Charles John Feraud was born on April 3, 1890, in Ventura to Julius and Frances Yáñez Feraud. Julius immigrated from France and Frances was Mexican-American. They had 6 children, including Charles. Their other children were Anselmo (1883–1917), Frank (1886–1962), Ernest (1892–1966), Antonio (1898–1960), and Nettie (1900–1970).

When Julius first arrived in Ventura in 1875 he entered into a partnership and operated a bakery on Main Street. After buying out his partner around 1890, he moved to the corner of Main and Ventura Avenue and opened his own bakery. The store became the Feraud General Merchandise Store and Feraud Bakery in what is now known as the 1903 Building. The brick building replaced the previous wood-frame structure in 1903 and was constructed during Ventura’s second land boom (1887-1905) in the wake of the Southern Pacific Railroad line being extended to the seaside town. The building was designated Historic Landmark Number 35 by Ventura's City Council in 1978 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

Julius expanded his business to include not only baked goods, but groceries and feed. The family operated their store out of this building until 1944. When Julius retired in the 1920s, Frank took over operating the store. After 1944 the 1903 Building hosted an automotive center. Since then, the property has been divided and has housed several businesses, including bars, a barbershop owned by Phillip E. Marquez, and a soap and bath store. It currently is home to Paddy’s Bar and Lounge. In the 1920s Frank partnered with Rosa Ramirez to sell her homemade enchilada sauce and opened the Ramirez and Feraud Chile Company. The company evolved into Las Palmas and offered a number of canned Mexican foods and sauces.

Charles worked in the family store, but was also employed as an oil worker and water well contractor at various times. He also was a manager or owner of various restaurants, including the Owl Tavern, Buckhorn Billiard Parlor, Charlie's Chili Joint, Charlie's Steak House, and the Devil's Inn. The latter was established in Ojai and was led to Charles facing charges of "operating a disorderly establishment" in 1934. He served in the Navy during World War II. He married Franchesca and the couple had two children, Francis “Panchita” and Jules. Charles passed on July 26, 1953 at the age of 63. He is buried at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.