He married Sarah Gammon 21 August 1817 in Knox County, Tennessee.
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Knoxville, 9 Dec 1882:

Death of an Old Citizen

John Karnes, Esq. died at his home three miles north of this city on the pike on the morning of Dec. 8, 1882.

Many, many friends and acquaintances will express sorrow at this announcement.

John Karnes was born at Liberty, Bedford County, Virginia October 2, 1794 and was 88 years, 2 months, and six days old when he departed this life.

Charles and Hannah Karnes are his parents. John Karnes familiar face has been seen at his late home place from a time "whereof the memory of man runneth not to the contrary." The aged men of this community that can controvert this statement, are, perhaps fewer in number than the half a dozen. He lived there before the pike was built or was thought of as a possibility. He lived there when we trudged the old dirt road and thought his home a long way from Knoxville.

He lived there when he had to ride to Cumberland Street, where it crosses Gay, before he could buy sugar and coffee and callico from a store. . . .

He was a good man and a good citizen all the while he lived at the old Karnes home. For many years he has been dim of sight, but could distinguish friends and acquaintances by their voice.

John Karnes was one of those who have come down to us from a former generation with unsullied reputation, with integrity of character worthy of praise and emulation. But we shall see him no more. When passing by we shall miss him from his accustomed sea in the old porch, gazing out of his almost sightless eyes hoping to discern some familiar face.

He leaves a family of loved ones to regret his departure. Sons and daughters will gather around his remains and call him blessed. He leaves them the legacy of a good name; and they are transmitting it to their children without a blemish. Their recollections of him will be pleasant; and their fireside talks of the old man gone, will embellish his name in the memory of his children's children. He was a good soldier on furlough, when the master called, "Come up higher." We will not mourn his transition from earth to paradise.