A Wohl family migrated to Frankfurt in 1499 from the Lower Rhine area. Its members initially worked in various trades including that of butcher, an occupation continued particularly by the Schwarzschild family, an offshoot of the Wohl family. Other members of the Wohl family are recorded at an early stage as being wealthy, and held office as "master builders". After the end of the 17th century the family became widely spread in Frankfurt. Many of them achieved wealth and fame, particularly through money lending and banking.