Charles
E. James
Charles E. James, whose name figures largely and prominently in the business
interests of Chattanooga, is a native of East Tennessee, born at Blountville,
near the Virginia State line, December 12, 1851. When but five years of age his
parents removed to Chattanooga, and he was here reared and educated. In 1870 he
embarked actively in business pursuits in the iron brokerage business, at which
he continued until the year 1877, when he removed to the city of Montgomery,
Ala., there assisting in the construction of the water works of that place. The
year following he returned to Chattanooga, and established his present extensive
business in iron and railway supplies, which is mentioned more fully in the
history of the present business interests of Chattanooga in another part of this
volume. He assisted in the organization of the Chattanooga Gas Light Company, of
which he was the efficient superintendent five years. He was also one of the
principal movers in the establishment of the Union Railway Company, of
Chattanooga, of which he is now president. Mr. James is a Democrat in politics;
is a Knight Templar in Masonry, and is the father of one son by his marriage
with Miss Kate R. Webster, to whom he was wedded in November, 1876. He is the
son of Jesse J. and Sarah M. (Vincent) James.
"Goodspeed's History of East Tennessee, Hamilton County." 1887