Biographies R
Charles Marion Rodman
The subject of this sketch devoted thirty-one years of his life to the coal mining industry with an efficiency and singleness of purpose that has placed him at the head of an institution that has attracted the attention of the industry throughout the world.
Charles Marion Rodman was born in Daviess County, Kentucky in 1887 and obtained his early education in the public schools of Owensboro and at St. Mary's College, Lebanon, Kentucky. His business life began in Owensboro where he organized the Globe Buggy and Harness Company. After two years of successful operation he became interested in other fields and sold his interests to become associated with the American Tobacco Company as a buyer. In 1912 he was attracted by the coal industry and became general manager of the Crescent Coal Company and for thirty-one years has been at the head of this Company, acting as Secretary as well as executive. In 1939 the company had gained a place where it was credited with being the most modernly equipped in the world and was attracting attention from mine operators from all points of the compass. The plant of the Crescent Company became the Mecca for operators from England, Russie, Wales and the coal producing sections of the United States who journeyed to Western Kentucky to see and to admire and profit. The equipment is not only the best and most efficient but the training of employees to the highest degree is not overlooked. Evidence of this is shown in the strict requirement for efficiency in first aid work, covering all branches of this essential line of endeavor. The Crescent Company's team in First Aid has won the trophy of the Western Kentucky Mining Institute in open competition with all the mines in that field. This triumph was repeated for two years and the trophy now has a permanent home at the Crescent Company's headquarters.
In 1912, Mr. Rodman was married to Elizabeth Vollman, who was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, and they are the parents of two children. The daughter of the family, Elizabeth Rodman, was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, and married A.B. Baird, of McLean County, Kentucky, and they are the parents of Rodman Bradstraw Baird, who was born in Central City, Kentucky. The son of the family is Major George Hurst Rodman. He was born in Central City, Kentucky, in 1916, and received his early education in the public schools of that city. He attended the University of St. Louis from which he graduated in 1921. He is now with the Medical Corps of the United States Army, stationed in England.
The father of the subject of this sketch was James Sebastian Rodman, who was born in Daviess County, Kentucky, in 1859. He was for many years a representative of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. His death occurred in 1938. The mother is Mrs. Lula (Smith) Rodman who was born in Bardstown, Kentucky, in 1863 and is now living in Louisville, Kentucky.
Charles Marion Rodman brought ability and energy to the coal business as well as an “infinite capacity for taking pains.” The business is a monument to his efforts and his success is a source of pride to the large circle of friends his geniality and personality have won.
Source: Wallis, Frederick A., and Hambleton Tapp, eds. A Sesqui-Centennial History of Kentucky. Vol. 4. Hopkinsville, KY: Historical Record Association, 1945. Pages 2128-2129.
Updated July 9, 2018