CARL A. LEOPOLD

Carl A. Leopold, General Manager of the Northwestern Furniture Company, of Burlington, Iowa, was born in this city, June 11, 1858, and is the son of Charles J. and Thusneld E. (Runge) Leopold, the former born in Hanover, Germany, June 30, 1809, and the latter was also a native of that country. Charles Leopold grew to manhood in his native land; his early education was received in the gymnasium of Hanover, and in 1831, he went to Berlin, where he took a partial course in the University of that city. Coming to America in 1834, he first located in St. Louis, where for a short time he was interested in dairy, and in 1839, went to Liberty, Clay Co., MO., there embarking in the manufacture of rope. Four years later, Mr. Leopold crossed the plains to California, taking with him 4,000 sheep, besides horses and mules, and while on the way, was overtaken by a heavy storm and a band of indians stole some of his most valuable horses and mules, together with a shepherd dog which cost him $200. The loss of his dog was a great damage to him, it becoming almost impossible to control the sheep, and at that time, there was but one bridge and one ferry between the Missouri River and California, and he was obliged to swim his stock across streams. His intention was to spend the winter in Salt Lake City, or in that vicinity, but he abandoned this plan, and completed the trip that fall. He remained in California through the winter, and the folowing spring returned to the east, coming by way of South America and New York. Mr. Leopold remained in Burlington until 1861, in the meantime embarking  in the bakery and brewing business, and then went to Clay County, Mo., about the time of the breaking out of the late war. He enlisted in the State Militia to protect the people from the bushwackers, and then returned to Burlington in 1878, where he has since lived a retire life. In 1888, in St. Charles, Mo., Charles Leopold was united in marriage with Miss Thusneld E. Runge, and eight children have been born to them-Herman, Theodore, Arthur, Louisa, Annie, Matilda, Carl A. and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Leopold have lived to celebrate their golden wedding, having passed a happy married life of half a century. The subject of this sketch, Carl A. Leopold, received a liberal education, and is a graduate of Bryant & Stratton's Business College, of Burlington. For several years he was employed on the road as a traveling salesman, and in 1886, in company with C.W. Rand established the Northwestern Furniture Company, of which he is secretary, treasurer and general manager. In 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Clara Starker, daughter of Charles Starker, one of the prominent business men of Burlington. By this union there was one child, a son, Aldo R. Carl Leopold is a young man of splendid business ability. He is a public-spirited citizen, and, while building up his own fortune, he is aiding materially in the growth and development of Burlington.

Transcribed by: Stacy Bliesener

Note: After reading this sketch many times, it says to be about Carl A. Leopold, but the majority of the sketch seems to be about Charles Leopold, Carl's father.