Charles was the son of Joseph Siedler and Charlotte Hildebrand. His mother died shortly after he was born. He and his father then immigrated to New York City in 1842. His father died in 1851, forcing Siedler to find work. He eventually joined the P. Lorillard Tobacco Company in the Bronx. He married Julia T. Franklin and had five children; Ella M., Pierre Lorillard, Julia, Charlotte M. and George J. By 1868, Siedler became a partner of Pierre Lorillard. Shortly after in 1872, the company moved to downtown Jersey City. Later, Siedler became the president of the Bergen Savings Bank in Jersey City.
The Republicans, who needed a candidate, talked Siedler into running for mayor of Jersey City. Siedler was elected as Jersey City's second Republican mayor and served one two-year term.[1] He was dissatisfied with politics and left after his term was served in 1878. Less than two months later, on June 28, 1878, his wife Julia died. On October 28, 1879, Siedler married Grace Syms of Hoboken.