Charles Darwin Bingham was born in Carthage, April 5, 1846 the oldest of the seven children of Rev. Isaac S. and Jane Mills Bingham. He was educated first in local schools and then at the Falley Seminary and Rome Academy. After completing his schooling he worked for the Northern Christian Advocate newspaper, of which his father was editor. He enlisted during the Civil War and served with the Third N.Y. Light Artillery until the end of the war.
A progressive businessman, he held positions in wholesale hardware and grocery stores, served as secretary and treasurer of the Eames Vacuum Co., and bookkeeper with Sun Insurance Co. and Bagley & Sewall Co. He formed his own business under the firm name of Sterling & Bingham.
He served as a Commissioner on the Board of Public Safety.
In November of 1903, Mr. Bingham was elected Mayor of Watertown over his Democratic opponent, F.D. Roth, by 173 votes. He served as Mayor for two years.
He was a thirty-third degree Mason.
He married Sophie Button in 1868 and the couple had five daughters, none of whom married: Jennie G., Ann T., Alice E., Marguerite M. and Josephine M. Bingham.
Mr. Bingham died at his home on Keyes Avenue in the City of Watertown on April 28, 1932, at the age of 86. Mr. Bingham’s wife passed away three weeks later and, when news of her mother’s passing reached their daughter - Dr. Anne Tefft of New York City - she too passed away, seven hours later. He is buried at Brookside Cemetery.
