Harrison Ruffin Tyler facts for kids

Harrison Ruffin Tyler (born November 9, 1928 – died May 25, 2025) was an American chemical engineer and businessman. He also worked to protect and save important historical places. He was the grandson of John Tyler, who was the tenth U.S. President. Harrison Tyler helped save places like Sherwood Forest Plantation and Fort Pocahontas. He also gave many historical items to the College of William & Mary.

Early Life and School

Harrison Tyler was born on November 9, 1928. His parents were Susan Ruffin and Lyon Gardiner Tyler. His grandparents were Julia Gardiner and John Tyler, the tenth President of the United States.

Through his mother, he was a great-grandson of Edmund Ruffin. He was also a descendant of important historical figures like Benjamin Harrison IV and Pocahontas. His mother was a teacher. She also took care of the family's old documents. Even with his famous family, Harrison grew up without much money during the Great Depression.

Harrison's father passed away when he was a boy. His mother taught him at home for a while. Then he went to public schools in Charles City County. He also briefly attended St. Christopher's School.

His education at the College of William & Mary was paid for by Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor. He earned a degree in chemistry in 1949. Because there were not many jobs in chemistry, he continued his studies. He went to the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. There, he earned a second degree in chemical engineering in 1951.

Career in Engineering and Business

After finishing college, Harrison Tyler worked as a project manager. He worked for Virginia-Carolina Chemical Corporation. He managed a factory in Charleston, South Carolina. He learned a lot about water treatment and how to make hard water soft. He even received a special patent for treating water to make aluminum shiny.

In 1963, his company was bought by Mobil. This change made Tyler decide to start his own business. He co-founded ChemTreat, Inc., with his partner William P. Simmons. This company focused on treating water. It was located in Glen Allen, Virginia. He used his chemistry knowledge to solve problems with industrial water cooling systems. His company worked with hospitals and paper factories.

In 2000, Tyler helped his employees own part of the company. ChemTreat was later bought by the Danaher Corporation in 2007.

Family and Protecting History

Harrison Tyler married Frances Payne Bouknight in July 1957. They had three children: Julia, Harrison Jr., and William. They lived in Richmond, Virginia. Frances passed away in 2019.

Tyler was very dedicated to preserving history. In 1975, his family bought Sherwood Forest Plantation. This was a historical home that belonged to his family. He helped restore it to its original condition.

In 1996, he bought and helped save Fort Pocahontas. This was an important historical site. Starting in 1997, he supported annual American Civil War reenactments there. He also worked with the College of William & Mary to study Fort Pocahontas.

In 2001, he gave $5 million and 22,000 books and documents to the College of William & Mary. These items were from his father's collection. In 2021, the college honored him by renaming its history department the Harrison Ruffin Tyler Department of History.

Harrison Ruffin Tyler passed away on May 25, 2025.