Mullen, Robert L., 1871-1963

Farmer, rancher and pulic servant in Tempe, Arizona.

Robert Lionel Mullen was born in Concow, California on October 10, 1871. His family relocated to Tempe, Arizona in 1886 and Mullen attended the Arizona Territorial Normal School in 1888. He married Charlotte Ruth Gibson (d. 1963), an 1895 Normal School graduate, in 1897. The Mullens had six children, of whom three survived to adulthood: Thelma Beryl (Mullen) Clymer Folcka (1901-1996), Gladys Claire (Mullen) Lake (1903-1992), and Robert Lionel (1907-1970).

Farming and ranching activity propelled Mullen to a position as state cattle buyer and cattle inspector as well as to memberships in the Tempe Landowners Association, the Arizona Cattle Growers Association, and the Associated Farmers of Maricopa County. He was also an investor in the Tempe Irrigating Canal Company.

Mullen was active in the Republican Party and served as a Precinct Councilman and election judge. He served on the Tempe City Council for four years and served two terms as Trustee of the Tempe Union High School District. Mullen died on January 12, 1963.