SOULE, CHARLES E., M.D., physician and business man of Beardstown, whose prestige extends all over the county, has made a success of whatever he has attempted for he possesses just those qualities which make for individual advancement, and the consequent improvement of his community. He was born in Racine County, Wis., June 11, 1863, a son of Elvirus and Mary Jane (Thomas) Soule. The father was born in New York State in 1830, and the mother in Wales. They were married in Milwaukee, Wis., and until 1880, were farming people of Racine County, but in that year moved to Walworth County. Later they returned to Racine County, and there he died November 14, 1898, but the mother survives, and makes her home in Racine County.

Charles E. Soule attended the public schools of his native county, and Rochester Seminary, and taught school for two years, beginning when twenty-one years old. In the meanwhile he began the study of medicine and entered the college of Physicians & Surgeons of Chicago, from which he was graduated in the class of 1889. Immediately thereafter he began the practice of medicine at Mt. Vernon, Wis., remaining there until in June, 1892, when he took up some post graduate work until February of the following year. He then located at Sheridan, Ill., and remained there until 1902, when he went to Byron, Ill. Two years he left there for Beardstown, where he has since remained. In 1912 he entered into the manufacture of cement posts, with Curtis Logsdon, under the firm name of the Beardstown Cement tile and Post company, and this concern owns its own boats that pump the gravel from the river bottom, as well as large barges for carrying it to the plant.

On January 26, 1885, Dr. Soule was married in Waukesha County, Wis., to Mary Hollister, and she bore him two children, namely: Eula, who is Mrs. Milton Schute, of Beardstown; and Edgar M., of Beardstown. On September 27, 1906, he was married (second) to Nellie C. Spaulding, who is a native of Ogle County, Ill., and a daughter of Simeon S. and Elizabeth (Ellis) Spaulding, a cousin of Albert E. Spaulding of Chicago, the well known maker of sporting goods. Dr. Soule belongs to the Masonic order, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Court of Honor, and the K. L. of H. A Republican in politics, he was elected on that ticket a member of the board of education, and is a man of wide interests and decided ability.