CHARLES J. ROZELLE. Eminent in Anderson business affairs, and also in the political life of the city, Mr. Rozelle has for a number of years successfully followed the contracting and building trade, and his practical endeavors have their results in many of the permanent structures to be seen in this city and vicinity.
Charles J. Rozelle was born in the city of Anderson, November 16, 1883, and belongs to one of the old families of Indiana, The Rozelles are of French descent, the first ancestors having come from France and settled at an early date in the colony of Virginia, The paternal grandfather was William Rozelle, who was born in Virginia, moved from the Old Dominion at an early day, and was a settler of Indiana at a time not far removed from the beginning of pioneer development in this state, The maternal grandfather was John Tilford, who was also a native of Virginia, The parents of Mr. Rozelle were Miles M. Rozelle and Elvira T. (Tilford) Rozelle, the father having been born was also a native of Virginia, The parents of Mr. Rozelle were Miles in Rush County, Indiana, in 1838, and the mother a native of Pennsylvania, from which state she came to Indiana during her early girlhood, The father in young manhood took up the trade of tanner, and as a tanner and manufacturer of leather he was well known and followed the business for a number of years. In 1893 he retired from the business, which he had conducted at Anderson for many years. His wife died in 1907.
Charles J. Rozelle grew up in Anderson and while a boy attended the grammar and high schools of the city, When he left school it was to enter his father’s tannery, where he assisted in the work for a time, but did not chose to follow that as a regular vocation, and soon engaged in the mercantile business. He continued that work until he sold out.’ From merchant he became carpenter and builder, and having special skill in his trade and good business ability, he has since enjoyed much prosperity and has been employed in fulfilling many contracts for residences, school houses, churches and business houses in Anderson and elsewhere.
In 1900 Mr. Rozelle married Miss Zimmer, a daughter of Michael Zimmer, an old resident of Madison County, She died in 1903, and was the mother of the following named children: Charles B. and Helen E. Fraternally Mr. Rozelle is well known in Masonic circles, being a member of Fellowship Lodge, No. 681, A. F. & A. M.; Anderson Chapter, No, 52, R. A. M.; Anderson Commandery, No, 69, K. T., and Murat Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and has also taken thirty-two degrees in the Scottish Rite, In politics a Republican, he served three years as a member of the city council, and was also chosen and acted as a member of the board of public works, from which he resigned at the end of one year.