Charles E. Trainor, who is now filling the position of tax collector for the county of Sacramento, was born in the capital city, October 1, 1867, and is the second son of Hugh C. and Rose (Toland) Trainor, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ireland. The father was a butcher by trade and in 1850 came to California, making the trip by way of the Isthmus of Panama. Locating in Sacramento he here engaged in the butchering business under the firm name of Green & Trainor, where he remained up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1895. His wife survived him only thirty days. They left a family of five sons: Isaac J., now a member of the Kane & Trainor Ice Company of Sacramento; Frank C., who is a machinist by trade; Alfred T., cashier of the Pacific Mutual Life Assurance Company of Sacramento; and Walter E., who is representing Enis, Brown & Company, commission merchants.

In the public schools of Sacramento and in St. Mathew's Academy, at San Mateo, California, Charles E. Trainor acquired his education, being graduated at the age of sixteen years. Returning to his native city he entered upon his business career as an employe in the registry department of the postoffice, and after two years' service secured a position with Holbrook, Merrill & Stetson at Sacramento, filling that place for thre years. In the spring of 1888 he went to the state of Sinola, Mexico, where he devoted his time and energies to mining for three years, and on the expiration of that period he returned to Sacramento, where he entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, in the office of the chief clerk. In 1894 he was appointed to the position of stamp clerk in the postoffice under W. S. Leake, and held that place for six years, until 1900. His next business connection was with the Sperry Flour Company, of Sacramento, which he represented as solicitor until entering upon the duties of his present position, having been elected tax collector in the fall of 1902 for a term of four years, so that he is now discharging the duties of the office. His course is one which reflects credit upon himself and gives satisfaction to his constituents, for he is methodical and systematic in his work and accounts, and thus shows that he is well qualified for the tasks which devolve upon him. His political affiliation is with the Democracy, and fraternally he is associated with the Elks.

Source: History of the New California Its Resources and People, Volume I

The Lewis Publishing Company - 1905
Edited by Leigh H. Irvine