John W. Kern enlisted September 22, 1862 at Waynesville with Capt. T.S. Hopkins. Maj. Sgt. Kern was in Co. A, 24th Battalion, Georgia Cavalry until, through consolidation of units, he was transferred to Co. G, 7th Regiment, Georgia Cavalry.
When entering the 7th, he was listed as 3rd Cpl and was promoted to 2nd Cpl April 27, '64.
In June he was listed as absent, sick. No further records.