George W. Crouse

George Washington Crouse (1832-1912) was “Akron’s 19th century version of the renaissance man,” becoming involved in a variety of professions and careers throughout his life, and playing a key role in the early development of Akron.

Crouse’s parents were early setters of Tallmadge County, and they moved to Green Township when Crouse was two years old. Crouse grew up on a farm, and spent his childhood working. When Crouse became an adult, he started as a school teacher and taught in rural districts for five years. At the age of 22, he became deputy country auditor for Summit County, and by the age of 30 he was county treasurer.

In 1859, Crouse married his wife Martha K. Parsons of Kent, and they had five children together: Martha, Julia, Mary, Nellie, and George Jr.

In 1863, Crouse became the manager of the mowing company Aultman, Miller, and Co., which was a precursor to International Harvester.

Crouse's business pursuits were put on pause in 1864 when Crouse served in the Civil War. During the war, Crouse served in the 164th Regiment, the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and in fortifications around Washington D.C.

In 1870, B.F. Goodrich arrived in Akron looking for a new location for his rubber company. It is said that immediately upon his arrival to Akron, Goodrich asked to see Crouse. William Crouse used his money and influence to gather local support for Goodrich's rubber plant. By 1880, the B.F. Goodrich company was officially established, and Akron was on its way to becoming the rubber capital.

Following his service in the Civil War, Crouse became President of the Akron School Board, Treasurer of the Akron Public Library and President of Akron City Council. He also served on the board of Buchtel College (the University of Akron). From 1885 to 1887, he served as a member of the Ohio Senate, and from 1887 to 1889, he was elected as a Republican to the House of Representatives.

In the late 1880s, Crouse bought control on the Akron Daily Beacon, which eventually became the Akron Beacon Journal.  

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For more information, please see:

Representative Citizens of Ohio Memorial--Biographical, pages 431-433​

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress