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Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott
for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/
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History of the Great Lakes
Illustrated, In Two Volumes, Vol. II
Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co., 1899

           [234-237]

                  CAPTAIN CHARLES E. MOTLEY was born in Norwalk, Ohio, May
               4, 1855, and at the age of twelve years he moved with his
               family to Alpena, Michigan.
                  In 1868 he went on the steamer Huron as cabin boy, re-
               mained as such one season only, being made steward in the
               autumn on the same boat. During the winter he obtained his
               education in Alpena, where he returned for several seasons.
               After leaving the Huron he went into the fishing business
               for JOHN PAXTON, at Sugar Island, and remained there six
               seasons. He then engaged in fishing in his own interest for
               some time near Alpena, and afterward took the management of
               three tugs owned by S. H. DAVIS, of Detroit. While on a
               fishing boat at this time he rescued the crew from the
               Sunny Side, and schooner Hinkley, which were wrecked and
               went to pieces soon afterward. This timely assistance was
               the opening event in a life of assisting and rescuing those
               who are in danger on the water. He went into the life-saving
               service on Middle island in 1892, as surfman, and remained
               there one season. For one year he was in charge of the fish-
               ing tugs owned by Averill, of Cleveland, and in April, 1893,
               was appointed keeper of the life-saving station, where he
               has been since that time.
                  CAPTAIN MOTLEY was married July 5, 1884, to MISS ALVINA
               Le GROE, and is the father of three children: CELIA, born
               September 4, 1886; CHARLES, JR., born August 14, 1888; and
               ARTHUR, born January 20, 1898. Special mention is due to
               CHARLES, JR., who showed great bravery in his seventh year
               by saving the life of a smaller lad who had fallen from the
               pier while at play. He jumped in the water, and, holding the
               younger boy's head above the surface, called for help, which
               duly came, both being rescued. A brother of our subject,
               THOMAS MOTLEY, is employed in the marine work at Detroit;
               another brother, EUGENE, is keeper of the crew at Middle
               island; GEORGE served five years in the army, being with
               SHERMAN on the famous march to the sea, and was afterward
               employed in fishing on the lakes. CAPTAIN MOTLEY has proved
               himself worthy of the esteem of the citizens of Cleveland
               and all lakefaring people, and stands high in the confidence
               of his superior officers.

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