Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 January 1916 — JERRY KARSNER DIED IN BASEMENT [ARTICLE]

JERRY KARSNER DIED IN BASEMENT

Exposure Following Attack of Grip Believed Responsible For Death —Funeral Tuesday.

4 Jerry Karsner, well known character, died this Monday morning at about 8 o’clock in the basement of the K. of P. building. During the past few years, Jerry, who was incapacitated for hard work by reason of an extensive hernia, had earned a meagre living selling newspapers. The Chicago American was the paper he sold the most extensively. Jerry was always a simple-minded fellow but he was harmless and during his long life here he was never in any serious trouble and was simply an unfortunate character. Various persons trjed to give him a home where he could at least have, a comfortable bed and a fair amount of food but he did not usually remain long at one place. His sisters, Mrs. Harry Wiltshire and Mrs. Peter Giver, the latter of Wabash, had tried to give him a home but he remained with them very little. Last week he had a severe cold, apparently the grip, and when he was found in the basement of the K. of P. building plans were made to take him to the county farm, but when the ambulance called for him he had disappeared. Sunday Henry Nevill found him there and carried him some warm food. He did not seem especially sick but Mr. Nevill suggested to some persons that he should be taken without delay to the county farm. This Monday morning Mr. Nevill again carried him some food and a warm cup of coffee and found him in a stupor and he at once called for help. W. J. Wright called to see him and then called a doctor and ten minutes later he had passed away. Jerry usually hoarded a little money, frequently having SSO or more with him, but it is said that at the time of his death there was only sl.lO on his person. The funeral will be held from the Christian church Tuesday afternoon at about 3 o’clock, being conducted by Rev. McDaniels. Burial will be made in Weston cemetery. It is desired that those who will shall serve as pallbearers, reporting their willingness to the undertaker, W. J. Wright, at Phone 252. Jerry would have been 58 years of age the first day of next September. He was the son of John Karsner, who died many years ago, and a brother of Mercer and Tim Karsner and Mrs. Harry Wiltshire, of this place, and of Mrs. Peter Giver, of Walbash. The latter was at once notified and will be here to attend the funetal.