In 1838, he began working in the engineering staff at the Manhattan Gas Light Company, becoming Engineer-in-Chief in 1842 and president in January 1854, succeeding Henry Young.

[5] At the outbreak of the U.S. Civil War, Roome was a Captain of Company D in the 7th New York State Militia.

He then helped organize the 37th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment of the Union Army and was appointed Colonel in command in 1861.

[6] He led the 37th New York for the entire war and for "faithful and meritorious service", he was brevetted Brigadier General of the U.S.

[14][15] Mary and Charles were the parents of two more children, including:[2] Roome died of bronchitis and pneumonia at his home, 29 West 52nd Street in New York on June 28, 1890.