Charles Spath was born November 11, 1906, in Manhattan, New York, the son of Phillip and Katherine "Katie" (Kelly) Spath. Charles had six brothers and sisters: Mary, just one year older, brother Christian called "Christie" born December 26, 1907, Walter born in 1910, twins Helen and John born March 22, 1912, and Anna Marie "Annie" born August 10, 1914.
In 1910 the family was living on Jefferson Street in Hoboken, New Jersey, where Phillip supported his growing family as a "candy maker." Katherine was then described as the mother of five children, with only four living, so like so many other families of this era, they lost at least one child.
In 1915 the family was living on 37th Street in New York City; and their father, Phillip was working as a longshoreman. With seven children in eight years, this was a huge burden for mother Katherine when Phillip died, in either late 1915 or early 1916. A 1916 city directory shows Katherine still living on 37th Street, listed as the "widow" of Phillip Spath. At least four of the children: Charles, Mary, Walter and John, spent some time around 1920 in the St. Joseph's Home for Children in Cortlandt, New York.
By 1925 most of the family, Katherine and five of the children, were re-united, living on 45th Street in New York City. Sister Mary worked in a factory, and Charles in a piano factory, proving the support for the family.
Charles Spath died October 9, 1992, at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. He is buried on Hart Island.
Sources: NY, NY, Birth Index, 1878-1909; NJ, Births and Christenings Index, 1660-1931; U.S. Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014; www.findagrave; 1915 and 1925 NY, State Censuses; 1910 and 1920 U.S. Federal Censuses; U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995.