The Port of Missing Men: Billy Gohl, Labor, and Brutal Times in the Pacific Northwest

LOCAL AUTHOR

The early 20th century was one of battles between labor and capital, which were often brutal and demeaning as workers fought for rights and unions fought for power. This book tells the story of one of those union leaders at a port city in Washington, Billy Gohl, and his life and times in Aberdeen. This book is more than just a straight biography, as details about most of Gohl’s life are lost to time. Instead, it interweaves Gohl’s life, including his arrest and trial for murder, among class, caste, and conflict. It Explores how the role of class and race played in the rise and demise of the unions, and how owners of ships and mills used race and class to fight against those looking for rights. Overall, it is a fairly interesting work looking at early 20th century Pacific Northwest history, especially the role of the sailing, shipping, and logging. and how they built large communities and then, when no longer viable, they left. Author Aaron Goings does a good job interweaving all the different groups men like Gohl would have been a part of, and how those groups had an impact on daily lives.