Charles Deacon (1866 – 1934) was the first superintendent to serve the Home over an extended time – from 1898 – 1913. Born in Indiana and raised in Arkansas from the age of 9. He learned the printing trade in Arkansas and started his apprenticeship on the Little Rock Gazette before moving to Chicago in 1886 to finish his apprenticeship and enter the trade. It was there that he met Margaret “Maggie” Gillen, the daughter of Irish immigrants, whom he married in 1888. They had two children together that survived past infancy – Henrietta (named for Charles’ mother, born in 1889) and Proctor (born 1897). Henrietta and Proctor practically grew up at the Union Printers Home, and both participated in numerous musical performances for the residents, Henrietta singing and Proctor playing the piano. In fact, Proctor became a professional musician when he grew up!
Charles was described as an “honest, faithful, and conscientious worker” and a “courteous, pleasant fellow.” He was deeply well-liked at the Home, and he oversaw much of the significant early growth to the Home, from the addition of the Superintendent’s Cottage, the Library Wing, the Pavilion, and the TB tents during his tenure. His departure from the Home in 1913 due to Margaret’s failing health was met with great sadness. After leaving the Home, the Deacons moved to California for a time, where they owned a restaurant called Deacon’s Cafe. They then moved back to Chicago, where Margaret died in 1920. Charles worked there in sales of printing equipment. Five years after Maggie’s death, Charles re-married Clara Humphrey, who he remained with until his death in 1934.