Charles H. Kohlrausch (1848-1912) by Margaret Ingraham and Alec Ingraham

Charles H. Kohlrausch, although born in Lowell, became a true son of Billerica and one of the town’s most loved and respected citizens. His 1903 memoir on growing up in North Billerica has preserved valuable history which would have otherwise been lost.

For many years Mr. Kohlrausch was president of Talbot Dyewood and Chemical Works and manager of the plant in North Billerica. He was the founder and a charter member of the Thomas Talbot Lodge.

Charles Kohlrausch served Billerica in various capacities acting on practically every important town committee at some time during his life. Though serving the town in numerous positions, he was best known in the capacity of moderator of the town meetings. During the fifteen years Mr. Kohlrausch held this position he gained the reputation of being one of the best parliamentarians in the county of Middlesex.

In addition to the North Billerica playground which was a gift to the town by his wife, he is memorialized by the fine clock in the Selectmen’s meeting room and by the fountain on the River Street Common.

“In the death of Charles H. Kohlrausch, the town of Billerica has lost one of its foremost and most valued citizens, a man of high ideals, whose good traits and qualities will live long and be remembered for years to come by those who knew him.” Quote from April 1912 Obituary Article.

This article was extracted from the Spring 2000 edition of The Yankee Doodle Times, newsletter of the Billerica Historical Society.