WERNER, CHARLES. - After a useful life spent in hard work and as an official of the county, Charles Werner is now living retired at No. 551 South State Street, Springfield. He was born November 1, 1853, at New Haven, Conn., a son of Charles and Marie (Sharp) Werner, natives of Charles and Marie (Sharp) Werner, natives of Germany, the former born February 28, 1829, and the latter October 28, 1831. The father was a machinist and engineer.

Mr. Werner raised a company during the Spanish-American War, of which he was made Captain, but saw no active service. A strong Democrat, he has represented his party upon numerous occasions, being elected and serving as Commissioner of Highways for twelve years, Supervisor of Clear Lake Township eight years (serving as Chairman of the Board one year); was for two years on the County Board of Review, and for four years was Sheriff of Sangamon County. In each office he gave the people a loyal, honorable service, and gained an undying reputation for integrity and uprightness. Fraternally he is a Mason, Modern Woodman of America, Red Man, Royal Neighbor, and also belongs to the Farmers' Alliance and the Knights of Labor. His religious affiliations are with the Catholic church.

On October 10, 1882, Mr. Werner was united in marriage, at Riverton, Ill., with Elizabeth Fitzgerald, born in Springfield, December, 1, 1861, daughter of Morris and Ellen (Flynn) Fitzgerald, natives of Ireland, the former born April 13, 1839, and the latter, October 1, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Werner became the parents of the following children: Charles A., born December 7, 1883; Ellen E., born November 23, 1885; Marie H., born August 1, 1887; Catherine M., born February 19, 1890; Maurice P., born June 28, 1892; Elizabeth D., born July 8, 1894, and Amelia, born August 29, 1897.

Until his retirement Mr. Werner was a farmer of Clear Lake Township, and now owns considerable property in Springfield.