Charles A. Tarbell Biography



As published in
"The City of Kenosha and Kenosha County Wisconsin: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement"
by Frank H. Lyman Vol. 2, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1916.




Charles A. Tarbell, long connected with the real estate, insurance and abstract business in Kenosha is a native of the city in which he makes his home, his birth having here occurred March 7, 1862. He is a son of Henry H. and Cynthia J. (Griggs) Tarbell, both of whom were natives of Brimfield, Massachusetts, where they were reared and married. Henry H. Tarbell first visited Kenosha in 1837 when it was a tiny hamlet upon the western frontier and long before Wisconsin was admitted to the Uniion. He afterward returned to the east, was married there and in 1841 brought his family back to Kenosha county, believing that the west offered excellent opportunities for those who were willing to brave the hardships and privations of pioneer life. He entered government land 1839 in Bristol and Paris townships and bent his energies toward the development and cultivation of a farm until 1858, when, having been elected register of deeds, he removed to Kenosha. He filled the office for three terms in most acceptable manner and also served as a member of the city council and as a member of the school commission, thus taking active and helpful part in shaping the political development of the community in early days. He was at all times actuated by a public-spirited devotion to the general good, and he wrought along the lines of substantial and valuable results. He was also an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity and a devoted Christian, attending the Congregational church. He died in Feburary, 1890, at the age of seventy-one years, while his wife passed away in 1902 at the age of eighty-two years.

Charles A. Tarbell was one of a family of eleven children, four of whom are yet living. Born and reared in Kenosha, he attended its public schools, and when his textbooks were put aside he entered the employ of the Bain Wagon Company, with which he remained for a few years. He then joined his father in the abstract business and has since given his undivided attention to the real estate, insurance and abstract business, in which he has won a large clientage. No one better knows the property that is upon the market nor is more capable of placing correct valuation thereon. He also represents some of the old and substantial insurance companies of the country and he has a complete set of abstracts.

On the 29th of January, 1914, Mr. Tarbell was married to Miss Martha M. Schumacher, a daughter of William and Theresa (Templemen) Schumacher, who in 1870 became residents of Kenosha. In his political views Mr. Tarbell is an earnest republican and several times his fellow townsmen have expressed appreciation of his public spirit and devotion to the general good by electing him alderman. He has also been a member of the school board and in 1895-6 was register of deeds. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, to the Royal League and to the Royal Areanum. His salient characteristics are such as have won substantial success in business but more than that have gained for him the respect and goodwill of his fellowmen. He has always been a resident of Kenosha, where his life has been as an open book that all might read.

Typed by: Marilyn Allis