Charles Ellery Covell was born April 25, 1845 in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, one of 12 children of Calvin T. and Elizabeth (nee Coleman) Covell. He worked on his family farm. In January 1863 at the age of 18, he came to Whitehall, where he joined his brothers: Andrew, who came in 1856, and Lyman in 1859.
He began working for Messrs C. C. Thompson and A. J. Covell’s mill. Afterwards he worked for Joseph Hinchman & A. J. Covell.
His first business venture was in 1872, when he entered a partnership with his brother A. J. Covell as owner of a sawmill. The partnership existed until A. J.’s death in 1886. M. B. Covell entered the firm in 1891 and it then became known as C. E. & M. B. Covell mill, continuing until 1924.
With hard work and frugality, he worked until he became a successful businessman. He was part of the White Lake Transportation Co. along with his brothers A. J., M. B., and Capt. Peter D. Campbell.
C. E. Covell was township treasurer for six years, supervisor six years, member of the village school board 33 years, chairman of the county board of supervisors one year, county road commissioner three years and village treasurer for several years.
Charles married Jessie Hedges in Whitehall Jan. 27, 1877. They had five children: Calvin T. (1879-1894); Guy S. (1881-1952); Blanche (1884-1955); Bessie (1886-1985) and Dora (1891-1982).
Charles Covell died at his home in Whitehall Oct. 25, 1924. His wife Jessie died Feb. 11, 1938. They are both buried in Oakhurst Cemetery.
