Charles J. Garrett, the popular sheriff of Coffey county, was born on a farm near Burlington, May 10, 1857, the son of William and Frances (Dale) Garrett. His father was born in Miami county, Indiana, where he grew to manhood and secured such education as was to be had on the frontier. He was one of those brave pioneers who came to Kansas early in the territorial period and courageously helped to have the state admitted free from slavery. In 1856 he preëmpted 160 acres of land in Coffey county, cleared it of timber, drained it and soon had a fine farm. During the Civil war he served in the Kansas state militia and took part in the skirmishes incident to the Price raid. Mr. Garrett was industrious, and devoted his time to farming, in which he was successful. He reared a family of six children—five boys and one girl. All were members of the Christian church.

Charles Garrett attended the district school. To secure an education in the early days of Kansas meant privation and hard work, but he was ambitious and improved every educational advantage offered during his school days. After leaving school he engaged in farming and lived in the country until 1900, when he was appointed deputy sheriff of Coffey county. Mr. Garrett has always taken an active part in the political life of the county, is progressive in his ideas and popular among his constituents. In 1906 he was elected sheriff on the Republican ticket and still fills that position of trust in Coffey county. Mr. Garrett is a member of the Triple Tie and the Knights of Pythias. There is no more popular man holding office. He is generous and kindhearted, but does not let his feelings stand in the way of carrying out his duty.

In 1876 Mr. Garrett married Susie, daughter of Jacobson Corbin of Osage county. He was a Virginian by birth but was a Union man in sentiment. Coming to Kansas in 1870, he engaged in farming in Osage county until his death in 1892. Seven children have come to the Garrett home: William; Alfred, the under-sheriff with his father; Edwin, Orville, Erwin, Winifred and Golda. The youngest four are in the high school in Burlington.