Charles Ringling Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Charles Ringling was born on December 2nd, in 1863. He was one among the seven Ringling Brothers that owned the Ringling Bros. Charles mainly dealt with production in the circus company. Employees in the company fell in love with him due to his friendly and caring nature.

Early Life

Charles Edward Ringling alias Charles Ringling was born on December 2nd, in 1863. His birthplace was in McGregor, Iowa. Charles was the fifth born son to August Fredrick Ringling. His mother was called Marie Salomê Juliar.

Career

Charles Ringling's interest in circus began when he was in his late teens. During this period, he honed his juggling skills and also performed a number of skits around his hometown. Later, around 1882, Charles partnered with his other four brothers to come up with a circus company. Two of his brothers played music instruments whereas the other two danced. Together, the group saved money from their early performances. This helped them buy suits, and ultimately they established the Ringling Bros. in 1884.

Rise to Stardom

The Ringling brothers made it their goal to ensure that they flourished. As a result, they assigned each other different tasks within the circus group. Charles Ringling was assigned to handle production activities.

Within a decade of running their business, they had toured across the nation. As such, they earned profound fame. With time, they bought the Barnum & Bailey Circus and ran it as a separate business until 1919. They later merged the business operations to become a single business called Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Charles Ringling relocated and went to live in Sarasota, Florida. Here, he bought vast chants of land and donated some portions to the county. Approximately, Charles was a proud owner of about 52 commercial plots. Similarly, he also had a 33,000-acre ranch.

Personal Life

Charles Ringling wedded Edith Ringling (Edith F. Conway). Together, they built up a gorgeous home in Sarasota Bay where they lived with their daughter called Hester.

Death

Charles Ringling breathed last on December 3rd, in 1926. He was 63 years old when he died.