After serving in the war, Charles and a partner formed the Kent Rock Glass Company, which was successful for 20 years, until competitors with access to newly available natural gas were able to underbid companies like his that relied specifically on coal.
After serving in the war, Charles, his brother Edward, and Edward L. Day formed the Day & Williams Glass Company (aka Day, Williams & Co. and Kent Rock Glass Company). The company was successful from 1865 to 1887, when competitors with access to newly available natural gas were able to underbid companies like his that relied specifically on coal.