Member

Charles was born at Palmyra, NewYork, July 1, 1862. He received a BS degree from Cornell University in 1886, that same year joining the U.S. Geological Survey as assistant paleontologist. From that grade he advanced steadily to chief geologist in 1912, a position he filled until 1922, and his latest title was that of principal geologist. Charles early work was concerned with the fossil plants from the Cretaceous sediments occurring on the coastal plain from Virginia to Martha’s Vineyard Island, but most of his life’s work was concentrated on the paleobotanic, stratigraphic, and genetic problems connected with the origin and occurrence of coal and petroleum. Numerous papers on these subjects bear witness to his industry and productivity. At the time of his death he was engaged in an extensive study of the coal floras of Illinois and Oklahoma. Charles was honorary curator of fossil plants at the U.S. National Museum; research associate of the Carnegie Institution; and a member of many scientific societies, including the National Academy, American Philosophical Society, Geological Society of America, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Washington Academy of Sciences. He was honored with an ScD degree from the University of Rochester in 1923 and from Williams College in 1925. One of his recent awards was the Walcott Medal in April 1934, for his investigations of primitive life in early geologic strata. Charles was one of the earliest members of the Washington Biologists’ Field Club, being elected in 1901. He served on the board of managers from 1931 until his death. Charles died at his home, 2812 Adams Mill Road, Washington, D.C., on February 7, 1935.