Charles H. Cole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles H. Cole
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Cole in uniform, May 1918
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| Adjutant General of Massachusetts | |
| In office 1936–1939 |
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| Preceded by | William I. Rose |
| Succeeded by | Edgar C. Erickson |
| In office 1914–1916 |
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| Preceded by | Gardner W. Pearson |
| Succeeded by | Gardner W. Pearson |
| Boston Fire Commissioner | |
| In office 1912–1914 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Dudley Daly |
| Succeeded by | John Grady |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 30, 1871 South Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | November 13, 1952 (aged 81) Chelsea, Massachusetts |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Grace F. Blanchard (1910–1949; her death) |
| Awards | Croix de Guerre |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | Massachusetts Volunteer Militia |
| Years of service | 1890–1916 1917–1938 |
| Rank |  General |
Charles Henry Cole (born October 30, 1871 – died November 13, 1952) was an important American leader. He worked in both the military and government. He was in charge of the Boston police and fire departments. He also served as the top military officer for Massachusetts, called the Adjutant General. During World War I, he led a large group of soldiers. Later, in 1928, he ran for Governor of Massachusetts.
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Early Life and Military Start
Charles H. Cole was born in South Boston, Massachusetts, in 1871. His father, Charles H. Cole Sr., was a well-known financial leader in Boston. Charles went to The English High School.
When he was 19, in 1890, Charles joined the 1st Corps of Cadets. This was a part of the military. He worked his way up through different ranks. By 1900, he became a second lieutenant. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1901. In 1904, he was the captain of a special rifle team. This team competed in a national shooting contest.
Charles Cole was also active in politics. He was a member of the Massachusetts Democratic Party. In 1904, he led a committee for the Democratic Club of Massachusetts. The next year, the governor appointed him to a military role. He became the inspector general for rifle practice. This was for the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.
Besides his public service, Cole also worked in business. He managed and directed several mining companies. He also had his own real estate and brokerage business.
Serving Boston: Police and Fire Commissioner
In 1905, Charles Cole became the chairman of the Boston Police Commission. This group was in charge of the city's police department. He started this job on May 1, 1905. However, the system changed in 1906. A single commissioner took over, and Cole's time on the board ended.
In 1910, Charles Cole married Grace F. Blanchard. That same year, he was promoted to major in the Massachusetts Militia.
In 1912, Boston's mayor asked Cole to become the Fire Commissioner. This meant he would lead the Boston Fire Department. He started this new role on February 12, 1912. During his time, he helped the department get more modern fire trucks. He also led the National Fire Protection Association. He left this job in 1914. This allowed the new mayor to choose his own fire commissioner.
Leading the Massachusetts Militia
On May 26, 1914, Governor David I. Walsh chose Charles Cole for a very important job. He became the Adjutant General of Massachusetts. This role made him the state's top military officer. He kept this job even when a new governor took office.
In June 1916, Cole led the Massachusetts Militia. They were sent to the Mexican border. This was during a time of conflict. Cole worked very hard during this period. He often went days with very little sleep. On August 2, 1916, he retired from the Militia. He held the rank of brigadier general.
After leaving his military role, Cole decided to run for governor. He wanted to be the Democratic candidate for Governor of Massachusetts. However, he did not win the party's nomination that year.
Charles Cole in World War I
When the United States joined World War I, Charles Cole returned to military service. He joined the U.S. Army as a private. Just one day later, he was promoted to captain. He quickly rose through the ranks again. By August 1917, he was a brigadier general once more.
He commanded the 52nd Infantry Brigade. This brigade was part of the 26th Infantry Division. Cole and his troops fought in major battles. These included the battles of Chateau-Thierry, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne.
At one point, he was briefly removed from his command. However, General John J. Pershing reviewed his case. General Pershing decided that Cole should return to lead his brigade.
The fighting in World War I ended on November 11, 1918. Cole left France in March 1919. He returned to Boston and helped with celebrations. These celebrations welcomed home the soldiers of the 26th Division.
Later Public Service
After the war, Charles Cole continued his involvement in politics. He was a delegate for Massachusetts at the Democratic National Conventions. These were held in 1924 and 1928.
In 1928, Cole was the Democratic candidate for governor of Massachusetts. He ran against the Republican candidate, Frank G. Allen. Cole lost the election by a very small margin. After this, he was appointed as a trustee for the Boston Elevated Railway. This was a public transportation system.
He was a delegate again at the Democratic Convention in 1932. In 1934, he ran for governor one more time. However, he lost in the Democratic primary election.
In 1934, Cole was offered a job as Public Safety Commissioner. He turned it down because it was a full-time position. Instead, he accepted a role as chairman of the state racing commission. He resigned from this commission in 1935. This was due to a disagreement with the governor about appointments.
On November 18, 1936, Charles Cole was appointed Adjutant General again. He served in this role from 1937 to 1939. During this time, he was also the state's chief of staff. In 1938, he was appointed to the State Commission on Labor and Industries. He continued to serve on this commission for many years. In 1947, he decided not to seek reappointment.
Charles Cole passed away on November 13, 1952. His wife had died before him. He was buried in Hingham Cemetery.
