Richard Arthur Bogle facts for kids

Richard Arthur Bogle (1835 – 1904) was an amazing American pioneer. He was born in Jamaica, an island in the West Indies, on September 7. Richard Bogle passed away on November 22 in Walla Walla, Washington Territory. He is remembered as the first African-American businessman in Walla Walla, Washington.

A lively 4th of July parade on Main Street in Walla Walla, Washington, in 1892.

Richard Bogle's Early Life

Richard Bogle was born in Jamaica in 1835. His parents had been enslaved until 1833, just before his birth. When he was only 12 years old, he bravely escaped. He secretly boarded a ship heading to New York City.

Journey to the American West

After staying in New York for a year, Richard moved to Michigan. He didn't stay long there either. At age 16, in 1851, he joined a wagon train. This group traveled all the way to the Oregon Territory.

Three years later, Richard moved again. He went to Yreka, California. There, he learned a new skill: barbering. He studied under a barber named Nathan Ferber.

Gold Rush Adventures

Richard then traveled to Deadwood, California. This was during the exciting time of the California Gold Rush. While he searched for gold, he also opened his own barbershop. He even ran a restaurant!

Three years later, Richard returned to Oregon. He called it the "land of promise." In mid-October, he opened another barbershop. This one was in Roseburg. He continued working as a barber until 1862.

He then visited mining camps in Idaho. These included Florence, Elk City, and Ori Fine. After these visits, he returned to the Walla Walla Valley.

Life in Walla Walla

Richard Bogle and his family eventually settled in eastern Washington. They bought a large 200-acre ranch. They successfully managed this ranch together.

Richard Bogle is buried in Mountain View Cemetery. This cemetery is in Walla Walla, Washington. His life story is shared at the Fort Walla Walla Museum. A special group called the Living History troupe helps tell his story.

Fort Walla Walla, Washington, in 1862.

Richard Bogle's Businesses

Soon after Richard and America married, they moved to Walla Walla, Washington. Richard Bogle opened a barbershop on Main Street. This made him the very first black businessman in Walla Walla. His shop was known as "proprietor of the tonsorial parlors at No.3 Second Street."

At that time, racial segregation was common. It was hard for black visitors to find places to stay. Richard often let them stay in his barbershop. He also helped start the Walla Walla Savings and Loan Association. This was a bank that helped people save money.

Richard worked as a barber for many years. When his health started to decline, his sons took over the business.

Richard Bogle's Family

Richard Bogle and his wife, America Waldo, had eight children. Five of their children lived to be adults. Their three oldest children sadly passed away between 1876 and 1878.

Their younger children were Belle, Waldo, Arthur, Warren, and Katherine. Two of their sons followed in their father's footsteps. They became professional barbers in Portland, Oregon. One son, Waldo Bogle, moved to Portland in 1913. He ran a barbershop in the Golden West Hotel.

Richard Bogle's great-grandson was also named Richard Bogle. He became a very important person. He was the second African-American city commissioner in Portland, Oregon. A city commissioner helps run the city government.