Born 1832 in Newcastle-on-Tyne, James Charlton was reared where steam railway traditions were coined, as George Stephenson the great inventor originated there, shops for the manufacture of the first locomotives were located in Newcastle and the old town became an important railway centre. Then was created a new motive for boyhood dreams and the power and fascination of engines and trains focussed the attention of many men noted later. In 1845, when thirteen, young Charlton engaged with the Newcastle & Carlisle Railway and from that time ideas of serious business and the elements of a splendid character began to mature and array themselves as convictions. In twelve years he rose by sheer ability from the threshold to the position of chief clerk and cashier in a period when meteoric promotions in staid old England were most uncommon and following the example of Joseph Hickson, afterwards (Sir Joseph), and W. K. Muir, from the same neighborhood, he answered in 1852 the call of the west, entering the audit office of the Great Western Railway of Canada at Hamilton, Ont., during the regime of Messrs. Brydges, Reynolds and Swinyard. Mathematically alert, his penchant for details won for him the title of General Auditor and to these duties were soon added those of the General Passenger and Ticket Agent of the line. He was extremely particular as to uniform business methods and required from his staff strict conformity with this rule in the handling of correspondence, files and care of papers. He would not tolerate litter nor unanswered communications, but insisted on a prompt or tentative reply to letters and telegrams the day they were received. If it were not possible to make a definite reply to a communication the writer was unfailingly informed of the receipt of his letter which would be given immediate and further attention. While in Canada, Mr. Charlton made many acquaintances and some intimate friendships that were not interrupted during the balance of his life. He unconsciously attracted younger men, compelling their respect and in commercial circles was classed as one of the young country’s early railway pioneers.