William R. Carle was born in Wellsburg, West Virginia, March 24th, 1832. His parents were John Carle and Rebecca Carle, (nee Miller) natives of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Ephraim P. Carle, who lived in New Jersey, was a Hollander, his wife, Nancy Clark, was of Scotch origin William R., was the eighth in order of birth in a family of nine children. His father was a carpenter by trade but forsook its following for the more lucrative business of manufacturing cotton cloth. He erected a factory in Williamsburg, and in company with others opened a store in connection therewith. In 1857 the company failed, so that William, whose advantages bad been good for the acquisition of knowledge found himself confronting a cold world , penniless.

Although poor in means he was rich in energy, in tact and talent. He left his native home for the west; reaching St. Louis he found cholera rearing its harvest of death, and so made his way north-ward to Bloomington. Here he took charge of a public school just outside the limits of the city. For this work his attainments, commanding presence and excellent judgment well fitted him. His success is attested by many patrons, and further by the fact that his services were in demand. He taught in Major's Grove without interruption, summer and winter for three years, when having saved some means he formed a Co-partnership with David S. Hord, in the grain business. The new firm bought a warehouse just being constructed, and had the misfortune to lose it by fire when it was ready for occupancy. With commendable energy they built upon its ruins and within thirty days were in occupation. In 1859 he disposed of his interest to his partner.

As indicative of the fact that his a-b-c's in the grain trade was dearly bought experience, he found himself barely square with the world financially upon closing out his share in the business. In April, 1859, he formed a co-partnership with Sabin Taylor, to prosecute the grain trade in Clinton.  Disposed of his interest in July, and in August located in Wapella, where he worked for an old Englishman named Dixon, for $1.25 per day. At the expiration of two months service Dixon proposed a partnership if he would raise one hundred dollars. He at once went to Bloomington, where he was well known, and borrowed the amount on thirty days time. This business move, proved eminently successful and though its means was laid the foundation of a competency enjoyed by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Carle continued in the grain trade until the fall of 1862, when he disposed of it to E. Kent & Co., and bought a stock of general merchandise.

In the dry goods trade he continued until 1865, when he again entered the grain trade, combining with it, dealing in lumber, this time in connection with E. B. Harrold. This arrangement was continued a year when he pursued the business alone until 1869, when he went to California on account of failing health, returned after a single seasons sojourn in the Golden State, and resumed the general merchandise business here. In the fall of 1870, he was elected a member of the 27th General Assembly, by a majority of two hundred and forty votes. As a member, the mine business tact, integrity and earnestness that have ever followed him through life, gave him a reputation as an able legislator. The same year, 1870, he was elected President of the Clinton National Bank, a position he held for three years. Mr. Carle has continued in the grain trade since his return from his California trip, and also for part of the time in general merchandising.

Politically Mr. Carle is an active outspoken Democrat, as undeviating in his devotion as the needle to the pole. In religion he is just as firm and faithful to the Disciple's faith, contending earnestly for the restoration of the primitive order of things. Possessed of rare social qualities, unquestioned integrity of character, he enjoys the respect and esteem of hosts of friends. His tall, athletic figure, being six feet four inches in height, and proportionally built, commands attention among his fellows. His business career, so uniformly successful since he gained his first foothold in 1869, calls for admiration and emulation.

History of DeWitt County, Illinois: with illustrations descriptive of the scenery, and biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and pioneers. Philadelphia, PA.: W. R. Brink & Co., 1882.