Charles Neil 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.

According to the 1909 edition of Biggar world, "C. Neil, proprietor of the Empire hotel, was born in Quebec and followed lumbering interests in his early days, afterward farming in the province of Quebec, and came to Manitoba in 1899. Mr. Neil acquired big farming interests near Boissevan, having at that point a section of land under cultivation. Before coming to Biggar, Mr. Neil bought and installed bowling alley and pool room fixtures at Prince Albert where he lived for a year, coming here and buying Fisher Bros' interest in the Empire hotel and entering into partnership with Mr. Heather, later buying the latter out. Mr. Neil has made many improvements to the hotel since coming here and The Empire is an up-to-date and well appointed hostelry and is a credit to the town of Biggar. "

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.