John R. Buchtel

John R. Buchtel was an American businessman and philanthropist, most famous for being the founding figure of Buchtel College, the progenitor of the University of Akron. Buchtel High School, a public high school in Akron, Ohio, is also named in his honor.

Statue of John R. Buchtel in front of Buchtel Hall

Biography

Buchtel was born on January 18, 1820, in Stark County, Ohio. He began his business interests in agriculture, owning a large amount of farmland in Stark County and in the state of Indiana. After working as an employee of Ball, Aultman, and Company, he led the development of a new manufacturing plant of the company in Akron, which became known as the Buckeye Mower and Reaper Company. The firm soon became independent, and Buchtel served as Buckeye Mower's first president. Expanding his interests, he became the general manager of the Akron Iron Company. Later, the Akron Iron Company merged with several other firms, creating the Columbus and Hocking Coal and Iron Company, with Buchtel serving as one of the vice-presidents. He was also an early investor in the rubber company of Dr. Benjamin F. Goodrich. Suffering a stroke in 1887, he was left crippled and unable to continue his work. He died on May 23, 1892.