Charles J. Keim was born on the old homestead, near Bethlehem, in Northampton County. He enjoyed special educational advantages; he attended the Moravian Parochial School at Bethlehem, the Wyoming Academy, and John L.esher's preparatory school at Easton. He then entered upon a clerkship in a store at Butztown from where he came to Allentown. In 1862 he enlisted in Bethlehem, Company F, Fifth Pennsylvania Home Guards. Upon being mustered out of service, he engaged in the mercantile business at Allentown. Always having had a desire to become a physician, he sold out his establishment, began the reading of medicine with Dr. M. E. Hornbeck, of Catasauqua, and in the spring of 1872 entered the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated March 12, 1875. Upon graduation he located in Catasauqua and practiced medicine for a period of thirty years, when he was succeeded by his son, Dr. Harry J. In addition to his large practice, Dr. Keim was deeply interested in municipal affairs. He was a member of the board of school directors for three years, of the town council for six years, during which period he presided over its meeting. In 1906 he was elected chief burgess, which office he served for three years. In 1896 he was a delegate to the Democratic state convention at Harrisburg. In 1913, he was again elected to the office of chief burgess for a full term. He holds membership in the Lehigh County, the Lehigh Valley, the State and the American Medical Societies. He is a past commander of the local Knights of Malta. He and his family are members of Trinity Lutheran congregation. On December 12, 1863, he was married to Eliza C. Seider, a daughter of Edward and Abigail (Rahn) Seider. She was born at Coopersburg. This union was blessed with two sons: Edward L., who died aged four years, and Harry J. S.