Charles Pitkin Birge

Charles Pitkin Birge: A Life of Civic Leadership and Lasting Impact

Written by Erika Barrett

Early Life and Education

Charles Pitkin Birge, known to many as "Chas," was born on January 8, 1835, in Franklin Mills, Ohio (now Kent). His early life saw several relocations, first to Aurora, Ohio, in 1845, and later to Breckville, Ohio, in 1849. Chas attended school in Oberlin, Ohio, during the winter of 1850-51, where he developed an early appreciation for learning and community service. During this time, he learned to set type while boarding with the local newspaper publisher, foreshadowing his later dedication to literacy and public education.

A Businessman and Community Leader

In 1856, Chas moved to Keokuk, Iowa, where he co-founded the wholesale grocery firm Kellogg & Birge, which would later become Kellogg, Birge & Co. The firm grew to be "one of the largest mercantile houses in the west," earning a reputation well beyond Iowa. Chas was as dedicated to his community as he was to his business. He served on the Keokuk Board of Education for six years, was president of the Library Association for one year, and held positions as director and vice president of the Keokuk Savings Bank.

Chas avoided political office, focusing instead on initiatives that directly benefited the community. His involvement with the City Rifles in 1861 placed him alongside other prominent local figures such as Noble, Bruce, Hillis, and Worthington—individuals "still remembered and honored" in Keokuk.

A Visionary Philanthropist and Monument Creator

Chas was more than a successful businessman; he was a committed philanthropist who left an indelible mark on Keokuk. His contributions to the city’s public infrastructure and cultural institutions were significant. As president of the Keokuk and Hamilton Water Power Company, Chas "had done more to further this important project than any other man or set of men," helping to shape the future of the region's economic development.

One of Chas's most significant legacies was his involvement in the creation of the Major General Samuel R. Curtis statue. As the leader of the committee responsible for this project, Chas played a crucial role in erecting the monument, which was dedicated on July 4, 1898. The statue, originally located at Third and Main Streets, stands as a testament to Chas's commitment to honoring those who shaped the nation. During the dedication ceremony, he was introduced as "the one to whom, more than any other, Keokuk owes the securing of the statue." In his speech, Chas reflected on the values that Curtis embodied, linking them to the broader struggles for liberty and justice.

Chas’s philanthropy extended to many other areas of public life. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Birge Fountain in Rand Park, a public drinking fountain that has since become a cherished landmark in Keokuk. His donation of this fountain was a symbol of his enduring commitment to the well-being and enjoyment of his fellow citizens.

Beyond these tangible contributions, Chas enriched the Keokuk Public Library with "curios and valuable relics," and his passion for preserving history led him to donate a rare collection of silver medals—once given by the U.S. Government to Indigenous leaders—to the State Historical Society. This act underscores both his respect for history and the complexities of the relationships between Indigenous peoples and the U.S. government.

A Legacy Remembered

Chas Birge's death on October 23, 1903, was deeply felt in Keokuk. His passing was described as a loss that "sorrowed the city" more than any other in recent memory. He was remembered not only as a successful businessman but also as "one of the best in every way"—a man whose "character was beyond reproach" and whose influence was "one for good."

The funeral services at his residence, No. 3 Park Place, were both solemn and reflective of the deep respect the community held for him. His remains were taken to St. Louis for cremation, following his expressed wishes.

Chas Birge’s impact on Keokuk is evident in the many public works and philanthropic contributions he made throughout his life. His name remains synonymous with public service, civic responsibility, and a commitment to improving the community. As the Constitution-Democrat noted, "Keokuk has lost a valuable citizen and an honored one in the death of Mr. Birge. The memory of him will last for years to come, and his name will never be forgotten."

Sources:

1. Constitution-Democrat, October 23, 1903, "Death Comes to Charles P. Birge."

2. Constitution-Democrat, October 24, 1903, "His History - Biography of the Late Chas P. Birge."

3. Constitution-Democrat, October 26, 1903, "Funeral Service."

4. The Daily Gate City, July 7, 1898, "It was a Glorious Day- The News from Sampson Made the Celebration one in which the heart of the People was Manifest- Dedication of the Monument and Statue."

5. The Annals of Iowa, 1904, "Notable Deaths: Charles Pitkin Birge."