Charles B. was born in Upper Macungie, and early learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed in various portions of Lehigh County until 1838, when he removed to Allentown. Here his services were in demand in connection with his trade until 1859, when he was elected sheriff of Lehigh County for one term. He married Leah, daughter of Jonathan Schwartz, of Lower Macungie township, and had children; C. Frank, Simon, Mary (Mrs. William S. Esser), Eliza J., and Allen W.