Charles Edward Albrant was born in Dundas, Ontario, in May 1869, the son of Ezra and Susannah (Johnston) Albrant. He came to Bemidji about 1899 and entered the laundry business. He was married to Milla Albrant and raised seven children in early Bemidji. The children were Reta, Lewis, and Vera, who were born in North Dakota; and Gracie, James, Drummond and Myrtie who were born at Bemidji. His daughter Reta graduated from 8th grade on May 29, 1908 along with Bertha Dicaire, Gladys Hazen and Hilda Galchutt.
Albrant Bros purchased the Bemidji Steam Laundry about 1900. As the Bemidji Pioneer reported on June 14, 1900, “The steam laundry has recently been equipped with new and important machinery, making it in every particular a first-class establishment. The proprietors, Albrant Bros., bought this laundry of D. B. Thompson. It had changed hands several times previous, but we believe it is now where it will stay. A good laundry is a necessity to a town’s future. With their new machinery, it will give general satisfaction to their patrons.”
On Jan 1, 1902, Albrant Bros announced that they would no longer run the steam laundry In partnership. Charles E. Albrant assumed sole charge, although his brother assisted as before. The newspaper commented, “This laundry continues to do a big business, and the public would dislike to see either leave town.”
Charles moved to Minneapolis about 1909 and became manager of the Profit Sharing Laundry. Milla moved to Benton in Lake County, Illinois with the children and they divorced. By 1913, Charles moved to St. Paul and continued in the laundry business. By 1920, Charles was president of the Franklin Wet Wash Laundry in St. Paul. By 1927, he had moved to Minneapolis and was secretary of the Minneapolis Laundry Machine Co. In 1957, he was living in Owatonna.