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CARL ALBERT HELMLE, a native of Carlsruhe, capital of the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, was born on the 10th of September, 1827, and is the son of Heinrich Helmle and Carolina nee Himmelheber. The family was one of the oldest in that city.
Carl Albert received his education at the Lyceum of Carlsruhe, he never had any desire to study the classics, and intended to enter a military academy, but was finally dissuaded by his mother, a highly educated lady, and influenced to choose a mercantile life. Soon after this he became book-keeper in an extensive commission and forwarding house, and after leaving this position, accepted a situation in a banking house in Brussels, Belgium, and later removed to Paris. Indoor life and too close confinement began to impair his health, and for the purpose of recuperating, and prompted also, by his love of independence and liberty, he determined to emigrate to America. Accordingly he closed up his affairs and embarked, arriving in New York on the 21st of November, 1849. He had letters of recommendation to the leading business houses in that city, but feeling that his health demanded it, he went west to Missouri and engaged in farming. Here, on the 20th of February, 1853, he was married to Miss Marie Flesche. In June of the following year, not succeeding as well as he had anticipated in farming, it being new to him, with a small capital he removed to Springfield, Illinois, and established himself in the tin and stove business, and continued with good success till April, 1857. At this time in company with Frank Reisch, he opened a general store, and later, engaged in the brewing business, beginning on a small scale, manufacturing only one thousand barrels during the first year. Their business increased gradually from year to year. In 1864 he dissolved partnership with Mr. Reisch and commenced the wholesale liquor business, in which he still continues, having established a very good and successful trade throughout the center of the state.
He has always been a Democrat, and has filled various public offices, has had numerous calls to accept others, but his tastes have led him to decline the honors.
As a business man, Mr. Helmle is prompt, systematic and accurate, and gives his personal attention to all the details of his affairs. In public enterprises he has always taken a worthy part. He has devoted much time to self-culture, and from his extensive reading and observation has accumulated a most valuable fund of information and experience. He has collected a library composed of many rare volumes, and adorned his residence with valuable paintings and other works of art, and, in the enjoyment of an ample competence, lives surrounded by the pleasures and comforts of a happy home.