Charles William Needles was born in 1847 in Urbana, Ohio and was destined to be a soldier. He enlisted and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army three times, the first discharge taking place because of Needles’s young age. By 1863, at the age of 16 Needles had re-enlisted legally and made a name for himself in the 184th Regiment, Ohio Infantry.

He also received a shoulder wound during the Battle of Lookout Mountain for his efforts. After the Civil War, Needles continued in the 6th U.S. Infantry, which accompanied the 7th Calvary Regiment ahead of the Battle of Little Big Horn.

After retiring from the Army at the age of 22, Needles continued to serve his country as a pony express rider covering a 689-mile route from Port Gibson, MS to Wichita, KS. This career only lasted six months due to a thigh injury from an arrow.

After his thigh injury, he settled in Springfield and and worked as a blacksmith, school custodian and janitor for the I.O.O.F. home until he retired. He was an active member of several military associations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Keifer Camp, I.O.O.F. and was a charter member of the Last Man’s Club, a fraternal organization of 100 veterans. Charles Needles served for many years as grand marshal of the Memorial Day Parade in Springfield, Ohio as well.

At the time of his death at age 96, on September 15, 1944, Charles W. Needles was still being of service, having been elected senior vice commander of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Department of Ohio. He was the last member of the GAR in Clark County, and last surviving Civil War veteran. For this distinction, Capt. Needles was honored by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War with a bronze plaque located at his grave to recognize his great accomplishments.

Captain Needles is interred in section N of Ferncliff Cemetery.