From: History of Illinois and Her People
by Professor George W. Smith, M. A.; pub. 1927; Vol. VI, p.218

Charles P. Witters

Charles P. Witters, president of the First National Bank of Norris City, is a businessman and citizen worthy of trust and respect and trusted accordingly.  His career reflects that ability to rise above circumstances and disadvantages which is one of the best elements of character as well as material success.

He was born on a farm in Lawrence County, Illinois, April 5, 1864.  His father, William Witters, a native of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry, came to Illinois at the age of twenty-one.  In Illinois he married Lavina (Barham) Sumner, widow of Samuel Sumner.  Her people had come to Illinois from the Carolinas.  In 1876 William Witters moved to Hamilton County, Illinois, where he died in 1896, at the age of seventy-six.  His wife passed away in 1903, aged seventy-four.  William Witters was a farmer and carpenter, a republican in politics and a member of the United Brethren Church.  They reared a family of four sons and four daughters.

Charles P. Witters was member of a household that grew up in self respecting poverty.  He had the discipline of hard work rather than the opportunity to attend country school, having attended not more than a few months a year.  The most of his education has been gained in the school of experience.  His early lack of advantages made an impression on him so that in his mature years and with increasing material success he has done his utmost to assist a younger generation to better opportunities than he had.  For twenty years he has been a faithful worker for the cause of popular education, serving as president of school board of Norris City.  After reaching manhood he engaged in farming on his own account, but without capital.  He continued farming until 1898, when he removed to Norris City.  His ambition from early boyhood was for a career as a miller and grain merchant.  On leaving the farm he began dealing in grain, and for twenty-five years was a leader in that line of business.

Mr. Witters upon the organization of the First National Bank of Norris City in 1905 became its vice president and since 1914 has served as president.  He is a republican, is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, attends the Methodist Church, and has always been generous in support of churches.

He married, in 1890, Miss Ada Mellon, a native of Hamilton County, Illinois.   Two children were born to their marriage, namely, Ross E., who died aged eighteen years, and Merrell E., who died aged twenty-two years.  They reared an adopted daughter, Ruth, now the wife of Donald Ogden, assistant cashier of the First National Bank.