| Charles W. Kingsley | |
| State Assembly: | California |
| District: | 65th |
| Term Start: | January 6, 1913 |
| Term End: | January 4, 1915 |
| Predecessor: | David Wallace Mott |
| Successor: | Peter C. Phillips |
| Birth Name: | Charles William Kingsley |
| Birth Date: | 12 December 1860 |
| Birth Place: | Scotland, U.K. |
| Death Place: | Baldwin Park, California, U.S. |
| Nationality: | British |
| Education: | Common school |
| Occupation: | Machinist, blacksmith |
| Party: | Socialist |
Charles Willaim Kingsley (December 12, 1860 - November 15, 1931) was a Scottish-American machinist, blacksmith and politician who served one term in the California State Assembly for the 65th district from 1913 to 1915.[1] He made history as the first Socialist elected to the California State Legislature.[2]
Kingsley was born in Scotland in 1860, immigrating to California in 1888[3] and becoming a naturalized citizen in 1896.[4] In 1912, he was elected to the California State Assembly's 65th district, representing Los Angeles.[2] While in the Assembly, Kingsley sponsored legislation to establish a universal eight-hour workday.[5]
Kingsley married Lizzie Schneeberger, a Swiss native, in Los Angeles on July 3, 1901.[6] They had three sons, one of whom killed himself at 17.[7]