CHARLES W. COOKE  was born in Louisburg, North Carolina on July 2, 1890, according to Social security and 1942 Selective Service records. In 1917 he gave the year 1887 as his date of birth.

When he registered for the draft on June 5, 1917 Charles Cooke was living at 1017 Francis Street in South Camden. The 1920 Census, taken in January, show him living at 1137 South 2nd Street. His neighbors at 1123 South 2nd Street were the Alonzo Cioffi family; granddaughter Rosolia Cioffi would, after graduating from Camden High School, work for many years in Camden as a teacher and school principal.

Charles Cooke was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on November 22, 1920 and reported for duty with Engine Company 1 at 409 Pine Street on January 1, 1921. He spent his entire career as a fire fighter with Engine Company 1. Charles Cooke was one of the original six Black fire fighters, the others being Walter W. Carter, Leroy Hatchett, George Johnson, Roscoe Tribbett and Benjamin Walters. The following year three more were added- Byron Davis, Alfred E. Greene, and Louis Stevens. 

The 1929 Camden City Directory shows Charles Cooke living at 955 South 9th Street. He was living at 1132 Mount Ephraim Avenue by the spring of 1942. Charles Cooke retired after many years of distinguished service in September of 1954. Charles Cooke passed away in December of 1965, survived by his wife, Esther. She was still living at 1132 Mount Ephraim Avenue as late as 1970.