Col. Charles J. Tinkham (1825-1891)

Image of Col. Tinkham in an article from The Homer Enterprise on August 20, 1885 announcing him as postmaster. 

Illustration of Col. C. J. Tinkham's residence from the 1863 Bowman map.

Col. Charles J. Tinkham graduated from West Point Military School in 1849. He was a civil engineer employed by the government in Chicago until 1858 when he moved to Champaign County to survey the land. 

As the Civil War broke out, Tinkham helped Captain Charles A. Summers raise a company of men from Champaign County for service in the fight. These men departed with Summers, and Tinkham immediately raised another company, which he led and left for service. The group became Company F of the 26th Illinois Infantry and Tinkham was the Lieutenant Colonel. 

In a chaotic battle in Farmington, Mississippi, Tinkham led his soldiers to cover the retreat of the main army across the swamp. His company had to change the front three times in this skirmish, all led by Tinkham. Though wounded, he was able to lead his troops with discipline successfully. 

He resigned from the military on October 7, 1861, citing poor health, and returned to Champaign County. He owned and operated a hardware business that did well. He became postmaster of Homer in August of 1885.