John Charles

This is the second of a continuing series of biographical sketches of personalities who played important roles in our community, with a strong emphasis on those who were involved in the thriving natural cement business of the late 19th century.

John Charles, who is well known as the genial postmaster at Binnewater, and also holds the responsible position of superintendent and vice-president of the F.O. Norton Cement Co. at Binnewater, is the son of David Charles, an old settler of High Falls.

David Charles was born near Cardigan Bay, in Wales, and when a boy of sixteen went to sea. He sailed on the Atlantic, visiting various ports, for twelve years, when he met with a serious accident in New York, whereby his ankle was so crushed that he was obliged to give up sea-faring life. He then learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed until his death, first locating in High Falls, Ulster County. He was married, in Alligerville, to Sarah Jane Yaple, a resident of the Clove neighborhood, and a daughter of John and Mary (Stokes) Yaple. To them were born nine children, as follows: Mary, who married Daniel Donovan, but is now deceased (prior to 1896); William Henry, who died in infancy; John, the subject of this sketch; Sarah, the wife of George Pearce, living in High Falls; David, who died in 1889; Abram and Isaac (twins), who died in infancy; Catherine, who died in infancy; and Maggie, who married Hasbrook Van Demark.

Mr. Charles was a man of intelligence and good business ability, and greatly esteemed by his neighbors for his integrity of character. He never took an active part in politics, but believed in the principles promulgated by the Whigs, and afterward, on the formation of the Republican party, gave his allegiance to their platform. His death took place in November, 1873. Mrs. Charles, who was born in April, 1815, died in November, 1872. She was a most lovable women, charitable to a fault, always cheerful and happy in her home, tender and loving to her family, one who would have mothered the whole world, if possible, and a ministering angle to the sick and afflicted; indeed, not only her own family, but all the community felt the great loss occasioned by her death.

John Yaple, the maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in December, 1793, in Ulster county, of Welsh and German parentage. He was a man of much strength of character as may be seen from the fact that, although he never attended school a month in his life, he had such a quick wit and intellectual grasp of mind that he became a man of much general information and also so well read in law that, although he was never admitted to the bar, he did considerable work in the justice courts of those early days, and was looked upon as a man of clear judgment and strict integrity. He was also learned in the carpenter's trade, which he carried on in connection with farming. He was widely known for his generosity, and was a good friend to the poor. In his domestic life he was a devoted husband and tender father, and in all the relations of his life won the esteem and high regard of his fellow-men. He was a brave soldier in the war of 1812, and always a very patriotic man. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and upheld the government in all the political issues. By his first wife he had a family of five children-two boys and three girls; the son where William H., who lived throughout his life in the Clove neighborhood, and John, who resided in Sullivan county. Mr. Yaple took for his second wife Mrs. Morey but no children were born to this union; he died in January, 1869.

John Charles, whose name opens this sketch, was born in 1844, at High Falls, where he attended school until twelve years of age. He then learned the shoemaker's trade with his father, with whom he worked for four years. He then went into the public cement works, where he was employed some four years, during which time he worked under Gen. Gilmore, who was sent by the general government to test the cement industries, and who wrote a work upon American cements which is the highest authority on that subject. In August, 1862, the second year of the Civil war, Mr. Charles enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Twentieth N.Y. I., and took part in thirteen of fourteen engagements, the first one being at Fredericksburg, Va. He was very fortunate in escaping without a wound, although he was struck twice by rifle balls. He was mustered out June 9, 1865, after an honorable service of three years. On his return from the war Mr. Charles engaged with the Delafield & Baxter Cement Company of High Falls as a trimmer of cement barrels, working at this for two months, when he was employed by F.O. Norton as assistant miller in what was formerly the Ogden Cement Co. Works, High Falls. From this position he rapidly rose by promotion, and then began taking contracts for the company. After two years spent in this way he took charge of the cooperage department, at which he remained two years more. At the end of that time, the superintendent Alfred Terwilliger, died, and Mr. Charles succeeded him in that capacity, and was then made general superintendent, having charge of the entire interests of the company, and has been so successful in his management that he still retains the position, which he has held for ten years.

Mr. Charles was married March 2, 1880, to Miss Martha De Puy, who was born in Rosendale and is a member of one of the old families of that place. Two children have blessed this union: Ethel, born November 29, 1880, died August 8, 1881, and Fannie, born September 25, 1884. Mr. Charles is a stanch Republican, and is highly esteemed by the community, as may be seen from the fact that he has been postmaster at Binnewater for eleven years. He is vice president and one of the board of directors and stockholder in the F.O. Norton Cement Company; also interested in the store of John Charles & Co. at Binnewater. This has been in operation since April 1, 1885, and is doing a good business. Mr. Charles is a self-made man, and has won his way by industry and perseverance, and a faithful discharge of his duties in whatever he has been engaged. Such men deserve and receive the respect and esteem of their fellow-men.

The above sketch is from the Commemorative Biographical Record of Ulster County, New York, published by J.H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1896.

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