ROBERT MELVIN CARL

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Robert M. Carl and Mrs. Robert M. Carl ~ Eliza H. Carl and Mrs. Eliza H. Carl

Robert Melvin Carl was reared in an environment that developed a spirit of enterprise, for his youthful days were spent upon the frontier of Iowa, where because of the unsettled condition of the country the pioneers had to put forth every effort and avail themselves of every opportunity to establish comfortable homes and gain a good living. He is a native of Cedar county, born on his present farm on section 18, Red Oak township, July 29, 1849, and for many years was actively identified with general agricultural pursuits but is now practically living retired, save for the management which he gives to his invested interests. He is a representative of one of the oldest families of the county, his uncle, Charles Dallas, being one of the first three men to settle in Red Oak township in 1836, who resided here until 1849 and then went to California, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Elza H. Carl, the father of our subject, was born near Dayton, Ohio, and in that state was reared and educated, but when a young man accompanied his parents on their removal to this county, where he entered the land now occupied by our subject. In his farming operations he steadily prospered and as time passed added to his property until he was the owner of five hundred and twenty acres of very valuable and productive land. In this county he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Dallas, who was born near Aberdeen, Scotland, in December, 1817. She was about ten years of age when her family emigrated to the new world and from New York they came to Cedar county, Iowa. Her father, Robert Dallas, died in this county. His children were Charles, William, Gordon, Sarah, Mrs. Anna Peat, Mrs. Mary Cousins and Margaret. All are now deceased with the exception of Mrs. Carl, who makes her home with her daughter in Stanwood. She is the mother of five children, namely: Mary, the wife of Thomas Alexander, of Stanwood; Robert Melvin, of this review; Sarah, the wife of M. H. Somes, of Stanwood; Flora, the wife of Frederick Brown, of Tipton; and Gordon, also a resident of Tipton.

Until he attained his majority Robert M. Carl remained with his parents and by the assistance he rendered his father in the operation of the home farm became thoroughly familiar with agricultural pursuits. On starting out in life for himself he worked by the month for one year and then embarked in mercantile business at Stanwood with his brother-in-law, M. H. Somes, under the firm name of Carl & Somes. This connection continued about three years, but at the end of that time he removed to Adair county, Iowa, and resumed farming, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he broke and improved. On selling that place he went to Jones county, where he also purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and engaged in its operation for about five years. Disposing of that tract, he bought eighty acres in Red Oak township, Cedar county, which he owned for two or three years, and then purchased one hundred and seven acres adjoining the corporation limits of Stanwood, owning that place for about the same length of time. He next owned and operated a farm east of Tipton for five or six years and for a time had two hundred and forty acres south of that city but never resided upon the latter place. In the spring of 1905 he settled on his present farm, which consists of two hundred and eighty acres of well improved and valuable land on sections 7 and 18, Red Oak township. At present, however, he is not actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, as he rents his farm and makes his home with the man operating it.

Mr. Carl was united in marriage to Miss Alma Olive Johnson, a native of Jones county, who was born August 25, 1863, and died September 3, 1894. She was a daughter of Robert and Mary Johnson, who now make their home in Anamosa. The children born to our subject and his wife were: May, who died at the age of sixteen years; Daisy E., the wife of William Stevens of Jones county, Iowa; Forrest, who now rents a part of his father’s farm; Lyle, a resident of Tipton; Gilbert, who died in infancy; and Vernon, who died at the age of two years.

In business affairs Mr. Carl has shown excellent ability and sound judgment in his investments and as the years have gone by has won substantial success. He votes the democratic ticket but is not an office seeker. He is widely and favorably known throughout his native county and has the confidence and good will of all.