Who is Carl Neumann from Drowning Ruth and what is their importance?

Carl Neumann is Mathilda's husband. Unfortunately, her family does not approve of the match, and their subsequent marriage causes a great deal of gossip. The couple lives on Mathida's parent's farm, while their own home is under construction, and their daughter, Ruth, is born there. Mathilda drowns while her husband is away serving in WWI. When Carl comes home, he spends a lot of time recovering, during which time he builds a close and loving relationship with his daughter.... much to Amanda's consternation. He also becomes suspicious of his wife's death. Eventually, Carl takes a job with the merchant marine and disappears from the story.