CAPT. CHARLES E. COKER

He Joined the Marine Society Nov. 29, I860. Vice President from Nov. 24, 1892 to Nov. 28, 1895. President from Nov. 28, 1895 to Nov. 26, 1896


Capt. Charles Coker commenced his sea life in the employ of the late Robert Bayley & Sons of Newburyport and later in life commanded three vessels owned by them. During the civil war he was employed by the U. S. government in transporting war materials to the department of the south, on one trip was fired upon by the fleet blockading Charlestown, S. C, supposing his vessel to be a blockade runner. While the U. S. troops occupied St. Helena Island, S. C, Capt. Coker was appointed harbor master. He was
present with his vessel at the capture of Fort Pulaski by U. S. troops and assisted with his boats crew in saving the wounded. After the attack on Dafuskie Islands, for some months, Capt. Coker was engaged in carrying supplies to General McClellan's army on the York and James rivers, Va. Coming north after the war he built the brig Isis in Newburyport, in 1865, making many voyages in her to different ports. Capt. Coker was the first to move in petitioning the government for a light ship at Cape Hatteras shoals, and was at the entire expense in printing blanks, traveling in many places in and as far south as Texas. The petition was presented to Congress in January, 1883,
at the forty-seventh Congress in both houses, but the appropriation was not immediately made, but was abundant when available by the lighthouse department, and for years navigation has been benefitted by the establishing of the light ship at that most dangerous point where formerly many lives and much valuable property have been lost. In 1875 Capt. Coker built and commanded the brig of the John C. Noyes. In 1879 he carried a cargo of army wagons and supplies to the scene of conflict during the Zulu war in South Africa. (After several voyages to various ports, he retired from the sea in 1887.

Was not sure where to post this. So being a Sea Captain. I post it here.

Hi John

The only Coker I can find on the medal rolls is Midshipman Lewis Cadwallader Coker, who died at Eshowe on 16th March 1879.

hi 1879Graves.
Capt Coker more than likely wasnt in the Royal Navy , possibly a ships Capt under contract from the British Govt to run
supplies to Sth.Africa ? . Hope that makes sense .
cheers 90th.