Charles A. Roode’s ascent within Williams County’s banking sector is a compelling narrative of ambition and expertise. Born in 1887 near West Unity, Ohio, Roode has journeyed from a farm boy to the esteemed position of cashier at the Farmers and Merchants State Savings Bank in Montpelier. His career, marked by a keen analytical mind and a natural inclination towards finance, showcases his significant impact on the bank’s success and his community’s economic development. Marrying Grace Roberta Tressler in 1911 and a father to Mary Alice, Roode balances his professional achievements with active participation in local and religious activities, embodying the ethos of dedication and community service.
Charles A. Roode. — It cannot be other than interesting to note in the series of personal sketches appearing in the work the varying conditions that have compassed those whose careers are outlined, and the effort has been made in each case to throw well focused light onto the individual and to bring into proper perspective the scheme of each respective career. The banks of Williams County have ever maintained a high standing, and among the able young workers in this field of endeavor is Charles A. Roode, cashier of the Farmers and Merchants State Savings Bank, at Montpelier. With a natural predilection for this vocation and endowed with an analytical mind, he is exemplifying in a significant way the value of the possession of these elements of character which command the confidence of those acquainted with him and his work.
Charles A. Roode is a native son of the county now honored by his citizenship, having been born near West Unity, Ohio, on October 17, 1887. His parents are A. B. and Sarah E. (Shaffer) Roode, the former a native of the State of Michigan and the latter born near West Unity, Ohio. A. B. Roode came to Williams County in young manhood, but later went to Kansas, where he remained for a time. Returning then to Williams County, through the subsequent years he engaged successfully in agricultural pursuits. His wife, whose death occurred in 1914, was a member of the liberal branch of the United Brethren Church, while both were members of the Ancient Order of Gleaners. He gives his political support to the democratic party. To him and his wife were born three children, namely: Charles A., who is the immediate subject of this review; Lena, who is the wife of T. M. Shaull, a farmer in Superior Township; Winnie, the wife of Harley Bible, of Superior Township.
Charles A. Roode lived on the parental farmstead until twelve years of age, and thereafter lived at West Jefferson, in Jefferson Township. He received his elementary education in the district schools, and then was a student in the International Business College at Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he was graduated in 1907. His first employment was as a bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Montpelier, from which he was advanced to the position of assistant cashier, which he held until January 1, 1916. On the latter date he became assistant cashier of the Farmers and Merchants State Savings Bank of Montpelier and on January 1, 1917, he was made cashier, which position he still holds. This is one of the strong and influential financial institutions of Williams County and has been an important factor in the progress and development of business in this county. The official personnel of this bank is as follows: E. E. Kaufman, president; Albert Schlegel, vice president; Charles A. Roode, cashier; H. H. Wisman, assistant cashier, and Keith A. Porter, teller. Mr. Roode is a stockholder in this bank and undoubtedly much of the success which it enjoys is due to the business ability and personal popularity of its cashier.
On December 24, 1911, Mr. Roode was married to Grace Roberta Tressler, who was born and reared in Jefferson Township, Williams County, and they have one child, Mary Alice. Mrs. Roode is well educated and prior to her marriage she was engaged in teaching in the public schools of Williams County. Mr. and Mrs. Roode are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Roode is a member of the board of stewards and financial secretary of the society. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of Gleaners, and in the first named order is the present master of finance. Politically, he gives his support to the democratic party and is the present treasurer of Superior Township and of Montpelier Village. The record of Mr. Roode’s life is a plain chronicle, marked by no sensational chapters, but it is the record of one who has so ordered his life as to earn the sincere respect and esteem of the entire community. He takes a deep interest in every movement having for its object the advancement of the best interests of the community and is considered a representative citizen of the locality in which he lives.
Source: Bowersox, Charles A. ed. A standard history of Williams County, Ohio: an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development , 2 vols. Publisher Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1920.