Charles Averill Barlow

Populist Representative of California's 6th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

March 17, 1858 (69 years old)

Birthday

October 3, 1927

Death

Was a farmer, businessman, and politician
Served as a member of the California State Assembly and the U.S. House of Representatives
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to Ventura, California with his family
Worked as a harness maker and farm laborer before becoming a businessman
Invested in various ventures including a harness making business and a fruit drying and shipping business
Co-founded a weekly newspaper, the Reasoner, in San Luis Obispo and became involved in reform causes like the Free Silver movement
Elected to the California State Assembly as a Populist and served one term
Served as chairman of the People’s Party state convention
Served one term in the U.S. Congress from 1897 to 1899
After politics, focused on business in Bakersfield, becoming a major shareholder in the Security Trust Company and engaging in land and oil ventures
Served as president of the Kern County Board of Trade and was active in civic organizations
Joined the Democratic Party after the Populist movement ended and served as a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1912 and 1920
Married twice, first to Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDonnell and after her death to Julia Lillis Caldwell, with whom he adopted a daughter
Died in Bakersfield, California, and is interred at Union Cemetery in Bakersfield