name Jeremiah was for his mother’s father Jeremiah Quinlan,[2] who was drowned at the end of the Civil War, when the troop ship General Lyon sank off the coast of North Carolina in a storm.[3] The name Leo does not appear to have any particular family significance, however, it could be a clue about his grandfather’s German family of origin, as yet undiscovered. Leo was the sixth child in the family.[4] His father was a salesman, and the family lived at 34 Woodlawn Ave. in the Greenville section of Jersey City, just across the river from the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. 

Ten boys were born to his parents, only six of whom survived childhood.[5] In order of birth, his brothers were George Francis Kirner, who died at age three of scarlet fever in 1887;[6] Joseph George Kirner, who died at age twelve on June 29, 1898 as a result of being run over by a trolley car;[7] Edward Anthony Aloysius Kirner, born on February 10, 1888,[8] the one Leo would always know as the eldest brother; Francis Alexander Kirner, born on Feb. 26, 1891, who died of heart disease on October 15, 1904, when Leo was seven;[9] John Robert Kirner, born October 2, 1894;[10] Alfred James Kirner, born February 2, 1899;[11] James Kirner, born in August 1901, who didn’t even live two months;[12] William Fedor Kirner, born November 23, 1902;[13] and Charles Vincent Kirner, born on May 22, 1905.[14] So Leo was a middle child.

In 1900 the family lived at 34 Woodlawn Ave. in Jersey City, with his mother’s half-sister, Ellen J. McCormack, helping with all those children. Leo’s father was a dry goods salesman.[15] By 1910 they had moved to 44 Woodlawn Avenue, probably a larger house. Then Leo’s father Joseph worked as a salesman in the linen industry, his eldest brother Edward, 21, was working as a bookkeeper in a “linen house,” and his brother Robert, 16, worked as office boy at an insurance office.[16] On April 7, 1910 the Jersey Journal reported that Leo was the manager of the Woodlawn Midgets baseball team.[17] And on April 19, 1910 they were again in the Jersey Journal: “The Imperial Social Club entertained a number of friends Thursday evening at a social given at 44 Woodlawn Ave.  Music and games were enjoyed.” [18] On January 12, 1913, he became god father to the first child of his older brother John Robert Kirner.

Leo graduated from Dickinson High School.[19] On April 9, 1918, Leo became the first of several of his brothers to enlist in World War I. He enlisted in the third naval district, headquartered in New York, and became a quartermaster third class.[20] A quartermaster was a petty officer responsible for managing the ship’s supplies. Here are a couple of photos of him in his uniform; the first is dated June 1919.

Although still in the Navy until September 20, 1921, Leo married Agnes Vera Fennessy of Jersey City on November 27, 1919. The marriage record called him a clerk. Agnes was the oldest daughter of John James Fennessy, a Jersey City policeman, and his wife Mary Kinane Fennessy.[21] Leo and Agnes were not able to live together in 1920 due to his naval service, (she lived with her parents in January 1920 and worked as a clerk in a warehouse) [22] However, their first child Mary Lee Kirner was born in Jersey City on February 23, 1921.[23] A stillborn son, Leo Jr., was born in August 1929.[24] Their last child, James Joseph Kirner, was born in Summit, N.J. on March 15, 1931.[25]

Just after his daughter was born, Leo’s mother Mary died of septicemia (blood poisoning), on March 18, 1921. She was only 56.[26] There were no antibiotics in those days, and it is likely that she developed an infection that could be easily treated today.

It was about this time that Leo started using the name “Lee Francis” Kirner. His daughter’s birth certificate shows that name for him, but the official statewide birth index still called him Leo. Agnes joined him in a name change by showing her name as “Agnes Veronica” rather than “Agnes Vera.” They lived at 451 Bergen Avenue in Jersey City then. Leo was discharged from the Navy on September 30, 1921.

