(Obituary from the Milwaukee Journal, Oct. 5, 1938)

Charles M. Hambright, 93, former commander of the Wisconsin department of the GAR and a Milwaukee County supply clerk for 18 years, died Tuesday night at the Soldiers Home hospital.

He lived at 709 E. Juneau Ave. He had been ill since a stroke nine months ago.

Mr. Hambright was called "Old Charlie" by his fellow workers. Hambright was given a farewell dinner by the county clerk's and county auditor's office when he retired as the oldest county employee, July 15, 1935. He had served as supply clerk for all county departments at the courthouse, all courts and the house of correction. In earlier years he was elected to serve as a Wisconsin state assemblyman for Racine County and was elected to the Beaver Dam common council.

When he retired, Mr. Hambright remarked: I've been active for 90 consecutive years and probably would die if I quit working right off. I come from a family in which everyone has lived to a ripe old age."

Hambright served in the 53rd Wisconsin Infantry, Company B, from March 14, 1865, to June 6, 1865. He was elected state commander of the GAR in 1935. The same year, he was acting commander of the E.B. Wolcott post, where he had been quartermaster for 20 years. He was made a staff aide to Alfred E. Stacey, Syracuse, N.Y., national commander of the GAR, the same year.

Hambright is survived by a son, Harry C., of Marshfield, and a daughter, Mrs. Florence Harbich, of Vienna, Germany, who had intended to sail on the Europa last week, but the German government in anticipation of war canceled its voyage.

Funeral services wlil be held under the auspices of the Milwaukee Woman's Relief Corps, of the GAR. Burial will be in Beaver Dam.

Information Sources:
Milwaukee Journal, Milwaukee, Wis. Oct. 5, 1938
Wisconsin State Journal. Madison, Wis. Oct. 7, 1938. p. 4


Researched and submitted by GRO Tom Mueller

Last Updated: 5 Nov 2022