He was 25 years old and enlisted into Company C, Maine 16th Infantry Regiment on August 15, 1863. "American Civil War Soldiers" says that Charles received a disability discharge from Company C on January 11, 1864.

With his bounty and some pension, untiring industry and a helpful wife he made a good farm and a comfortable and beautiful home. … He was a member of the Aroostook Union Grange. He served in several important posiitions in the county, including collector of taxes.464