Leo’s father John Joseph Kirner died of stomach cancer on Nov. 9, 1922, only sixty-one years old.[27] He left a will dividing his estate into seven equal shares, for his six sons and his sister-in-law Ellen J. McCormack, who had helped with the children. Sons Edward and Alfred were the executors.[28]

In 1922 Leo and his family lived at 36 Roosevelt Ave. in Jersey City.[29] He lived at 15 Lexington Ave. in Jersey City in 1925.[30] Next year, they moved to 55 Center St. in the suburban town of Chatham, New Jersey,[31] where he was very active in civic affairs. On October 29, 1927, he addressed the Dill Club in Chatham on local issues, such as streetlights, sidewalks, and trash removal.[32] On February 20, 1930, he acted and co-directed in a minstrel show put on in Chatham by the St. Patrick’s Players. Chatham had a parochial school called St. Patrick’s and it’s likely the one his children attended.[33] On June 3, 1930, he was chosen as American Legion commander for Post 92 in Chatham, for a one year term.[34] On January 27, 1931, he was toastmaster at the annual Firemen’s Dinner in Chatham.[35] In May 1931, he ran as a Democrat for New Jersey State Assembly and for county committee in the second district, and got only 66 votes and 19 votes, respectively.[36] Undaunted, in the fall of 1931 he ran again for New Jersey State Assembly.[37] On October 29, he was a hit at a boring political rally: “who by keen wit and irresistible humor sent everyone home happy”.[38] However, he did not win the election the next week, coming in third out of four candidates.[39] Still undiscouraged, next spring he was running as the Democratic candidate for the Board of Freeholders.[40] The front page of the May 20, 1933 Chatham Press reported that both he and his wife had defeated their opponents to win places on the Morris County Democratic committee.[41] However, a week later the paper reported that he had been beaten in the contest for chairman of the committee.[42] But then, the June 3, 1933 paper said, “Presenting a united front which caused veteran observers to gasp with astonishment, the Morris County Democratic Committee unanimously elected Lee Kirner, Chatham Democrat, to the office of chairman of the committee for the ensuing year.”[43] In early May 1935, the paper reported both he and his wife registered to take the postmaster examination when that post became vacant.[44] In spite of having the best score on the exam, he was not recommended for the office and in August 1935 he resigned party chairmanship in protest, which was not accepted.[45] The postmaster contest dragged on for more than a year since the US Congress needed to approve the postmaster.[46] In October 1937 Lee was active in the Chatham Democratic Municipal Committee.[47] In the fall of 1941 he ran for Chatham city council.[48] In September 1943 he was back in politics, being elected to the county Democratic committee for the second district, the office he had held in the thirties.[49] In February 1945 he was Boy Scout Troop 6 committee chairman for his son’s troop.[50] Below is what he looked like about that time.

 

Lee was very musical. He was able to play the piano by ear and transpose pieces to the right key for a soloist.[51] He also sang at church, as a bass.[52] He must have loved to entertain; in January 1933 he played “Miss 1933” in a local theater production.[53] In February 1933, he joined the cast of “Henry’s Wedding,” an American Legion benefit for poor relief during the Depression.[54] The next month, the “versatile Lee Kirner will add another role to his extensive repertoire.” The show “Stop the Press” was sponsored by the Mayor’s Committee for Emergency Relief.[55] In April 1935 he played piano at the father and son dinner.[56] The March 4, 1938 Chatham Press told how he was master of ceremonies and played piano at a show for hospitalized disabled war veterans.[57] In reporting on a Christmas party for the Junior Bugle and Drum Corps, the Chatham Press wrote: “Mr. Lee Kirner once again took over the duties of a one-man orchestra, a job in which he excels. Lee also introduced the new Corps song which he composed by himself. There is no question that it will go over with a bang.”[58] In April 1939, he led almost a thousand people at the Chatham Father and Son Dinner in community singing,[59] and led singing on November 9, 1939 at the American Legion Past Commanders Dinner.[60] The May 31, 1940 Chatham Press reported: "It remained for Lee Kirner, however, to relieve the seriousness of the occasion, not only by conducting group singing, but by rendering a comical parody which quickly brought everyone to the realization that this was an occasion not for sorrow but for rejoicing… Mr. Kirner’s efforts were roundly applauded….”[61] In April 1942 he entertained at a Communion Breakfast for members of the Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus in Chatham (he belonged to Chatham’s K.C. chapter 2086).[62] In April 1946 the paper announced he would lead community singing at the annual Father and Son Dinner, which had been on hiatus during the war.[63] In August 1946 he was nominated to be an officer of the VFW in the Chatham area.[64] In April 1947 he was toastmaster for the charter meeting of the new Chatham Lions Club, which he joined.[65] On November 11, 1948, he participated in the American Legion "Gay Nineties" minstrel show to fund rehabilitation of veterans.[66] He had a solo, "Now is the hour," sang in the chorus, and played “The Interlocutor." He was the one to call a halt to excessive curtain calls so people could go home.[67] On February 19, 1949, he entertained on piano at the annual Chatham Lions Club Ladies’ Night dinner-dance.[68] In October and November 1949, he served as actor, assistant coach and co-director of the cast of “Minstrel Daze,” put on by the American Legion to raise funds for the Child Welfare and Rehabilitation program.[69] In March 1952 he was co-director and one of the main characters in a play by the St. Patrick Players, “Shamrock Inn.”[70] This photo of him playing piano with his wife Agnes behind him is dated January 19, 1952. He was only fifty-five and already had snow white hair, but apparently had loads of energy.

