His father was accidentally killed September 1, 1877, and his mother, two siblings, and Charles removed to East Liverpool in that county, where the widow worked in a pottery to support the family and school them for a few years.

He later served as chief clerk of the Boyce Foundry and Machine Works of East Liverpool, until becoming cashier of the Columbiana County Treasury, under Treasurer Isaac B. Cameron.

[3] A change in state law moved elections to even numbered years, extending McKinnon's term to January 1909.

He lost the election, November 1908, to Democrat David S. Creamer by a margin of less than 2000, with more than one million votes cast.

[4] McKinnon died November 17, 1908, and Green was appointed by Governor Andrew L. Harris to Ohio State Treasurer, serving until Creamer's term began January 1909.