From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, 
publ. 1912, Page 1427-1428
 
CHARLES B. WILMER.  We should indeed be proud of the fact that there is no 
limit in this country to which natural ability, industry and honesty may not 
aspire.  One born in the most unpromising surroundings and reared in the most 
adverse environment may nevertheless break from his fetters and rise to the 
highest station in the land, and the qualities do not have to be of 
transcendent character to enable him to accomplish this result.  It is more 
the way he does it and his skill in grasping the opportunities presented than 
to any remarkable qualities possessed by him.  Accordingly it is found that 
very often in this country the chief executive of the nation or state and 
other high public officials possess no greater ability than thousands of 
others.  They have simply taken better advantage of their opportunities than 
their fellows.  And this truth runs through every occupation.  The business 
man rises above his competitors merely by taking advantage of conditions which 
others overlook or fail to grasp.  The family represented by the subject of 
this sketch has always been classed with the best and thriftiest of the 
county.
 
Charles B. WILMER, member of the popular and well known firm of WILMER 
Brothers, merchants, of East Troy, was born in Walworth county, Wisconsin, on 
April 11, 1869.  He is the son of August WILMER and wife, an old and highly 
respected family of the eastern part of the county.
 
The subject was reared to manhood here and he received his education in the 
public schools of the town of East Troy.  He began his business career as 
clerk for the firm of WILMER Brothers, and, learning the ins and outs of the 
business, he became a member of the firm in 1895, the name now being WILMER 
Brothers & Company.  They have a large, well arranged and attractive store in 
East Troy and always carry a splendid, carefully selected and up-to-date stock 
of goods.
 
Mr. WILMER was married in 1895 to Nellie O'Leary, who was born in Hartford, 
Wisconsin, in 1872, and to this union one daughter has been born, Charlotte, 
whose birth occurred on September 8, 1909.
 
Politically, Mr. WILMER is a Democrat, but he has never been an aspirant for 
office.  He is a member of the Catholic church.
 
Submitted by Carol