Lee, as he called himself, opened his own yarn and cotton brokerage in Manhattan, listed in 1922 at 395 Broadway, room 1401 as “Lee F. Kirner.”[71] By 1925 he was advertising, “agent for McIntosh Mills,” brought his brothers William and Alfred into the business, and had expanded to two offices, rooms 1304 and 1512.[72] By 1942 the business was located at 13 East 22^nd St.[73]  n 1953 the business was still there, but listed in the directory as selling threads.[74]

In the late 1930s he decided he wanted to become a lawyer. He attended John Marshall Law College at night after work, and clerked for a Chatham lawyer, Edgar Rossbach. He was one of four residents in Morris County to pass the New Jersey Bar exam in 1941.[75] After that he had his own law firm, Lee Kirner, Inc., in Summit, about three miles from Chatham. In Summit, he joined the Summit Bar Association, St. Teresa’s Church, and its Holy Name Society.[76] Advertisements in the Chatham Press show that he handled business partnerships and probate cases.[77] He also represented the Lackawanna Commuters’ Association in a lawsuit over the abandonment of the Hoboken-23^rd Street ferry service, and an unfair price increase.[78]

In 1942, although he was a veteran of World War I and forty-six years old, he had to register for the draft. The record shows he was five feet, eight and a half inches tall, weighed 175 pounds, had blue eyes, gray hair and a light complexion. Below you see his signature on his draft card.[79]

He was the first of his adult brothers to die. On January 31, 1959, he had a heart attack in the waiting room of a dentist’s office and died instantly. He was only sixty-two years old.[80] He was buried with two of his mother’s half-sisters at Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City, N.J., near the Kirner family plot. His grave marker used the name Lee J. Kirner.[81]

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[1] "New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCK8-3ZB: accessed 12 December 2014), Laurence Jeremiah Kirner, 13 Dec 1896; citing Saint Patrick-catholic, Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey, reference 2:1GBNGFV; FHL microfilm 1,403,369, page 334 in microfilmed book.

[2] State of New Jersey, Marriage Return 333/47/39 (1883), Reel 21, Mary E. Quinlan, New Jersey State Archives, Trenton.

[3] Deposition of Claimant, 5 May 1865, Mary Quinlan, widow’s pension application no. 101,240, certificate no. 102,136; service of Jeremiah Quinlan (Pvt., unassigned,90^th N.Y. Inf., Civil War); Case Files of Approved Pension Applications…, 1861-1934; Civil War and Later Pension Files; Record Group 15: Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

[4] New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services, birth certificate K228 (13 Dec. 1896), Unnamed male Kerner, Trenton.

[5] "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GRJR-PL8?cc=1727033&wc=QZZ7-XPF%3A133637801%2C139558101%2C140192501%2C1589089106: accessed 11 November 2015), New Jersey > Hudson > Jersey City Ward 7 > image 10 of 38; citing NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

[6] Holy Name Cemetery (Jersey City, New Jersey), “Cemetery Records (Jersey City, New Jersey) 1849-1984,” Geo. F. Kiernan entry, interment October 8, 1887; FHL microfilm 1,412,637.

