William Roehl
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William F. Roehl (September 21, 1890 – November 23, 1968) was a Washington state pioneer, liquor and cigar merchant, and property investor who lived in Bellingham.
William F. Roehl | |
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Born | (1890-09-21)September 21, 1890 Brandenburg, Germany[1] |
Died | November 23, 1968(1968-11-23) (aged 78) |
Burial place | Bayview Cemetery, Bellingham, Washington |
Occupations | |
Organization | Bellingham Bay Society[4] |
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[5] |
Family |
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Roehl came to Whatcom (later Bellingham) in 1884, joining his brother, Charles F. Roehl. Together they developed the merchandise business as liquor and cigar traders. They became one of the leading businessmen in the field, owning a number of modern liquor houses and distributing wines, cigars, and liquor. They were well-known for handling high quality whisky. They left their newly-established business and the city due to the economic depression in Whatcom, which started in 1884, but returned to the city and re-entered trade in 1889. The Roehls fully retired from the mercantile business in 1902 due to new trade agreements between the U.S. and Canada.
The Roehl brothers actively participated in real estate investments and dealings, and operated property that was considered some of the best at the time. Among their properties were the Hotel Byron (later the Leopold Hotel), the Lighthouse Block in Whatcom, and the Knights of Pythias Building in Fairhaven, Washington.
In 1898, Roehl participated in the Klondike Gold Rush.