Capt. James H. Charles, keeper of the Orleans Station, was born in
Dennis in 1857, and has been in the life-saving service for fifteen
years, six as a surfman and nine as keeper. His whole term of service
has been at the Orleans Station.
[Illustration: CAPT. JAMES H. CHARLES, KEEPER OF ORLEANS STATION.]
His father was a well-known sea captain, and Captain Charles took
naturally to the life of a sailor. When a young man his family moved to
the far West.
Captain Charles remained in the West but a short time, returning to
Cape Cod and engaging in boating and fishing along its shores. Later
he joined the fleet of cod fishermen, and went to the Grand Banks as a
skipper. After a few years as skipper of a “grand banker,” he returned
to the West, taking up a government grant of land. He remained in the
West but a year, returning to Cape Cod, and again joining the fishing
fleet. After several seasons with the fishing fleet, he entered the
life-saving service, being assigned to the Orleans Station under Capt.
Marcus Pierce. As a surfman, under the veteran Captain Pierce, Captain
Charles displayed exceptional ability as a boatman and life saver.
The training he received with Captain Pierce soon fitted him for the
position to which he was subsequently promoted, keeper of the station,
succeeding Captain Pierce. Since he has had charge of the station, a
high standard of efficiency has always been maintained, and the daring
rescues which the crew of his station has performed testifies to their
efficiency, fearlessness, and skill. Captain Charles married Lizzie
Hurd, and is the father of three daughters and one son.