[7] “His Life Crushed Out,” Jersey Journal (Jersey City, New Jersey), 30 June 1898, p. 2, col. 3; image, GenealogyBank (http://www.genealogybank.com: accessed 4 December 2016).

[8] "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZJV-XS8: accessed 12 December 2014), Edward Anthony Aloysius Kirner, 1917-1918; citing Jersey City no 4, New Jersey, United States, NARA microfilm publication M1509 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,712,207.

[9] "New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCVP-TXX: accessed 12 December 2014), Frank Alexander Kerner, 26 Feb 1891; citing Saint Patrick-catholic, Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey, reference 2:1GBKWDH; FHL microfilm 1,403,369. AND Holy Name Cemetery (Jersey City, New Jersey), “Cemetery Records (Jersey City, New Jersey) 1849-1984,” Francis Kirner entry; FHL microfilm 1,412,637.

[10] "New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCVP-XG6: accessed 12 December 2014), John Robert Kirner, 02 Oct 1894; citing Saint Patrick-catholic, Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey, reference 2:1GBMFT2; FHL microfilm 1,403,369.

[11] "New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCVD-3YC: accessed 12 December 2014), Alfred J. Kerner, 02 Feb 1899; citing Saint Patrick-catholic, Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey, reference 2:1F32301; FHL microfilm 1,403,369.

[12] Holy Name Cemetery (Jersey City, New Jersey), “Cemetery Records (Jersey City, New Jersey) 1849-1984,” James Kirner entry, interment October 27, 1901; FHL microfilm 1,412,637.

[13] Ancestry, “New Jersey, Births and Christenings Index, 1660-1931,” database; search for William F Kerner, born 1902.

[14] Ancestry, “New Jersey, Births and Christenings Index, 1660-1931,” database, search for Charles Kirner, born 1905.

[15] 1900 U.S. census, Hudson County, New Jersey, population schedule, Ward 7 Jersey City, Enumeration District [0128], p. 11A (penned), p. 203A (stamped), dwelling 172, family 215, John J. Kerner; images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 6 December 2016); from National Archives microfilm publication T623, roll 978.

[16] "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MKYV-234: accessed 6 December 2016), Joseph J Kirner, Jersey City Ward 7, Hudson, New Jersey, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 145, sheet 5B, family 122, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 890; FHL microfilm 1,374,903.

[17] “Boys Badly Bitten by Baseball Bug: Woodlawn Midgets,” Jersey Journal (Jersey City, New Jersey), 7 April 1910, p. 11, col. 5; image, GenealogyBank (http://www.genealogybank.com: accessed 6 December 2016).

[18] “Society Notes: Greenville and Bergen,” Jersey Journal (Jersey City, New Jersey), 19 April 1910, p. 10, col. 1; image, GenealogyBank (http://www.genealogybank.com: accessed 6 December 2016).

[19] “Lee Kirner Has Passed State Bar Examinations,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 2 January 1942, p. 2, col. 4; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 6 December 2016).

[20] “U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1925-1963” database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 7 December 2016), entry for Lee J. Kirner (1896-1959), Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City, New Jersey.

[21] Marriage Certificates, Indexes and Registers, 1878 – 1948; Control # SHEVS003, reel 368; “Marriage Certificates, 1919, HI-KL (groom)”; New Jersey State Archives, Trenton, New Jersey.

[22] "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4RT-Z57 : accessed 8 December 2016), Agnes Fennessy in household of John Fennessy, Jersey City Ward 8, Hudson, New Jersey, United States; ED 204, sheet 3A, line 31, family 54, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll 1046; FHL microfilm 1,821,046.

[23] "New Jersey, Births and Christenings Index, 1660-1980," database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com: accessed 8 December 2016) Mary Kirner, 23 Feb 1921; citing Saint Patrick-catholic, Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey.

[24] Holy Name Cemetery (Jersey City, New Jersey), “Cemetery Records (Jersey City, New Jersey) 1849-1984,” Kirner, Leo Jr. entry, interment 20 Aug 1929; FHL microfilm 1,412,637.

