VENANGO COUNTY NEWS Hearld

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VENANGO COUNTY NEWS HERALD
1910 - 1920s
A. S. Karns, 86, Head of Transfer Firm, Dies
Known for His Interest in Business and Civic Life, Active in First Baptist Church.
Former Rotary President.
Augustine Snowden Karns, 86, one of Franklin's oldest and best known business men, a civic leader, president of the S. T. Karns Sons Company and a former school director died at his home, Miller Park, at 11:10 p.m., Wednesday.
Mr. Karns had been in failing health for some time, but his condition did not become critical until a few days ago. He suffered a serious illness last winter, but made a remarkable recovery and during the summer was able to carry on most of his usual activities.
Probably no person in Franklin was better known than "Gus" Karns, as he was familiarly known. Possess of a cheerful personality he greeted hundreds of friends daily on the streets of the city and in his rounds of business and civic activity. Even in his advanced age he was ever alert in his business and he was always among the first to accept and incorporate in his business modern ideas. He kept abreast of the times in all phases of his life.
Joseph Riesenman, Jr's recently published History of Northwestern Pennsylvania devotes considerable space to Mr. Karns an it is from this history that much of the following obituary is obtained.
Born in Cranberry Twp.
Mr. Karns was born on Aug. 27, 1857, in Cranberry Township, the son of the late Samuel T. and Sarah (Frawley) Karns. He was still a young boy when he moved to Franklin with his parents in 1864. He was educated in the local public schools and assumed the responsibilities of life at an early age, selling papers as a newsboy on the old Jamestown and Franklin railroad. Afterward he launched his business career with the Franklin mercantile firm of J. and R. W. Woodburn, in which he soon became a junior partner, remaining for 12 years.
In 1884, with his father and his brother, Samuel, he established a wholesale notion business, which was conducted for six years under the name of A. S. Karns and Company. When they were burned out by a disastrous fire in 1890, the partners turned to a new field, entering the transfer and storage business in which A. S. Karns has been engaged until the time of his death.
He became the sole owner of the enterprise at the time of his father's death in 1904, purchasing all outstanding interests and in 1907 incorporated the business as S. T. Karns Sons Company. During recent years he has been president of the firm and his youngest son, Maj. Frederick P. Karns, has been vice president and general manager.
Karns Company Widely Known.
The transfer company is well known not only in Franklin but throughout the district. Its growth and prosperity were due largely to the efforts of Mr. Karns and his fair dealing. His high standard of business ethics were also reflected in his civic life. During his long career in Franklin he gave generously of his time and effort as well as his means to promote the development of the city and its civic progress. He was largely responsible for the organization of the Franklin Home Building and Loan Association and served as president of it.
In the First World War, Mr. Karns worked tirelessly on the home front and took an active part in Liberty Loan drives, Red Cross work and national defense.
He was one of the oldest members of the First Baptist Church. A leading layman, he was a senior deacon and president of the board of deacons of the church and served many years as a trustee.
Mr. Karns's interest in Rotary was outstanding. He served last year and until July 1 as president of the club. Stricken ill early this year, he kept in contact with the developments of the club and during his period of recuperation looked forward to attendance upon the Rotary convention in Erie.
With his doctor's permission, he was able to make the trip, and this proved a real tonic. Several weeks ago, on the occasion of his last attendance at a Rotary meeting, he described with characteristic fervor the good time that was enjoyed by all who attended the General Manifold picnic at Polk playgrounds.
His administration as president was most successful, and at his birthday party for club members, all the Rotarians were his guests on that happy occasion.
Served on School Board.
Mr. Karns was appointed to the Franklin School Board in 1922 to fill the unexpired term of the late Frank H. Williams, who had resigned. He served through 1925. Politically, Mr. Karns was a life-long Democrat.
He was twice married. In 1881 he married Florence A. Kribbs, of Knox, who died on May 10, 1909. In 1910 he married Lillian Collins, who survives, together with the following sons and daughters: Benton K. Karns and Maj. Frederick P. Karns, Franklin; Lillian E. Karns, Springfield, Mo.; Mrs. F. N. Lichtenfels, Pitcairn, Pa., and Ruth C. Karns, Vineland, N.J.
One brother, Samuel D. Karns, Oil City, and three sisters, Mrs. Alice K. Evans, Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. Mary McNulty, Mt. Lebanon, Allegheny County, and Miss Margaret Karns, of Mercer, also survive, together with five grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted from the home in Miller Park at 2 p.m. Saturday, with Rev. J. Sydney Kane, pastor of the First Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Benjamin B. Royer, retired Presbyterian minister, and Rev. W. Robert Webb, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, officiating. Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery.
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Sheila Helser
Sheila Helser