Judge Charles H. Likins grew to manhood in Greene county, Missouri. He received his education in Tennessee, and carried on farming until he was twenty-two years of age, when he learned the hatter's trade under his father, working at the trade for five years. He then bought a mill known as the Harrelson Mill, and milling has been his occupation ever since.

In 1853 William and Charles H. Likins, and Lewis B. Whinrey organized the firm of Likins & Whinrey's Milling Company, built the mill and engaged in the milling business. The firm continued about twelve years, and then Charles H. Likins, son of William, bought out his father in company with Mr. Whinrey, and since that time they have continued the business. The mill has the new roller process, and does a good business manufacturing good flour. This mill was the first in West Centre Township, and the flour was at first bolted by hand. It was the only mill for miles around, there was none at Springfield, and the citizens came from as far west as Kansas before 1856 and afterward. It is one of the oldest mills in Greene County, was rebuilt in 1867, and moved to its present location. The mill prospered, the firm bought land, and now own 819 acres, largely timber land in good condition.

At the beginning of the war Judge Likins opposed secession, and became a pronounced "Union" man. When Gen. Sterling Price occupied Greene county he went to Fort Scott and became a scout for Col. Judson, of the Sixth Kansas, for four months. The next November he volunteered in the regular U. S. service in the 8th Missouri cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Prairie Grove and Little Rock, and in many small skirmishes. He returned to peaceful life in 1866.