My Genealogy Hound

CAPTAIN CHARLES E. TILESTON, a prosperous farmer of Williamsburg and a veteran of the Civil War, son of Cornelius and Elvira (Williams) Tileston, was born in Williamsburg, October 20, 1829. His grandfather, Cornelius Tileston, Sr., was an early settler in Williamsburg, and resided upon the farm which is now owned by Mr. Breckenridge. He served as a private in the Revolutionary War, and died in Williamsburg at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. He married Sarah Ludden, of Williamsburg, and became the father of the following children: John, Sabra, Elisha, Wales, Betsey, and Cornelius. The mother died in her ninetieth year.

Cornelius Tileston, Jr., Captain Tileston’s father, was born in Williamsburg in 1798. He resided with his parents until reaching manhood, when he bought a farm, and engaged in agriculture. He also conducted a store and a hotel successfully, becoming in the course of time a prosperous business man. He was prominent in public affairs, serving with ability as Selectman and in other town offices. Cornelius Tileston, Jr., died at the age of sixty-four years. His wife, Elvira Williams, was a daughter of Gross and Mary (Washburn) Williams, and her eight children were named as follows: George; Madeline; Charles E.; Henry; Faxon; Elizabeth; Edward; and Mary Ann, who died young.

Charles E. Tileston remained at home until he reached the age of twenty-two years, at which time he commenced to learn the carpenter’s trade. After serving an apprenticeship of three years, he has adopted that trade as his principal occupation, working for some time in New York, and also in Ohio. In the latter State he resided eight years, in which period he purchased some land and engaged in agriculture. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Fifty-second Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, under Colonel H. S. Greenleaf; and at the organization of the company he was appointed its Captain. He served eleven months, and participated in the battles of Franklin and Port Hudson, La., under General Banks, and at Jackson Crossroads. After receiving his discharge, he returned to Williamsburg, and resumed his former occupation. He later engaged in farming upon the property he now occupies; and in 1866 he built a new house, completing a new barn four years later. He carries on a small dairy, and is interested in the Co-operative Creamery.

In 1861 Captain Tileston was united in marriage to Maria Thayer. She was the daughter of Minot and Cynthia (Hill) Thayer, the father having been a well-to-do farmer and a highly respected citizen of Williamsburg. He died at an advanced age, leaving his farm of seventy acres to his daughter Maria. His other children were: Henry, Henry C., Cordelia, Willard H., Sarah B., Sedate M., Alvin E., Charles M., and Cynthia M. Mrs. Tileston’s mother died at a ripe old age. Captain and Mrs. Tileston have one daughter, named Inez B., who, with her husband, G. H. Bisbee, resides with them upon the farm.

Since taking possession of the farm, Captain Tileston has improved the property, and added ten acres of adjoining land. He is a Republican in politics and a comrade of Post No. 86, Grand Army of the Republic, of Northampton.