charles m. goethe was born on march 28, 1875 in sacramento california. he pronounced his last name as gay-tee. goethe's grandparents had immigrated to california from germany in the 1870s. charles’ father was interested in agriculture and wild life. both men also pursued careers in real estate as charles made most of his money as a real estate broker. charles had passed the bar exam but did not pursue a career in law.