Charles Tudor Williams was an American businessman, author, composer, linguist, and educator.
Background
Charles was born in Cleveland to William and Laura Fitch Williams, the sixth of William"s 10 children, and Laura"s fourth child. His father William migrated to what was then known as the "Western Reserve" with his parents in 1811, on his 8th birthday. Laura was the daughter of Zalmon Fitch.
Education
Charles attended Cleveland Central High School, the first free public high school West of the Allegheny Mountains, and was a classmate of John Doctorate. Rockefeller. He completed his college education at Western Reserve College (now Case Western Reserve University) in 1861 and also studied at Cleveland Medical College (also now part of Case Western Reserve University).
Career
He then returned to Western Reserve College as a tutor. In 1862, the entire college, including professors, responded to the call for troops to serve in the civil war. The company was successful from 1865 to 1887, when competitors with access to newly available natural gas were able to underbid companies like his that relied specifically on coal.
Taking a break from the business world, Charles accepted a Professorship teaching Greek at Cleveland Central High School in 1887.
Charles taught until 1892, publishing a study guide book in 1890 that is still in print (reprint) as of 2014. In 1892, Charles moved to Chicago and engaged in the import of sugar and fruit as the owner of C.T. Williams Company
In 1896, he was recruited to manage and serve as the vice president of the Cleveland Box Company, a position that he held until his death. While under his leadership the Cleveland Box Company engaged in business across the country and patented a line of special boxes.
An expert linguist, Charles spoke fluent French and German, and readily read Greek and Latin.
Charles married Mary P. Carver in 1866 in Kent, Ohio, and they had two sons. Doctor William Carver Williams and Day Williams.
Membership
Mr. Williams served as a member of the boards of directors for the Merchants & Manufacturers Insurance Company, General Package Company of New York city, Lake Superior Construction Company, and National Box Association of the United States, serving as presiding officer of the National Box Association for one year.