Charles B. Melby
Charles B. Melby, financier and man of affairs, is one of the leading citizens of Trempealeau County. His wide experience has admirably fitted him for the onerous duties of the position he occupies in the community, and his influence has ever been used in behaK of progress of development. Every movement that has for its object the betterment of the county finds in him a warm friend, and busy though he is with his numerous business activities, he is finding time for considerable public service. Born in the village where he now lives, March 1, 1883, only son of John O. and Jennie L. (Beach) Melby, he was reared with the special end in view of some time assuming control of the extensive Melby holdings. He passed through the graded schools, and was graduated from the Whitehall high school with the Class of 1899 at the age of sixteen years. Then he attended Lawrence University at Appleton, Wis., for three years. In 1905 he became chief page in the House of Representatives at Washington, D. C, in which capacity he met nearly all of the men prominent in American public life. In the meantime, he studied law at the George Washington University, graduating in 1907 with the degree of LL.B. Upon being admitted to the bar he took up the practice of his profession at Washington. April 1, 1909, he was called home to take the position of assistant cashier in his father's bank. In July, 1911, he was promoted to the office of cashier, which he still retains. In addition to his work in this connection he is vice-president of the Bank of Eleva, and treasurer of the Central Trading Association of Whitehall. His financial holdings include stock in the new Ettrick & Northern Railroad Company, of which he has been an enthusiastic and loyal supporter. His public work has included service as a member of the school board and of the library board. War activities in the county have given him an unusual opportunity for effective help. The sale of the first Liberty Bond issue found in him an enthusiastic promotor, and the Defense League counts him among its most useful members. His decisions as a member of the exemption board have been marked by a discretion which has realized the full need of the government, and yet which has taken into due consideration all angles of local needs and local conditions. Of a fraternal disposition, he was a popular member of the Phi Delta Phi while at college, and in the Masonic order he has passed through the chairs of the local lodge and has also joined the Chapter. Mr. Melby was married April 26, 1909 to Frances Gunby Bethune of Washington, D. C, born in Warrentown, Va., May 1, 1887, daughter of James A. Bethune, a Washington pharmacist, and of Narcissa Garrett Bethune. Mr. and Mrs. Melby have two children : John Bethune, born April 5, 1912, and Natalie Grayson, born Jan. 16, 1915.
(from HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY WISCONSIN
Compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Edited by Eben Douglas Pierce, M.D.
H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co.
Chicago and Winona 1917)
(from HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY WISCONSIN
Compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Edited by Eben Douglas Pierce, M.D.
H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co.
Chicago and Winona 1917)