William Roehl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William F. Roehl
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| Born |
September 21, 1890
Brandenburg, Germany
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| Died | November 23, 1968 (aged 78) |
| Burial place | Bayview Cemetery, Bellingham, Washington |
| Occupation |
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| Organization | Bellingham Bay Society |
| Known for | A Washington State pioneer and businessman who developed several business industries in Bellingham, Washington. He was a successful liquor and cigar merchant, and active real estate dealer of the city. |
| Children | 2 |
| Family |
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William F. Roehl (born September 21, 1890 – died November 23, 1968) was an important early settler in Washington state. He was a successful businessman who sold beverages and tobacco products. He also became a very active real estate investor in Bellingham.
William first arrived in Whatcom (which later became Bellingham) in 1884. He joined his brother, Charles F. Roehl. Together, they built a successful business selling drinks and cigars. They were known for offering high-quality products.
The brothers faced challenges, including an economic downturn in Whatcom. They left the city for a short time but returned in 1889 to restart their business. By 1902, they decided to focus entirely on real estate. They bought, sold, and rented many valuable properties in the area.
William Roehl also took part in the famous Klondike Gold Rush in 1898. He was a well-known citizen and a member of the Bellingham Bay Society.
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Early Life and Family
William Roehl was born in Brandenburg, Germany on September 21, 1890. His parents were John Casper Roehl and Elizabeth Roehl. They were both from Germany. William was one of their six children.
His brother, Charles F. Roehl, worked with him in business. Another brother, August, raised livestock in Texas. William also had three sisters: Lottie, Alvina, and Minnie.
The Roehl family moved from Germany to America and settled in Texas. William's father passed away in Texas in 1896. His mother died there in 1902.
William grew up and went to school in Texas. He lived there until his brother Charles asked him to join him in Washington state to start a business.
Business Ventures
Starting in Washington State
In 1884, William joined his brother Charles in Whatcom, Washington. This area later became the city of Bellingham. The brothers became pioneers, helping to develop the growing city.
They started their first business by buying a large amount of alcohol in San Francisco. They then sold these products as wholesale and retail merchants.
At this time, Whatcom was growing quickly. People thought a railroad line would connect the city to Canada. However, Canada decided not to build the connection. This caused an economic slowdown in Whatcom. The Roehl brothers had to close their business and leave the city for a while.
Ventures in Other Cities
In 1886, William Roehl moved to Vancouver, British Columbia. He worked there for one year. In 1887, he met up with his brother Charles in San Diego, California. They tried to invest in San Diego's growth, but their efforts were not successful.
Returning to Whatcom
In 1889, the Roehl brothers returned to Whatcom. They reopened their business, selling wines, other beverages, and cigars. They quickly became leaders in this industry in the city. They were especially known for selling high-quality whisky.
For four years, the brothers ran a "liquor house" in the Lighthouse Block. This was a place where they sold beverages in large amounts. In 1900, they sold this business.
They then opened a new, modern beverage house in the Byron House. This new place had a bar, a billiard hall, and a private card room. It was quite large, measuring about 27 feet by 110 feet.
In 1902, new trade rules between the U.S. and Canada made it harder to import goods. This caused problems for businesses like the Roehls'. One of their shipments of beverages was taken by the government.
Focusing on Real Estate
In 1902, the Roehl brothers decided to stop their beverage and tobacco business. They chose to focus all their energy on real estate. They bought, sold, and rented many of the best properties in town. This allowed them to earn good profits.
The brothers built a two-story brick building on Dock Street. It was about 50 feet by 70 feet and was rented out to others. They also rented two other brick buildings on Holly Street. They owned the Knights of Pythias Building in Fairhaven, Washington. They also had many homes for rent around Whatcom.
The Roehl brothers sold the Hotel Byron (which later became the Leopold Hotel) to other businessmen. They also bought the Lighthouse Block in 1902. Under their care, the Lighthouse Block was turned into an office building. It was updated with steam heat and the city's first magnetic elevator. They owned this building for six years before selling it in 1908.
William Roehl stopped working full-time in 1906. However, he continued to manage his investments and make real estate deals until at least 1929.
Other Activities
Besides his business work, William Roehl was an active member of his community. He belonged to the Bellingham Bay Society.
In 1898, Roehl joined the exciting Klondike Gold Rush. He traveled by steamship to Dyea, Alaska, which was a starting point for gold seekers. He then went to Dawson City, Yukon, the main area for gold mining. Life there was very difficult, with poor living conditions.
Personal Life
William Roehl married Elizabeth E. Geulich on October 1, 1908. Elizabeth was also of German descent, from Baden, Germany. She had moved to America with her parents when she was a child.
William and Elizabeth had two sons. Their first son, Henry John, was born on September 12, 1909. Their second son, Carl Francis, was born on January 15, 1913. William Roehl passed away on November 23, 1968.
