Joseph E. Rehal

Joseph Elias Rehal (; 14 July 1872 – 8 February 1923) was a Lebanese-American merchant and farmer, who was the founder of Joplin, Montana. Rehal had valuable real estate holdings and is known to have built the first four buildings of the town.

Early life Rehal was born into a Christian family in Zahlé, Ottoman Syria (now Lebanon), the son of Elias and Bekash Rehal. His father, who was engaged in the liquor business, played a major role in the defense of Zahlé during the 1860 civil conflict in Mount Lebanon and Damascus.

Rehal attended school in Zahlé until he was sixteen. He worked at his father's business until 1888, when Rehal and his four brothers immigrated to America.

Later life From 1912–14, Rehal worked as a merchant with his brother Shebel Rehal, then returned to farming and raising horses in Chester, Montana. In 1921, he returned to his mercantile business in Casper, Wyoming. He died there following a stroke in 1923. He was survived by his wife and five children.