The private school conducted by Dr. Vanderveer, at Easton, Pennsylvania, afforded Charles J. Abel a good English education which was an excellent preparation for his active business career. He learned the trade of confectioner with his father, but later engaged with the Hope Express Company, which conducted business between Reading, Pennsylvania, and New York city, and remained an employee of that company until 1862, the year of the disruption between the north and south. On August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Kernsville, and the five days battle of Chancellorsville. He was struck by a spent ball, but was not incapacitated from active duty. He served with credit and distinction during the entire term of his enlistment, and was honorably discharged from the service of the United States Government in the middle of May, 1863.

After his return from the war, Mr. Abel resumed his old position with the Hope Express Company, where he remained for a short period of time. He was then employed by his father until 1870, when he established a confectionery manufacturing plant in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, which he conducted for fifteen years, and then disposed of to George M. Alpaugh. He then returned to Easton, Pennsylvania, and established his present business, that of manufacturing candy for the jobbing trade, which enterprise has proven to be a profitable source of income. Politically, Mr. Abel is an ardent supporter of the principles of Republicanism, his first vote having been cast for Abraham Lincoln, During his residence in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Mr. Abel served in the capacity of president of the city council, and chairman of the finance committee, holding the latter position for six years. He is a member of Talmage Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and a charter member of Bell Post, the first post organized in the order. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, Free and Accepted Masons.