Biographical Sketches
Memorial Record
J. V. C. Karnes
Among the residents of Kansas City who have through their achievements been brought into more than local prominence none has attained more eminent distinction than he whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Karnes is widely recognized as one of the most able lawyers of the State of Missouri. With a keen, analytical mind, strong powers of comprehension and mental attainments of a high order, he has risen step by step through his own merit until he has attained an enviable position at the bar of his native state.
Mr. Karens was born in Boone county, Missouri, February 11, 1841, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Payne) Karnes, both of whom were natives of Virginia, and were of German and Holland descent. Their respective families were founded in America during early colonial days. The maternal grandfather, Joseph Payne, was an ensign in the Revolutionary War. His entire life was spent in the Old Dominion, and the paternal grandfather also lived and died in Virginia. The father of our subject emigrated from Virginia to Missouri in 1836, making the journey by team and reaching his destination after some weeks of travel. He located in Boone county, where he entered land from the government and developed a good farm, on which he reared his family. The country was wild at that time being situated on the frontier, and for some years their home was a rude log house. The experiences and difficulties of pioneer life came to them, but as the years passed the comforts of civilization were added and Mr. Kernes became the possessor of an excellent farm, which was their home until called to their final rest. Their family numbered four sons: Harvey, who resides in Eureka Springs, Arkansas; Robert, who is located in Centralia, Missouri; John, a resident of Mexico, Missouri; and J. V. C., of this review.
The last name is the youngest. He was reared on the old home farm and early became familiar with all its labors, performing the work of the meadows and fields, from the time of the earliest planting of crops until the harvests were gathered, when he entered the subscription school of the neighborhood, there pursuing his studies until at the opening of Spring, when his work in the fields was renewed. He managed to acquire a good English education, and in the autumn of 1857 entered the Missouri State University, and having completed the classical course, was graduated in 1862. He had determined to enter the legal profession, and in the Fall of that year became a student in the Harvard Law School. While there pursuing his studies he was elected tutor of Greek and Latin in the Missouri State University, and, returning home, filled that position until 1865, keeping up his law studies in the meantime, his preceptor being Hon. Boyle Gordon, of Boone county, Missouri. Henry N. Ess, who was also teaching in the University, as Professor of Mathematics, pursued the study of law in connection with Mr. Karnes, and together they came to Kansas City, in 1865, just at the close of the war.
On the 1st of August, of that year, the firm of Karnes & Ess opened a law office and with mutual pleasure and profit continued in general practice until 1886, when Mr. Ess retired from the firm and Mr. Karnes entered into partnership with L. C. Krauthoff. This relation was sustained until January 1, 1889, when Daniel B. Holmes was admitted to an interest in the business under the firm name of Karnes, Holmes & Krauthoff. With the greater part of the important cases that have been tried in Kansas City this firm has been connected, and its reputation is second to none. Mr. Karnes is a man of superior ability, an able advocate, thoroughly versed in authorities, and his masterly handling of a case indicates thorough and painstaking preparation. He loses sight of not a single detail that may aid in winning success for his client, and in argument is logical and convincing, forceful and earnest. His oratory is often eloquent, always telling and seldom fails to convince.
In 1869 Mr. Karnes became a member of the board of education of Kansas City, and served in that capacity continuously until 1882, when he resigned. During that time he was for three years its treasurer, one year secretary and seven years president. In 1893 he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board of election, in 1894 was again elected to fill a term of six years, and is now vice-president. There is no man in the city or county who has been more deeply interested in education matters, who has done more for the advancement of the cause than Mr. Karnes, and his name will forever be connected with the history of Kansas City's schools, which largely stand as a monument to his progressive efforts. Another source of education he has been deeply interested in is the Kansas City public library, introducing the resolution, which caused its establishment. He is pre-eminently public-spirited, and with unswerving purpose and fidelity he has aided in all that pertains to the city's welfare, and for many years has been recognized as a leader among those men who have most largely assisted in advancing the material and educational interests of the city. His political support is given the Republican Party.
On the 3rd of December, 1863, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Karnes, and Miss Mary A. Crumbaugh, of Columbia, Missouri, daughter of Henry Crumbaugh, and honored pioneer, and the granddaughter of Colonel Dick Gentry, who commanded the Missouri troops and was killed in the Florida war. Mr. & Mrs. Karnes have 3 children - John L., Josephine V. C. and Mary G. The elder daughter is now the wife of Alfred Gregory, of the law firm of Beardsley & Gregory, and they have a little son, the idol of all the family.
Mr. Karnes is one of the oldest practitioners in Kansas City and has seen its development from a town of six thousand to its present metropolitan proportions. He has been very successful in his profession, is now enjoying one of the most lucrative practices in the city, and in social life and the warm regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.