Charles Wesley Black

Charles, the son of William Black and Martha Reed, was born near Brownville, Ohio. When the country became involved in the civil war he enlisted for three months of service at the age of 17 years. He was not mustered into service as the company was full and the government would not take any more three month enlistments. On 1 Aug 1861 he re-enlisted for three years of service in Co G 32nd Ohio Infantry. He re-enlisted and re-mustered on 17 Dec 1863 at Vicksburg. He mustered out 20 Jul 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky.

After his discharge he returned to Ohio. In the spring of 1867 he moved to Tonica, Illinois, where he purchased land and farmed. On 9 Sept 1867 he married Martha Jane Landes. They had two children: Marion (Innes) and Margaret.

In the spring of 1872 they came to Mills County, Iowa. Charles purchased land and continued to farm. Martha Jane died later that year at the age of 27 years. For several years he made his home with his parents, who lived in Malvern.

On 14 Jan 1875, Charles married Hannah E Evans in Mills County. Hannah was the daughter of William Evans and Sarah Van Kirk. Hannah died in 1917.

Charles was active in public affairs. He was the first commander of Milton Summers Post No. 204 G.A.R. of Malvern. He and his family were members of the Presbyterian church. He was elected to the state legislature in 1899 and served from 1900-1902. He was chairman of the committee on the Home for Feeble-Minded Children.

Charles passed away at home in Malvern in 1930 after an illness of several weeks. He died at the age of 85 years 15 days.

- - - Extensive obituary posted: http://iagenweb.org/boards/mills/obituaries/index.cgi?read=597036

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jul 5 2017, 3:18:33 UTC