Charles was my husband's Great-Grandfather

He was the son of Joseph KARNER and Josephine EDIN Karner. Carl and Theresia arrived in New York, New York, USA on 8 Nov 1881, immigrating from Hungary via Glasgow, Scotland and Moville, Ireland on the ship The Ethiopia. Charles received his US citizenship on 31 Mar 1892.

He was married to Theresia Grace ZINNIEL in July of 1879 in Stevens Point, Portage, Wisconsin, USA.

Together they had thirteen children:

Anna Karner (died as a child in Hungary/Austria)
Mary Theresa Karner Schmitt Corcoran
Charles Matthew Karner
Joseph Charles Karner
Theresia J. "Grace" Karner Harshaw Goggins
Anna Marie Karner Isherwood
Paul J. Karner
Margaret Maria Karner Konopacky
John Ben Karner
Anton Florian "Tony" Karner
Magdeline "Madge" Karner Goggins Hawkins
Frank J. Karner
Peter F. Karner

Charles worked for 20 years on the Wisconsin Central Railroad and another 10 years as a night watchman for the Wisconsin River Paper & Pulp Company.

Charles died as a result of internal injuries received when he was kicked by his horse in the pit of the stomach. Arriving late in the afternoon for work he had unhitched his horse and was planning to lead him to the pasture for the evening when the accident occurred. His son, Paul, was with him at the time and was able to take his father home. The doctor was called in and it was decided that an operation was imperative. As a result the operation was performed at his home by three doctors. It was then found that peritonitis had set in and Charles died the next day.

Obituaries

"Stevens Point Daily Journal"
12 Aug 1911
Resident of This City Seriously Injured Wednesday

Charles Karner of 328 Fremont street was seriousl injured by being kicked by his horse at about 6 o'clock Wednesday evening. Mr. Karner is engaged as a night watchman for the Wisconsin River Paper & Pulp company, and had driven to his work late in the afternoon. As was his usual custom, he had unhitched his horse and led him to the pasture, where he was to have been left for the night. As the harness was removed, the horse kicked its owner with both hind feet in the pit of the stomach. Mr. Karner was knocked down, but finally was able to stand up, and was brought to his home here, where Dr. C. von Neupert, Jr., attended him. His condition was considered serious and Thursday Drs. Rogers and Southwick were called in consultation. The condition of the patient grew worse rapidly and it was finally decided that an operation was imperative. As a result the operation was performed at his home Thursday by three doctors. It was found that peritonitis had set in, though the bowels were not ruptured as was expected. Little hope is held out for his ultimate recovery. During the morning a son, who is also employed in the paper mill, was sent for, as it was feared that his father could not survive. The injured gentleman is about sixty years of age. Previous to this the horse had been considered very gentle.

"Stevens Point Daily Journal"
14 Aug 1911

Accident Proved Fatal

Charles Karner Died Saturday Night From Injured Received Wednesday.

Charles Karner, 328 Fremont street, passed away Saturday night at 11:15, as a result of internal injuries received Wednesday evening, when he was kicked by his horse at the paper mill. The accident occurred at 5:15, at the upper mill, just as his son, Paul, who is employed at the lower mill, was passing on his way to work. Mr. Karner had ridden to the mill on a bicycle, but was showing a group of men his horse and colt, which were in the pasture near the mill. He was in the act of pushing the older horse to one side so the men could see the colt, when he was kicked. His son saw him strike the ground fully ten feet from where he had stood. When they brought him to his home he was in such intense pain that they had to stop several times on the way, to give him short respites from the pain which the motion of the buggy caused him.

He was operated upon the following afternoon at his home, but it was seen at that time that he could not live long. Death came to him as a final relief four days and five hours after he was hurt. Though he spoke incoherently at times Saturday evening, he was conscious until the last.

Mr. Karner was born in Germany September 5, 1858, and came to this city thirty years ago. He was married shortly after his arrival. He was employed on the Wisconsin Central for 20 years and for the last 10 has been at the paper mill in various capacities. He held the position of night watchman since July 1. He is survived by his wife and twelve children. They are Mrs. Peter Schmidt, this city; Charles and Joseph, San Diego, California; Mrs. G.M. Harshaw, Highland Park, Ill; Mrs. Harry Isherwood, city; Paul, Margaret, John, Anton, Magdeline, Frank, and Peter, at home. Mr. Karner was a member of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and of St. Joseph's Benevolent society.

The funeral will be held Wednesday forenoon at 9 o'clock from St. Joseph's church, Rev. H.J. Ehr officiating.