Charles K. Landis was born in Philadelphia to Michael and Mary Landis, passed the bar exam at age 19, and began practicing law. He developed a growing interest in land development and founded the town of Colville, now called Elwood. With Philadelphia banker Richard Byrnes, he helped develop the existing town of Hammondtown into the city of Hammonton. He later purchased land from Richard Wood and founded the city of Vineland in 1861. Initially, Vineland covered one square mile, bordered by East Avenue, West Avenue, Park Avenue, and Chestnut Avenue. Over time, Vineland expanded and East Vineland was also created. The city of Vineland was incorporated when Landis Township, the original square mile, joined the surrounding area of Vineland in 1952. In 1867, Landis also created Landisville, and in 1882 he purchased property on Ludlam Island and created Sea Isle. In 1868, Landis married Clara Meade, and they had four children: Henry Meigs, Charles K. Jr., Richard W.M., and James Montevert. Clara left Charles while she was in Italy in 1874. She initially won custody of their four children, but they had to return to their father when they turned seven. In March 1875, Uri Carruth wrote a scandalous article about Clara Landis, and Charles Landis approached Carruth and shot him in the head. Uri died in October, and Charles was charged with murder, but he was found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity. This event, along with Clara's divorce and the long custody battle that followed, changed Charles Landis. He suffered a stroke in 1895 and another in 1900, which caused his death at age 67. He is buried with his sister Matilda, his parents, his son Charles K. Jr. and his wife Mary, his granddaughter Mary, his first son Henry, and two unmarked graves, Charles K. III and Robert Landis; Alfred is buried in England.