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In 1896, Charles married Virginia Hobart, a socialite from San Francisco. Despite their nearly 14-year age gap, their union was a perfect match—Virginia was heiress to a vast fortune accumulated through her family’s mining holdings in Nevada’s renowned Conestoga mine, which yielded silver, gold, and timber assets. Her name, Virginia, echoed her connection to the burgeoning city that brought her family's wealth. This marriage endowed Charles with both a charismatic partner and an immense fortune, fueling their dreams of grandeur.