Charles D. Stiles

SNYDER, STILES, STOCKDALE

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 9/9/2004 at 20:31:03

Charles D. Stiles, a worthy native son and representative business man of Madison county, is successfully engaged in the conduct of a general mercantile establishment at Patterson in association with his brother Albert. His birth occurred on the 25th of August, 1874, his parents being Thomas and Mary A. (Stockdale) Stiles. The father, a native of Benton county, Indiana, was reared on a farm in the Hoosier state and attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. In 1860 he came to Madison county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land which he cultivated, also working as a carpenter, which was his trade. In 1861 he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company F, Thirty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which command he remained for nearly four years, making a creditable record as a brave and loyal soldier. He was wounded at the battle of Parkers Crossroads. After being honorably discharged from the army he returned to this county and resumed the pursuits of civil life as an agriculturist and carpenter. He was twice elected to the office of county supervisor and served two full terms, making a most commendable record in that connection. For more than forty years he was a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, and served as master of the blue lodge, while for many years he also served on the official board of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a most devoted and consistent member. To him and his wife were born the following children: Emory, Arthur and Eddie, all deceased; Albert; Cashus C.; William; Lauren; Henry; Bessie; and Charles D.

The last named began his education in the district schools and subsequently attended a graded school at Patterson. After putting aside his text-books he followed farming until 1895 and then began bridge building for the county, while five years later he was made foreman of the workmen, holding the position for seven years. On the expiration of that period he embarked in the real-estate business, but at the end of two years formed a partnership with his brother Albert for the conduct of a general mercantile store at Patterson which he still continues. The brothers carry a large, attractive and well selected line of goods at reasonable prices and are accorded an extensive and gratifying patronage in recognition of their honorable methods and unassailable business integrity.

In 1898 Mr. Stiles was united in marriage to Miss Marthola Snyder, of St. Charles, Iowa, by whom he has one child, Thomas Dwight. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and on that ticket was elected county supervisor in 1910, making such an excellent records that he was again chosen for the position in 1913. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is identified with the Masons. He has resided continually in Madison county from his birth to the present time and his records is that of one of its representative merchants and valued citizens.

Taken from the book, "The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915"