Earl
D. Charter, who at the time of his death, on December 18, 1918, was general
manager of the wholesale packing firm of Claus & Kraus, in which capacity
he displayed executive ability of high order, was on of Sacramento’s most
highly esteemed citizens. He was born at Promontory, Box Elder county, Utah, on
the 28th of August, 1878, was educated in the public schools of
Ogden, Utah, and at Winnemucca, Nevada, and later came to Sacramento, where he
took a course in Atkinson’s Business College. After completing his education he
became private secretary to D. T. Earl,
of the Earl Fruit Company, and later was for thirteen years secretary to Mr.
Drescher, of the firm of Mebius & Dreschner. He was next manager for the
Moran Company, which became the Virden Packing Company upon reorganization. He
remained with that company until 1916, when he became general manager for Claus
& Kraus, in which position he had complete charge of the plant operations,
including the hiring and discharging of employes and the buying of supplies. He
rendered satisfactory service to that firm, by the members of which he was held
in high esteem, and they regarded his loss as irreparable to them.
On
January 25, 1905, in Sacramento, Mr. Charter was united in marriage to Miss Nan
Wahlander, a daughter of Claus A. and Marie C.
(Lindblom) Wahlander. They became the parents of two children, Eleanor,
who is the wife of Wilbur Forrest Adam and the mother of a daughter, Patricia
Eleanor; and Carolyn.
Mr.
Charter was a member of the Masonic Order, attaining the thirty-second degree
of the Scottish Rite, which body had charge of his funeral. He belonged also to
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Sutter Club, the Commercial Club,
the Rotary Club, the Elks Club, and was a charter member of the Del Paso
Country Club. He was formerly a member of the Signal Corps of the California
National Guard, and during the World war worked indefatigably in the interest
of the various government drives, particularly of the Liberty Loan. After his
death his family received from the government official recognition of the
valuable services which he thus rendered. He was a man of earnest purpose, did
well whatever he undertook and was dependable and trustworthy in every relation
of life. Of genial disposition and kindly manner, he easily made and retained
friends, so that his death was deeply deplored by many. He was not only greatly
interested in his work, but was also public-spirited in his attitude towards
local affairs, giving of his efforts and influence for the betterment of the
community.
Source: History of the
Sacramento Valley California Vol. III 1931. Page 70-71.
© 2004 Marla Fitzsimmons.