Charles D. Gaither

Charles D. Gaither (November 27, 1860 – March 29, 1947) was a United States Army officer and police commissioner. He was active in the Maryland Army National Guard in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and in the Baltimore Police Department in the 1920s and 1930s. He served in the Spanish–American War and World War I.

Early life Charles D. Gaither was born on November 27 (or 20 ), 1860, in Howard County, Maryland, to Rebecca Hanson (née Dorsey) and George Riggs Gaither. He was born on the family's Oakland Manor farm two miles south of Ellicott City. His father was an officer who served the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War and the U.S. afterward. When he was a young man, Maryland saw some riots serious enough that the Fifth and Sixth Infantry regiments were called in to help. Gaither observed their actions, and it influenced his decision-making when he later served on the Baltimore police department.

Career Gaither entered his father's regiment, the 5th Regiment of the Maryland Army National Guard, as a private. He was present at Camden Station during the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. He became colonel of the regiment in 1887 and retained that command until 1896. He initially retired in 1890, but was called back into service in 1896 as a captain. He participated in the Spanish–American War, initially stationed in Tampa, Florida. the longest tenure of anyone holding the position. He was replaced as commissioner by William P. Lawson. Observers commented positively on his leadership in this position. Following his retirement, Gaither managed his real estate interests in Baltimore and his farm in Howard County.

Personal life Gaither was married three times. He married Alice Stockton Williams, but the marriage ended in divorce. He then married the divorced wife of his brother John Gaither. His second wife died. He married Marie L. Towson in 1919. He had two daughters.