Sioux City Academy of Science and Letters. 39 
In 1860 a departure was made, Mr. Charles entering 
Tootle’s general merchandise store. Four years later he 
became a partner, the firm name changing to Tootle & 
Charles. From the first, the firm did a large business, an 
increasing percentage of which soon came to be that of 
fitting out steamboats. Mr. Charles continued active in 
the store ’till 1878, from which date to 1890 he gave all 
his time to steamboating, a business which, though profit- 
able at first, gradually but steadily declined. The busi- 
ness consisted in furnishing Indian and military supplies 
to the reservations and forts of the upper Missouri. At 
one time not only the eight boats owned by the firm, but 
several others chartered by them, were busy the season 
through. Now all this is gone. The railroads killed the 
steamboat business, though not before our subject had 
made a competence out of it. 
From 1880 to 1900 Mr. Charles was the local secre- 
tary of the Benton Transportation Co., a Montana firm. 
In the latter year he retired from active business, still 
vigorous in mind and spirit, though worn in body. 
Mr. Charles has never sought political honors. But 
in spite of his personal attitude he has had his share of 
honors political and otherwise. At the first municipal 
election held in Sioux City, August, 1857, he was called 
upon to serve as a judge of election. At this time his 
fellow townsmen chose him alderman from the second 
ward. In the following October he was elected, much 
against his will, as justice of the peace. A year later he 
was appointed to the same position by the county judge. 
President Lincoln, in 1861, appointed him, without any 
previous knowledge upon his part, as Indian agent to all 
the Indians on the upper river. But, as it happened, Mr. 
Charles was then making preparations to return to Ohio 
to claim his bride, and as nothing could be allowed to 
interfere with this event, the appointment was declined. 
President Lincoln had sent the commission of appoint- 
ment duly made out and signed. This was the first inti- 
mation to Mr. Charles that he had even been considered 
for the position. The commission is still in the possession 
of Mr. Charles, by whom it is highly prized. 
In 1876, during his absence from the city, Mr. 
Charles was chosen mayor. Though he served out his 
