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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
CHARLES LEIGHTON, business manager of the Herald, Oskaloosa, was born in Wapello County, Iowa, Jan. 25, 1846. He is the son of Tobias and Harriet A. Leighton, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. When our subject was but an infant the family moved to Oskaloosa, which has since been his home. The common schools, together with the "Poor Man's College," the printing-office, were the only educational advantages enjoyed by him, but in the latter institution he has acquired a knowledge of men and events scarcely to be acquired elsewhere. When but fifteen years of age he left the public schools and entered the Herald office to serve a three years' apprenticeship to the printers' trade; before the expiration of that time, with the consent of his employer, he enlisted as a soldier in Co. I, 47th Iowa Vol. Inf., and served front May till October, 1864. He was but one of a number who enlisted from this office, and sometimes it was difficnlt to secure printers to issue the paper. After returning from the army Mr. Leighton again took his place in the office, where he remained until the following year, when he went West, into Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, remaining five years. In 1870 he returned to Oskaloosa and engaged in the lumber business, in which he continned until 1878, the first six years alone, and then with H. C. Moore as partner. In 1878, on the death of his brother, H. C. Leighton, he was appointed administrator of his estate, and at once took business control of the Herald. In January, 1879, he purchased an interest in the office, and has since been connected with it as business manager. On his return from the West Mr. Leighton was united in marriage with Hester A. Wray, the marriage ceremony taking place Sept. 21, 1870. Mrs. L. is a daughter of Wiley and Hannah Wray, and was born Dec. 13, 1850, in Shelby County, Ind. Two children were born of this union, both of whom died young. Mr. Leighton is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has attained the Knight Templar degree, being a member of De Payens Commandery, of Oskaloosa. He is a thorough, practical business man, who as a citizen and friend commands the respect of all. Politically he is a "true blue" Republican.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy