Charles was born in Sydney the second son of Victor Dumas and his wife Frances ; the family moved to Mount Barker in 1854. He was educated at the private school run by his father, then spent a few years in Adelaide to qualify as a Master Printer. In 1872 he purchased Mr. Jolly's printery in Mount Barker, and on 1 October 1880 produced the first issue of the Mount Barker Courier, or to give its full name, The Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser. He supervised the business as the sole proprietor for 54 years, a record rarely equalled in Australian provincial newspapers. He was a member of the South Australian Provincial Press Association, and elected its president in April 1915; he held that position until the time of his death. In 1923 the Provincial Press Cooperative Company of South Australia, which took over the advertising agency of Colonel Hampson, was formed. Dumas was chosen chairman of directors, and retained that position until the time of his death. The Courier remained in his and his family's hands until 1 May 1938, when it was sold to T. H. Monger.
Politics
He became auditor for the District Council of Mount Barker in 1880, and served in that position until 1887. In 1888 he was elected to the council and served as chairman from 1889 to 1892. In 1898 he was elected to the Mount Barker seat in the House of Assembly made vacant by the appointment of Dr. Cockburn as Agent-General. He remained in office for four years.
Other interests
Dumas was heavily involved in local concerns: He was a member of the Mount Barker Agricultural Society and was for several years elected vice-patron, and he was a vice-president and life member. He was a foundation member of the Onkaparinga Racing Club, and never missed a meeting on the course. He was its oldest member, and the last surviving member of the first committee. He was a member of the Mount Barker Institute, a committee member for a number of years, and its president from 1910 to 1912. He followed all manner of sports, and in his later years enjoyed a game of bowls; he played regularly for the Mount Barker Club, and was elected patron in 1934.
Family
He married Amelia Paltridge, eldest daughter of John Paltridge of Mount Barker, on 1 August 1883. Their children were:
