Charles had four brothers, James, Edward M., Patrick A, and Bernard, and one sister, Catherine.

At 14, he became the apprentice of a lithographer which will lead him to draw precise recollections of his war stories.

After less than a month of training, he started to participate in the Civil War battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Appomattox.

During long period of inactivity, usually in winter camp, he studied under Sergeant George P. Fulton who subsequently became principal of Highland Schools in Pennsylvania.

He was active in Veterans' affairs and edited a volume on the Civil War entitled, "Under the Maltese Cross."