Charles Albert Dickson was born on May 17, 1870 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He attended Pittsburgh Central High School prior to matriculating to the University of Pennsylvania in 1889. While at the University of Pennsylvania, Dickson attended courses in Metallurgy and Mining as a Special Student, taking two years to complete three years work by working overtime and on Saturdays. Dickson's extracurricular activities included participation in the Camera Club and the Scientific Club. Following his graduation with a Certificate in Science in 1890, Dickson worked for Marshall Field & Company in Chicago. In 1899, he returned to Pittsburgh to work as an accountant.
From the description of Photographs 1890-1891. (University of Pennsylvania). WorldCat record id: 122410974
