Charles Morse was born on November 22, 1837 in Ohio to Asahel Morse and Jane (Millet) Morse. As of 1860 he was living with his family in Stockton, Jo Daviess, Illinois. In 1861 he was married to Mary St. John. They had four children: Maud Evelyn Veronica (March 9, 1861), Cassius (1862), Mabel (1868), and Nellie (1873). Charles died on July 13, 1905 in Jo Daviess County. He was buried at Morseville Cemetery in Jo Daviess.