Captain John Joseph Ahern, commanding Battery E of the Tenth Field Artillery of the Connecticut National Guard, is one of the youngest and at the same time one of the most soldierly and most efficient national guard officers in the state. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, October 24, 1888, a son of John Joseph and Catherine (Kerwin) Ahern. The father’s birth occurred in Hartford county, Connecticut, where he spent his entire life, passing away in the city of Hartford in 1896. He had been employed for many years by the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. His wife, a native of Ireland, came to America with her parents, who settled in Hartford, Connecticut, during her childhood. She passed away in that city in 1903.

     Captain Ahern was educated in Hartford to the age of fourteen years, when he went to Branford, Connecticut, where he completed his education, there making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Patrick H. Dunn. He served an apprenticeship under Mr. Dunn, who is engaged in the plumbing business in Branford, and, showing special aptitude in the work, has become an expert plumber and is still associated with Mr. Dunn in the business. His efficiency is widely recognized and has brought him prominently to the front in this connection in the city in which he resides.

     Captain Ahern’s military chapter is a most interesting one in his life record. He enlisted in Battery A, now Battery E, of the Tenth Field Artillery of the Connecticut National Guard at Branford in December, 1908. This is the Branford Battery. He had a natural aptitude for military life and was soon promoted to corporal, being advanced to that rank in 1909. The following year he became sergeant and in 1913 was commissioned second lieutenant. In 1914 he was advanced to the position of first lieutenant and was serving in that capacity when in June, 1916, the battery was mustered into the United States service and ordered to Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, and from there to the Mexican border, where the command was on duty for six months. While on the border Mr. Ahern was promoted to the rank of captain and given command of the battery, having the distinction of commanding the only national guard battery of field artillery on the border that was at war strength and had complete war strength equipment. He brought his command back to Branford and it was mustered out of the United States service March 17, 1917. Exactly two weeks afterward it was called back and once again mustered into the United States service and took the field. Captain Ahern had done his share of hard work in the battery for the past nine years and now has the honor of commanding the organization, in which he has worked diligenty to bring it up to its present state of efficiency. It is recognized as one of the best light artillery batteries in the entire national guard and there is no doubt of the record which will be made by this organization in active duty. Captain Ahern is very young to fill such a position but is exceptionally well qualified and has the military spirit and the keen perception which well prepared him for past and coming duties.

     Captain Ahern is a devoted member of the Roman Catholic church and he has given to St. Mary’s church of Branford a most beautiful pair of marble holy water fountains. He belongs to El Dorado Council, K. C., of Branford; also to Dawson Tribe, I. O. R. M.; to the Woodmen of the World; to the Benevolent Protective Order of  Elks, at New Haven; and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, at Branford. He is popular with his fellow townsmen and with the men who are serving under him and his record reflects credit upon the city which sends him forth as one of its representatives in response to the call to the colors. Never does he falter in the performance of any duty and, resolute and determined, he now answers when again the United States asks for her best sons to protect her rights and her liberty.