Charles A. Reiff was the fourth of six children born to George R. Reiff and Catherine Reiff, both longtime residents of Montgomery County. Just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, Charles was in his early twenties, living in Norristown and was employed as a local Clerk After the attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861, President Lincoln asked for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion. Charles quickly enlisted in April 1861 with the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment as a private in Company B.

The 4th Pennsylvania Regiment was mustered into service for a three month term of service. Charles was still with the 4th Pennsylvania when the regiment’s enlistment expired on July 20, 1861, just one day prior to The First Battle of Bull Run. The regiment was sent home the morning of the battle since the men could not agree on whether to stay or go home. However, Charles passed away soon thereafter on January 5, 1862 from unknown causes. He is now buried in the Montgomery Cemetery near his parents and many other members of his family.