Charles H. Ealy

Charles Hodge Ealy (January 25, 1884 – November 8, 1947) was an American lawyer and politician who served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1927 to 1944 and as Senate president pro tempore from 1941 through 1944. A conservative Republican, Ealy represented Pennsylvania's 36th District, which then comprised Bedford, Fulton, and Somerset counties.

Early life and education Ealy was born in the borough of Schellsburg in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, to parents Taylor Filmore Ealy, a physician, and Mary (Ramsey) Ealy. His parents worked as Presbyterian medical missionaries to the Zuni people in the Southwestern United States. Ealy attended Pittsburgh's Bedford Academy and went on to receive his BA and MA degrees from Bucknell University and his LLB from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He was admitted to the Somerset County bar in 1908.

Career and conservatism Ealy established a private law practice in Somerset and tried cases before state appellate courts, district courts, and the US Supreme Court. From 1916 to 1919, he served as Somerset County solicitor. He died from a heart attack at his Somerset home within a year of his retirement.