XENOPHON F. CHARLES. The modern pharmacist is a man of many callings, for he is expected to bear upon his shoulders the responsibilities of many. Not only must he understand his own science thoroughly but must be able to detect and rectify the occasional blunders of the medical fraternity, to give kindly advice to those soliciting same, and at all times to place his store and time at the disposal of the general public. No other line of human endeavor demands greater hours of prolonged service, nor does any other ask more expenditure of nervous and physical strength. Among those who have proven themselves worthy of the confidence reposed in them and able to handle cheerfully and capably the demands made upon them is Xenophon F. Charles, a leading pharmacist at Republic, Seneca County, where he has been known for many years.

Mr. Charles was born in Seneca County, Ohio, June 12, 1854, a son of Jasper E. and Susanna (Grossman) Charles. Jasper E. Charles was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, March 8, 1825, and in his native state married Miss Grossman, who had been born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, December 26, 1829. They came to Seneca County, Ohio, April 1, 1854, locating at Republic, where Mr. Charles engaged in his trade as a shoemaker. This he followed until the constant confinement caused his health to break, and from that time forward until his death, in 1907, he was variously occupied at such honorable employment as came his way. He was a democrat in politics and at various times held town offices. Mrs. Charles, who was a member of the Lutheran Church, died in that faith in 1891. They were the parents of six children, of whom, three are now living: Xenophon F.; Emma V., the wife of John Van Drew, of LaGrange County, Indiana; and John J., also residing in that county.

Xenophon F. Charles was reared at Republic, where he secured his education, and began his career as a school teacher, in LaGrange County, Indiana. The life of an educator, however, did not appeal to him, and October 1, 1874, he formed a connection with the firm of Stickney & Dentler, of Republic, as clerk in their drug store. For more than a quarter of a century he labored faithfully in behalf of the interests of his employers, and when they were ready to retire from business, in December, 1899, he became proprietor of the store by purchase. He has built up a splendid trade and now conducts an establishment that is modern in every particular, carrying a full line of drugs and sundries, candies, toilet articles, etc. He is known as one of the stable and substantial business men of his community, having earned his right to such a title through many years of honorable dealing. Mr. Charles owns the block in which his business is situated, and is one of the directors of the Republic Banking company. In politics a democrat, he has served in a number of offices, including treasurer of Scipio Township and member and treasurer of Scipio Township, and member and treasurer of the school board. He served several terms as justice of the peace of Scipio Township and a number of terms at different times as mayor of Republic. At the time of each of his elections the village was considerably in debt, but by careful management he placed the village in good condition financially. He served as postmaster under President Wilson, resigning after serving about five years. Fraternally he is affiliated with Republic Lodge No. 40, Independent Order of Odd fellows, and with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, of which he is past noble grand district deputy.

On December 25, 1877, Mr. Charles was united in marriage with Miss Flora A. Porter, a former student and graduate of Professor Richards and until her marriage a teacher in schools at different points. She is a member and active worker of the Christian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles there have been born three children: Myra G., born July 5, 1879, who attended the Tri-State School at Angola, Indiana, and is now the wife of Charles R. Hassenphug; Mabel T., born November 30, 1883, who attended the same normal school, is unmarried, and a bookkeeper at Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Thurman P., born November 1, 1888, a graduate of the same normal school, who also attended Columbia College, New York, and is now superintendent of schools at Orland, Indiana.


File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by
Gina Reasoner
GReasoner@prodigy.net
December 21, 1999


History of Ohio
The American Historical Society, Inc., 1925
Volume V, page 135-136