Charles F. Chidsey

Charles Francis Chidsey (December 25, 1843 – January 11, 1933) was an American politician who served as the first mayor of Easton, Pennsylvania from 1887 to 1890 and a Pennsylvania State Representative from 1896 to 1898.

Early life and education Chidsey graduated Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania in 1864 and was a veteran of the American Civil War, serving in the Union Army as a private in the 129th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment and as a first lieutenant for the 38th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Emergency Militia.

Post-mayoral career After leaving office Chidsey successfully sought election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1896. He did not seek reelection and his term expired in 1898. He ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the Pennsylvania State Senate in 1906. He unsuccessfully ran for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania in 1910, losing the Republican primary to John Merriman Reynolds. He was elected as one of the first Easton City Commissioners, and held the office from 1913 to 1916, but did not seek reelection.

His last public appearance was in 1931 at a Christmas banquet for Union Army veterans from Easton.

Death Chidsey died shortly after his 89th Birthday on January 11, 1933, and is buried in Easton Cemetery in Easton, Pennsylvania.