His military service began during the excitement over Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania, when he served as a member of the 30th Regiment State Militia. On February 29, 1864, he was 26 years old and enlisted for three years and served as corporal in Battery G, 3rd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, under Col. Joseph Roberts and Capt. Joseph W. Sanderson. His description on his card 4 - 732 is Complexion - Dark, Height 5 foot 5 inches, eyes blue, hair dark, occupation farmer, residence Mifflin County, PA.

He saw much active service in Virginia that year, participating in the engagement at Bermuda Hundred, May 16; Strawberry Plains, April 14; Six Mile House, April 18-21; Petersburg, September 1- October 30; Chapman's Farm; Deep Bottom; Fort Darling; and April 2, 1865, the occupation of Richmond; and on April 9, 1865, Lee's surrender. He was reduced to ranks 5-31-65 and mustered out of service November 9, 1865, and returned to the paths of peace.”

1860 census - His mother Anna age 54 and sister Jane 14 were living with the family.

He was the first postmaster of Smoke Run, Becarria Township, PA. In peace he [was] an ardent Republican, and has marked influence in local politics. He served four years as postmaster at Smoke Run under appointment from President Harrison, and has also held the offices of school director, overseer of the poor, tax collector, and for three years was jury commissioner; at present [1898] he is assessor.

In religious faith he and his wife are Methodists, and have been identified with the Church at Smoke Run for several years.

(Cites: Commerative Biographical Record of Central PA Counties (Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson & Clarion) 1898 Vol I & II Author: Beers, See especially pp. 814-816 AND Pennsylvania On-line Record cards of Revolutionary War, Civil War, War of 1812, etc.) [There is more on Charles’ ancestry at this source.]694