Charles was born on May 5, 1890 in Quebec, one of 5 children of Charles and Mary J Neil. During his early years he was involved in the lumber business with his father and brothers. He also farmed in Quebec and then they migrated to Boissevain, Manitoba.

In the 1909 Biggar newspaper he is listed as the owner of the Empire Hotel on the corner of Main and 1st Ave in Biggar, Sask. He was a partner with Mr. Heather, later buying him out.
By 1911 Charlie and his brother Robert had homesteads north of Biggar: Charlie...N1/2 of 33-36-W3 and Robert had the south ½ of same quarter.

Charlie married Annie O’Donnell and they left the area by 1919 when they were known to be in Brandon, Manitoba.
Charlie was employed by the CNR as a machinist.

Charlie died on Sunday, March 15, 1953 age 63. His wife Annie died on Monday June 16, 1960 age 67. They are buried in the Boissevain, Manitoba cemetery . They had no children.