Albion Post Charles ²⁴⁸⁴

ALBION P. CHARLES, the owner of the finest farm residence in the county, and one of the wealthiest and most influential farmers in Knoxville Township, is Albion P. Charles, the subject of this personal narration. He occupies the old Charles homestead, which he has beautified with all modern improvements, as shown by the accompanying double-page view of his residence and farm buildings. He is engaged in the breeding of blooded stock, in which he takes an unusual interest, and has among his stock Short-horn and Polled-Angus cattle and other fine breeds. In 1884 he purchased two imported stallions, one a Cleveland bay, which has since died; but he immediately purchased a standard-bred Hambletonian in his place; the other is an English draft horse, registered 4114, volume 6, English Stud-book, Sampson by name, which is six years old and weighs 2,200 pounds. Mr. C's out-buildings are considered among the finest and most convenient in the county. His main barn is 48 X 96 feet, and has a stone basement, and is fitted up and equipped with all modern conveniences.

The subject of this biography was born in Knox Township, Dec. 9, 1847, and is the second son of George A. and Dorlinsky (Post) Charles (see sketch). His early education was attained in the city schools of Knoxville, after which he studied for five terms in Knox College, and one winter in Abingdon College.

On the 7th day of December, 1869, he united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Miss Sarah A. Lindsey, a native of Persifer Township and a daughter of Howard and Mary (Caldwell) Lindsey. Following the celebration of their nuptials came the founding of a new home, and they settled on the old homestead of the Charles family, which they have occupied up to the present time, and where success has attended their energetic efforts. Both Mr. Charles and wife are devoted members of the Presbyterian Church. Their family circle is a happy one, and includes four children, namely: S. Adella, Rosalia, Cora A, and Edith.

Previous to his present extensive stock business, Mr. C. was engaged in general farming and extensive cattle-feeding for more than 11 years, but in 1883 he determined to embark in that highly interesting as well as profitable department of farming, the breeding of blooded stock, and today he ranks among the leading breeders of the county, and is doing much toward improving the grade of stock of this section. He first purchased thoroughbred and grade Short-horn cows, crossing on them imported Hereford and Polled-Angus bulls. Then a herd of Polled-Angus was added. He now proposes breeding pure Polled-Angus, and Polled-Angus and Short-horn crosses, and, for an experiment, is crossing a pure Polled-Angus bull on pure Hereford cows.

There are many experienced men in this county who are devoting the best efforts of their lives, as well as vast sums of money, to developing and raising fine stock. The influence of their efforts is not only felt in their immediate community, but extends throughout the borders of other counties, and even beyond the State lines. This is a highly commendable enterprise, and will make Knox County the center of the Northwest for the highest type of many breeds of horses, cattle, and swine. Prominent among these enterprising gentlemen will ever be Mr. Albion P. Charles. He is a wide-awake and earnest thinker, and in political matters is noted for his independent belief, as he always votes for principle rather than party. In politics he may be termed a Greenbacker.

  Events

• He was presbyterian.

• He was educated at Knox College and Abingdon College.

• He worked as a farmer and real estate agent.

• He appeared on the census in 1880 in Knox, Knox County, Illinois. He was head of household.

• He appeared on the census in 1900 in Iola, Allen County, Kansas. He was head of household.

• He appeared on the census in 1910 in Iola, Allen County, Kansas. He was head of household.

• He appeared on the census in 1920 in Spokane, Spokane County, Washington. He lived in the household of his daughter, Cora, and son-in-law.

• He appeared on the census in 1930 in Spokane, Spokane County, Washington. He lived in the household of his daughter, Rosalia, and son-in-law.

Albion married Sarah Ann Lindsey, daughter of Howard Lindsey and Mary Ann Caldwell, 6 December 1869 in Knox County, Illinois ²⁴⁸⁰.^,2481 (Sarah Ann Lindsey was born 10 February 1849 in Illinois,^2472,2482 died 19 February 1934 in Spokane, Spokane County, Washington ²⁴⁸³ and was buried 21 February 1934 in Spokane, Spokane County, Washington at Riverside Memorial Park.)