Charles F. Maurer is closely associated with a profession which has direct bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any community, being senior partner of the law firm of Maurer & Walker of Douglas. At the outset of his career he recognized the fact that advancement at the bar must depend upon individual merit and ability and he has so directed his labors and continued his studies that step by step he has progressed in his chosen profession.
    He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, August 10, 1861, and is a son of Henry F. and Henrietta (Miller) Maurer. The mother was descended from ancestry represented in the American army during the Revolutionary war and Mr. Maurer came of German lineage, but both are now deceased. Their family numbered three sons and four daughters.
    Charles F. Maurer, who was the third in order of birth, after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools became a student in the Collegiate Institute of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and thus with broad literary learning to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional knowledge he entered the law department of the State University of Iowa City and there pursued his preparation for the bar, being graduated with the class of 1884. He engaged in practice in Cedar Rapids, but after a short time determined to try his fortune in the west and on the 1st of May, 1886, arrived in Wyoming, casting in his lot with the early settlers who were taking active part in the development and upbuilding of Douglas and the eastern section of the state. In 1887 he was in partnership with Daniel Pillott, now deceased, for several months in Douglas but during the greater part of the intervening period Mr. Maurer has practiced alone. At a recent date, however, he entered into partnership with Floyd A. Walker, forming the firm of Maurer & Walker. The success which he has attained is due to his own efforts and merits. The possession of advantages is no guarantee whatever of professional success. This comes not of itself, nor can it be secured without integrity, ability and industry. These qualities Mr. Maurer possesses to an eminent degree and he is faithful to every interest committed to his charge. Throughout his whole life whatsoever his hand finds to do, whether in his profession or in any other sphere, he does with his might and with a deep sense of conscientious obligation.
    In 1887 Mr. Maurer was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Parsons, of Iowa City, Iowa, and they have a son, Richard C, who is a student in the State University at Iowa City. Mr. Maurer votes with the republican party and has for two terms filled the office of county and prosecuting attorney in Converse county. He has, however, declined to become a candidate for the bench or to become a nominee for other offices, regarding the pursuits of private life as in themselves abundantly worthy of his best efforts. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to the Mystic Shrine, and in the Scottish Rite he has attained the thirty-second degree. He is an Odd Fellow and an Elk. He turns to motoring for recreation but his time and attention are largely concentrated upon his professional duties. He is a director of the First National Bank of Douglas and is also an investor in ranch and town properties. He is also attorney for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and he has been identified in a professional way with many corporations and with much of the most important law work that has been carried on in this district.