[25] New Jersey State Department of Health, birth certificate no. 78 (15 March 1931), James Joseph Kirner; Bureau of Vital Statistics, New Jersey.

[26] “New York, New York City Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2WBC-25J: accessed 20 March 2015), Mary Ellen Kirner, 18 Mar 1921; citing Death, Manhattan, New York, New York, United States, New York Municipal Archives, New York; FHL microfilm 2,027,221.

[27] “New York, New York City Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2W1Q-MLR: 20 March 2015), Joseph Kirner, 09 Nov 1922; citing Death, Manhattan, New York, New York, United States, New York Municipal Archives, New York; FHL microfilm 2,030,378.

[28] “Wills Probated,” Jersey Journal (Jersey City, New Jersey), 28 November 1922, p. 6, col. 3; image, GenealogyBank (http://www.genealogybank.com: accessed 8 December 2016).

[29] Jersey City, New Jersey, City Directory, 1922, p. 665, Kirner surname, database and images, “U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 8 December 2016) > New Jersey > Jersey City > 1922.

[30] Jersey City, New Jersey, City Directory, 1925, p. 594, Kirner surname, database and images, “U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 8 December 2016) > New Jersey > Jersey City > 1925.

[31] Address on birth certificate for son James Kirner, see note 25.

[32] “National Issues Discussed at Monday’s Dill Club Meeting,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 27 October 1927, p. 1, col. 2; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 8 December 2016).

[33] “St. Patrick’s Minstrel Pleased a Large Crowd,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 22 February 1930, p. 1, col. 6; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[34] “Legion Notes,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 7 June 1930, p. 2, col. 2; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[35] “Firemen’s Annual Dinner,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 31 January 1931, p. 1, col. 6; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[36] “Ind. Machine Loses in All Three Districts,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 23 May 1931, p. 1, col. 1; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[37] “Vote the Straight Democratic Ticket November 3, 1931, Mark Your Ballot as Follows,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 31 October 1931, p. 2, col. 4; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[38] “Citizens Enlightened at Political Rally Thursday,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 31 October 1931, p. 1, col. 1; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[39] “Morris County for Moore,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 7 November 1931, p. 1, col. 2; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[40] “Lee Kirner in the Race for Freeholder,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 9 April 1932, p. 1, col. 2; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[41] “Primary Vote Cast in Chatham Last Tues. Was Light,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 20 May 1933, p. 1, col. 1; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[42] “Kirner Beaten,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 27 May 1933, p. 1, col. 6; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[43] “Ralph E. Lum Succeeds Murray H. Coggeshall As County Chairman,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 3 June 1933, p. 1, col. 7; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[44] “Eight Candidates Registered For Postal Tests,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 3 May 1935, p. 6, col. 4; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[45] “Lee Kirner Resigns Chairmanship of Co. Committee,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 9 August 1935, p. 1, col. 7; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[46] “No Change in Postmaster Until the Next Congress,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 17 July 1936, p. 3, col. 5; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[47] “Heitkamp Chairman,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 1 October 1937, p. 1, col. 6; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[48] “Chatham Committees Elect,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 26 September 1941, p. 1, col. 2; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[49] “Statistical Reports of Tuesday’s Primary,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 24 September 1943, p. 1, col. 3-4; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 9 December 2016).

[50] “Boy Scouts: Troop 6,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 9 February 1945, p. 4, col. 4; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 11 December 2016).

[51] Mary Kirner Miller (River Vale, New Jersey) to the author, letter, 15 January 2000; privately held by author, 2016.

[52] “Music Special Feature of Easter Services in Local Churches To-morrow,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 7 April 1928, p. 1, col. 1; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 11 December 2016).

[53] “The Weather Vane,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 14 January 1933, p. 3, col. 3; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 11 December 2016).

[54] “Legion to Give “Henry’s Wedding”,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 4 February 1933, p. 1, col. 1; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 11 December 2016).

[55] ““Stop the Press”,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 11 February 1933, p. 4, col. 4; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 11 December 2016).

[56] “Father and Son Dinner Best Ever,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 26 April 1935, p. 1, col. 1; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 11 December 2016).

