My Genealogy Hound

Charles J. Custer, proprietor of the Dunlap Hotel, of Humboldt, was born February 27, 1844, at Troy, Mo., being the eldest son and fifth born child of Joseph Custer, of Rockingham County, Va. The father was a well-to-do man and an old hotel-keeper. He was an active Democrat, a strong anti-secret society man, and one of keen intellect, great energy and endurance. He died in December, 1868, and is yet survived by his widow at the advanced age of eighty years. Charles J. Custer secured a fair education in youth, and in 1862 began clerking on a wharf boat at Columbus, Ky., where he remained two years; then became clerk on a packet line. During 1870 he clerked in a large hotel in St. Louis, Mo., and in 1872 came to Humboldt, Tenn., and accepted a clerkship in the office of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad Company, a position he retained for thirteen years. In February, 1886, he became proprietor of the Dunlap Hotel, which he manages in a highly satisfactory manner to the traveling public. May 22, 1878, Miss Ella, daughter of Judge W. R. Vance, became his wife. This lady was born July 8, 1848, and died March 20, 1883, leaving two sons: Vance and Charles. April 20, 1886, Mr. Custer wedded Sally T., daughter of Rev. Thomas Hall.