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R. A. CARLILE One of the progressive and enterprising business men of Anna, Illinois, who has built up a flourishing business through the force of his own efforts, and the excellence of whose work insures him a steady income in his field, is R. A. Carlile, who since 1906 has been the proprietor of a paint store in this city. Mr. Carlile is a Southerner, having been born at Crystal Springs, Mississippi, in 1866, a son of R. W. and S. A. (Ballard) Carlile, the former a native of South Carolina, and the latter of Mississippi. R. W. Carlile, who was a laborer by occupation, came to Anna in 1873, and here his death occurred, while his widow, who survives him, makes her home in this city.
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R. A. Carlile was seven years of age when he accompanied his parents to Anna, and his education was secured in the public schools. After completing his studies he decided to enter the painting trade, which he learned in Anna, and until 1906 was engaged as a painter and decorator for others. In the year mentioned, Mr. Carlile established himself in business, and he has since built up a large trade in a general line of paints, wall paper, glass and picture moulding, having a complete and up-to-date stock in his line. He also does contract work in painting, paper-hanging and decorating, and hires a number of skilled assistants. He has become known as a skilled workman and one who can be relied upon to do first-class work, which has been the cause of his handling some large contracts, many of the large buildings and modern residences of the city bearing evidence of his handicraft.
In 1891 Mr. Carlile was united in marriage with Miss Mable Sloan, who is a native of Illinois. They are consistent members of the Anna Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mrs. Carlile has been a Sunday school teacher for twelve years. Fraternally Mr. Carlile is connected with Anna Blue Lodge, No. 520, in which he is master, and Anna Chapter No. 45, R. A. M., and he is popular with the members of both bodies.