[57] “Legion Auxiliary Notes,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 4 March 1938, p. 2, col. 4; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 11 December 2016).

[58] “Legion Drum Corps Holds Christmas Party,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 30 December 1938, p. 1, col. 1; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 11 December 2016).

[59] “Father and Son Dinner Last Night Was Big Success,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 28 April 1939, p. 1, col. 1; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 11 December 2016).

[60] “Past Commanders of Legion Post in Successful Dinner,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 17 November 1939, p. 1, col. 7; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 11 December 2016).

[61] “St. Patrick’s Parish Gives Tribute To Father Werne, Retiring Pastor,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 31 May 1940, p. 1, col. 4; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 12 December 2016).

[62] “Communion Breakfast Was Largely Attended,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 17 April 1942, p. 1, col. 2; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 12 December 2016).

[63] “Father and Son Plans Completed For the Big Day,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 5 April 1946, p. 1, col. 5; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 12 December 2016).

[64] “”40 & 8” of V.F.W. Initiation Sunday,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 2 August 1946, p. 1, col. 6; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 12 December 2016).

[65] “Chatham Lions Club Received Charter on Monday Night,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 2 May 1947, p. 1, col. 7; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 12 December 2016).

[66] “Minstrel Show Pleases Audience On Opening Night,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 12 November 1948, p. 2, col. 5; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 13 December 2016).

[67] “Legion Minstrel Rousing Success at First Performance,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 12 November 1948, p. 1, col. 2; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 13 December 2016).

[68] “Lions Club Ladies’ Night,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 25 February 1949, p. 6, col. 6; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 13 December 2016).

[69] “Thanks a Million!,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 18 November 1949, p. 2, col. 2; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 13 December 2016).

[70] ““Shamrock Inn”” Casting Completed; Show March 17,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 29 February 1952, p. 1, col. 6; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 13 December 2016), and “Home Talent Musical Highly Received,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 21 March 1952, p. 1, col. 3-5; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 13 December 2016).

[71] New York City, City Directory, 1922, p. 1034, Kirner surname, database, “U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 13 December 2016) > New York > New York > 1922.

[72] New York City, City Directory, 1925, p. 1298, Kirn and Kirner surnames, database, “U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 14 December 2016) > New York > New York > 1925.

[73] New York City, City Directory, 1942, p. 538, Kirner surname, database, “U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 14 December 2016) > New York > Manhattan > 1942.

[74] New York City, City Directory, 1953, p. 898, Kirner surname, database “U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995,” Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 14 December 2016) > New York > New York > 1953.

[75] “Lee Kirner Has Passed State Bar Examinations,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 2 January 1942, p. 1, col. 4; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 14 December 2016).

[76] “Lee Kirner,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 6 February 1959, p. 1, col. 4; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 14 December 2016).

[77] “To Whom it May Concern,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 14 June 1946, p. 6, col. 4; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 15 December 2016), and “Notice to Creditors,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 14 February 1947, p. 2, col. 3; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 15 December 2016).

[78] “Council Supports Move to Preserve 23^rd Street Ferry,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 8 June 1945, p. 1, col. 1; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 15 December 2016), and “Commuters Plead for Equality in the R.R. Fare Raise,” The Chatham Press (Chatham, New Jersey), 2 May 1947, p. 1, col. 5; image, Newspapers.com (http://www.newspapers.com: accessed 15 December 2016).

[79] "United States World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X55T-F49: 7 April 2016), Lee Kirner, 1942; citing NARA microfilm publication M1936, M1937, M1939, M1951, M1962, M1964, M1986, M2090, and M2097 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

[80] “Lee J. Kirner,” New York Times, 2 February 1959, p. 25, col. 2; image, TimesMachine (https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1959/02/02/83440015.html?action=click&con tentCollection=Archives&module=ArticleEndCTA&region=ArchiveBody&pgtype=article&pageNumber=25: accessed 11 July 2025).

[81] Find A Grave (http://www.findagrave.com: accessed 17 December 2016), memorial page 94446742, Lee Jeremiah Kirner (1896-1959), created by “Lise”; citing Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey, USA.