Charles B. Alderman

1829 - 1887

Goshen’s 5th Mayor

1875 - 1882

AN OLD AND PROMINENT CITIZEN GONE.

Ex-Mayor Alderman Sleeps His Last
Sleep, Dying this Morning.

Charles B. Alderman breathed his last this morning at a quarter past 4 o’clock. Having fallen into a deep sleep some time previously, he slept into the arms of the pale rider, quietly and peacefully passing away.

The illness causing his death really dates from the time he suffered from, a stroke of paralysis about two year ago, from which he never recovered and which was the prime cause of his death. Until within the past few days he was around town, and while his death was generally considered only a matter of time, yet the announcement is startling, and will be learned regretfully by his large circle of friends and acquaintances.

The ex-mayor was a person who seemed to have the good will and a friend in everybody, and yet he always did his duty as he saw it, and in public life generally satisfactory to the people as his election three times is evidence. He was always a public-spirited citizen, genial, modest, affable and accommodating, and when “Charley” Alderman was spoken of, it was always with respect. He has left evidences over the city of his business tact and energy in his younger days, and in other ways that he was a man above the average.

The subject of this sketch was born in Greenville, Vermont, November 16th, 1828, making him nearly 59 years of age. He married Miss Elizabeth McLaren, a lady of Scotch ancestry, and in 1853 he came to Middlebury, and in 1854 settled in Goshen, when he went in the employment of Hascall & Ellis, as clerk, and finally became a partner in the mercantile business. In 1868 he sold his interest to Gen. Hascall and left the firm on account of ill-health. During his career as a retail dealer in goods, himself and partners, from 1856 to 1868, sold over $1,000,000 worth of goods.

   In 1879 the deceased joined with J. E. Winegar in the building of the Goshen Woolen mills, which was completed in 1870. In 1875 he became a half owner in the Gas Works, and was president of the company until a few months ago when he sold his interest to become associated with his son, George F. in the purchase and management of hotel Hascall.

The official life of the deceased began in Goshen when he was elected councilman from the first Ward. In 1876 he was first elected Mayor, continuing in that office for three consecutive terms, or six years, and his administration was a wise and conservative one.

The deceased had been a Freemason since 1864, being a member of Goshen Lodge, No. 12, F. & A. M, Goshen Chapter, No. 45, R. & A. M; Bashor Council, No. 15, R. & S. M. He was also a member of South Bend Commandery, No. 13, K. T.

The funeral will take place on Thursday afternoon at 2:30 from Hotel Hascall, conducted by Goshen Lodge, No. 12. F. & A. M.

Upon the request of the family, the funeral will be a quiet one, free from display.

He leaves a widow and son, a number of relatives, and a host of friends to mourn his death. In her bereavement, the widow has the sincere sympathy of our people.

The Daily News, Tuesday November 1, 1887, page 1