Charles A. Werner
Early Life
Charles Alois Werner was born on August 24, 1886, in Rye, New York, the son of Jacob Werner and Ellen Werner. A lifelong resident of Rye, he grew up as part of a well-established local family and was educated in the town’s schools. His early life reflects a combination of technical skill and professional ambition, as he pursued training both as an undertaker and embalmer and later as an electrical engineer.
By the time of the First World War, Werner had established himself as an electrical contractor, operating his own business in Rye. His background in both technical trades and engineering would prove directly relevant to his military service.
World War I Service
On May 2, 1918, Werner enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve Force at the New York Recruiting Station, entering service as an Electrician Third Class. He underwent training at the Naval Training Camp at Pelham, New York, before being assigned to electrical duties at Bay Park, Long Island, where he served through November 1918.
His specialized role as an electrician placed him within the technical backbone of the Navy, responsible for maintaining electrical systems essential to communications, ship operations, and base infrastructure. Such work was critical to the functioning of modern naval forces, which relied heavily on electrical systems for signaling, navigation, and mechanical operation.
Werner later served in the Naval Auxiliary Reserve, where he advanced to Chief Electrician. His technical expertise led to his appointment as an officer on April 16, 1919, reflecting both skill and leadership within his field. In addition to his stateside service, he is documented as having served as a junior officer aboard the USS Manchuria, a former passenger liner converted for wartime service as a troop transport. Ships such as the Manchuria played a vital role in transporting American troops and supplies across the Atlantic, forming a critical link between the United States and the European theater.
He was discharged on April 16, 1919, at the conclusion of his service. His wartime role reflects the importance of technically skilled personnel in sustaining naval and transport operations during World War I.
Life After Service
Following the war, Werner pursued a varied and distinguished civilian career. He became an agent of the United States Department of Justice, participating in high-profile criminal investigations during the 1920s, including involvement in the pursuit of notable figures of the era. He also served as a bodyguard to President Calvin Coolidge, reflecting a position of significant trust and responsibility.
In 1933, he married Rosa Quinn of Port Chester, and the couple made their home in Rye. He remained active in the community throughout his life, including service in the Rye Fire Department and membership in local civic organizations.
Charles Alois Werner died on December 2, 1941, at the Veterans Hospital in the Bronx, New York, at the age of fifty-six.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Rosa Werner; his sister, Mrs. Harry L. Yost of Rye; and his brothers, Jacob Werner of Port Chester, and Frank and William Werner of Rye.
He was buried in Rye, New York, the community in which he had spent his entire life.