Professor Henry Roades is a man of nearly forty, fit and trim, although he walks with a pronounced limp and often uses a cane (the result of a wound suffered in the Great War). He is serious about his archaeological work and passionate about teaching, though he also has a more lighthearted side in his free time.

A native of Arkham, Mass., Henry did his undergraduate work at Miskatonic University in Arkham. He obtained graduate degrees in history and archaeology at Amherst College, specializing in the American Colonial era. He returned to M.U. to teach about ten years ago.

In 1917 the U.S. declared war on Germany. Roades took a leave of absence from his position at M.U. to enlist in the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the 104th Regiment of the American Expeditionary Force. During the counterattack at Château-Thierry in May 1918, he lost his right leg to artillery fire and was invalided home and discharged.

He returned to his duties M.U. in 1920, having married his childhood sweetheart, Abigail Bryce. He has been a popular professor with students and faculty. He is still active in the field, despite his disability.

He follows the precepts of the Volstead Act quite seriously.