Charles Henry Coleman was born October 4, 1897 in Norfolk, Virginia to Maggie Coleman and Joseph Coleman. His father worked as a grocery stocker and his mother worked as a domestic worker. His family lived 807 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia. He was a member of the historic Saint Johns African Methodist Church located on 545 East Bute Street. Coleman worked as a bellboy after grammar school before joining the military. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve out of Norfolk on December 12, 1917. Coleman served as a mess attendant during his two-year enlistment. He was discharged from the Navy Reserve on January 10, 1919 at Naval Base, Norfolk. After his years in the military he worked as a porter for a clothing store in Norfolk.

Charles Henry Coleman passed on August 7, 1980 at the age of eighty-two. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia.

 

 

Sources:

“Charles Henry Coleman,” World War I History Commission Questionnaires, Library of Virginia.

Death Certificate for Charles Henry Coleman, August 20 1980, File No. 80-024925 Department of Health-Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, Richmond, VA.

United States Census, 1910-1940

 

 

David Malone is a history major at Norfolk State University.