Charles Roehl facts for kids

Charles F. Roehl (June 16, 1857 – September 19, 1927) was a pioneer and businessman of Bellingham, Washington. He was considered one of the most well-established businessmen of the city, influencing its industrial growth through his mercantile and real estate businesses.

Roehl came to Bellingham Bay in 1883. He acquired a piece of land from the government and bought a lot on Elk street. Together with his brother, William Roehl, Roehl became wholesale and retail merchant. That year, an economic depression in Whatcom (later Bellingham) started, forcing the brothers to leave the business and the city for some time. In 1889, they returned and resumed their trade activity.

Over the years, the Roehl brothers owned a number of liquor houses. Later on, the brothers turned their full attention to investments in real estate. They built, owned, rented, bought and sold property, some of which were considered the best at the time, including the Hotel Byron (later the Leopold Hotel) and the Lighthouse Block in Whatcom, and the Knights of Pythias Building in Fairhaven, Washington.

Early life, family and education

Charles Roehl was born on June 16, 1857, in Brandenburg, Germany. His parents were John Casper Roehl and Elizabeth Roehl (Kublanc), both German descendants. The family emigrated from Germany to America, settling in Texas. John Casper died there in 1896, and Elizabeth in 1902.

Charles Roehl was one of six children. His brothers were William Roehl, who worked with Charles in merchandise and real estate businesses for many years, and August, who raised stock in Texas. They had three sisters: Lottie, who married Peter Winter, a contractor from Bryan, Texas; Alvina, who married Max Kiesewetter, a barber from Beaumont, Texas; and Minnie, who married Fred Viereck and had five children.

Roehl received his education in German schools. He graduated in 1873 and started to work.

Other activity

Roehl also participated in the city's social life. In 1899, he became a treasurer for the Fraternal Order of Eagles filial, named New Whatcom Eyrie No. 31.

Personal life, family and death

Roehl's son, William F. Roehl, 1921

Roehl married Emma Hull in December of 1889. She was a daughter of Nathan Hull, one of the pioneers of eastern Oregon and a fruit grower who later lived in suburbs of Los Angeles, California.

The Roehls had a son, William F. Roehl, was educated in the schools of Bellingham, Washington, and graduated from Gonzaga College in Spokane. Later, he was appointed a Naval Academy student in Annapolis, Maryland by U. S. Senator Piles. He graduated as ensign in May 1914, and later was promoted to lieutenant. He served in a number of different places, including Mexican, Central American, and European waters. In 1921, he was a chief engineer on the dreadnought New York, choosing this career over the position of an instructor in his alma mater.

Charles Roehl died on September 19, 1927, in Bellingham, Washington at the age of 70.