Dispatch Democrat 24 July 1931

Charles M. Ward, well know Ukiah business man, passed away in a San Francisco hospital on Friday of last week, following an illness of some months's duration. The remains were brought here for interment and the funeral was held last Sunday afternoon.

Mr. Ward was born in Sebastopol, Oct. 20 1855, and spent his youth there. He came to Mendocino county in 1876, going first to Cahto, which was a flourishing and lively village in those early days. A short time later he moved to West port, then the liveliest town on the coast, where he engaged in teaming and later in the livery business with George Stevenson. He was married there in 1886 to Elizabeth Branscomb, and in 1900 he moved to Piercy and engaged in ranching. About ten years later, he moved to Ukiah and entered the butcher businesws in partnership with his brother-in-law, Chris Hansen. Later the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Ward continued the business, taking his son, George Ward, into partnership several years ago. Recently they bought the Steiert market here and have been conducting both places.

He is survived by the widow; a son, George; a dughter, Mrs. Fred Redemeyer, of Laytonville; and a foster daughter, Mrs. Otto Gielow, of Ukiah, also two brothers and a sister.

"Charley" Ward was a typical pioneer and a typical Westerner, rugged, honest, in his dealings with his fellow man, loyal to a fault where his friends were concerned, stong in his convictions, with a natural instinct for right living and right thinking. He was held in the highest esteem by all who know him and the most genuine regret was expressed when the news of his death came to Ukiah.

The sincerest sympathy is extended the family in their loss.