 His rank in his profession was well summed up by Judge Martin Grover, as being without a superior as an all-round lawyer at the bar of New York State.In dress, manner, decision, learning, and unassuming dignity of bearing and geniality, he was a rare type of the best of the old school of lawyers.Kernan was born in Wayne, New York on January 14, 1816, the son of General William Kernan, who came to America from County Cavan, Ireland in 1800 and Rose Anna (Stubbs) Kernan, who was also a native of Ireland.