William Roehl
William F. Roehl | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Brandenburg, Germany |
| Died | November 23, 1968 (aged 78) |
| Occupation(s) | Liquor and cigar dealer, real estate investor |
| Known for | Liquor and cigar trade in Washington; real estate investments in Bellingham |
William F. Roehl (September 21, 1890 – November 23, 1968) was a pioneering figure in Washington state, known for his ventures as a liquor and cigar dealer as well as a real estate investor based in Bellingham.
Roehl made his way to Whatcom (which later became Bellingham) in 1884 to join his brother, Charles F. Roehl. Together, they established a prominent business specializing in liquor and cigars, operating several contemporary liquor establishments and distributing premium whisky, wines, and cigars. The brothers temporarily left the area during the economic downturn of 1884 but returned in 1889 to resume their commercial activities. They exited the mercantile sector in 1902 after changes in trade policies between the United States and Canada.
In addition to their trading ventures, the Roehl brothers invested significantly in real estate, managing notable properties including the Hotel Byron (later renamed the Leopold Hotel), the Lighthouse Block in Whatcom, and the Knights of Pythias Building located in Fairhaven.
In 1898, William Roehl participated in the Klondike Gold Rush.
Early life, family, and education
Born on September 21, 1890, in Brandenburg, Germany, William Roehl was one of six children born to John Casper Roehl and Elizabeth Roehl (née Kublanc), both of German heritage. Among his siblings were Charles F. Roehl, his business partner in trade and property investments, and August, who became a cattle rancher in Texas. Their three sisters married into Texan families.
The family emigrated to Texas where William was raised and received his education. Following the deaths of their parents—John in 1896 and Elizabeth in 1902—William relocated to Whatcom (later Bellingham, Washington) to join Charles and pursue business prospects.
Initial trade efforts in Washington and San Diego ventures
William joined Charles in Whatcom in 1884 as early entrepreneurs by starting wholesale and retail liquor businesses with supplies procured from San Francisco.
The city’s expansion was closely linked to plans for a railroad connection to Canada at Sumas, Washington; when Canadian authorities rejected this proposal, the resulting economic slump compelled the brothers to shut down their operations and depart separately.
William spent the year 1886 working in Vancouver, British Columbia before reuniting with Charles in San Diego in 1887 to invest in local development projects; these ventures ultimately did not yield success.
Resumption of trading enterprise in Whatcom
In 1889, the Roehl brothers returned to Whatcom to revive their enterprise as merchants dealing in wine, liquor, and cigars. They quickly became recognized local distributors noted for offering superior whisky.
For four years they operated a wholesale liquor outlet within the Lighthouse Block at Holly and Dock Streets until selling it to Capital Brewing Co. in 1900. Simultaneously, they developed a state-of-the-art liquor establishment within the Byron House featuring amenities such as a bar, billiard room, and private card room across the street.
By 1902, increased enforcement of U.S.-Canada tariffs on trade resulted in confiscation of alcohol shipments; notably one of their consignments transported from Victoria to Whatcom was seized under these regulations.
Real estate ventures
By 1902, the Roehl brothers had exited the liquor trade to dedicate themselves fully to real estate. They actively engaged in purchasing, leasing, and selling valuable properties, which proved highly profitable. Among their developments was a two-story brick structure measuring 50 by 70 feet on Dock Street intended for rental purposes. Additionally, they leased two brick buildings on Holly Street, owned the Knights of Pythias Building located in Fairhaven, Washington, and possessed numerous residential holdings throughout Whatcom city.
Significant deals included the sale of the Hotel Byron—later renamed the Leopold Hotel—to entrepreneurs Charles Wright and M. C. Dickinson. That same year, they acquired the Lighthouse Block, transforming it into an office building equipped with steam heating and featuring the city's inaugural magnetic elevator. The Roehls maintained ownership until transferring it to the First National Bank of Bellingham in 1908.
William Roehl stepped back from daily operations in 1906 but remained involved in managing his real estate portfolio and conducting property transactions at least through 1929.
Additional pursuits
Outside of his commercial endeavors, Roehl was a committed participant in the Bellingham Bay Society. In 1898, he joined the Klondike Gold Rush, journeying aboard the steamship Queen to Dyea, Alaska, before proceeding to Dawson City in the Yukon Territory. Accounts from his fellow travelers highlighted the arduous conditions encountered during this expedition.
Personal background
On October 1, 1908, Roehl married Elizabeth E. Geulich, who also hailed from Baden with German heritage. The couple had two sons: Henry John (born September 12, 1909) and Carl Francis (born January 15, 1913). William Roehl passed away on November 23, 1968.