Charles Summers Dana was born in New Haven, Vermont on September 13, 1862.

In addition to filing stories on Vermont current events for several daily and weekly newspapers, in partnership with his mother Dana owned a large and successful farm in New Haven.

[4][5][6] In 1900 Dana was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives and served one term.

[7] Dana was named chief clerk in the office of the Vermont Secretary of State in 1902.

He was selected to serve as Speaker after Stanley C. Wilson resigned to accept a judgeship.