Joseph Wharton

Early Life

Joseph Wharton was born on March 3, 1826, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the eldest of ten children born to William Wharton and Deborah Fisher Wharton. His father was a successful merchant and his mother was a member of a prosperous Quaker family. He was educated at a private Quaker school and later attended the University of Pennsylvania, but left before graduating to join his family's business.

Career

In 1849, Wharton started his career in the metal industry by purchasing a nickel mine in New Jersey. He later founded the Bethlehem Steel Company, which became one of the largest steel producers in the United States. He also founded the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, the first business school in the United States.

Business Ventures

Wharton was a pioneer in the mining and metal industry. He was the first to successfully smelt zinc in the United States, and his company, the Bethlehem Steel Company, played a significant role in the industrialization of the United States. He also founded the American Nickel Company, which was the first company to produce nickel in the United States.

Wharton School of Business

In 1881, Wharton made a significant contribution to the field of education by founding the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. His goal was to provide a practical education that prepared students for careers in business. The school was the first of its kind in the United States and has since become one of the most prestigious business schools in the world.

Personal Life

Wharton married Anna Corbit Lovering in 1854 and they had three children. He was a devout Quaker and was known for his philanthropy. He donated large sums of money to various causes, including the University of Pennsylvania and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Death and Legacy

Wharton died on January 11, 1909, in Philadelphia. His legacy lives on through the Wharton School of Business, which continues to be a leading institution in business education. His contributions to the metal industry also had a significant impact on the industrial development of the United States.

See Also

• History of the steel industry in the United States
• List of business schools in the United States
• Quakers in the United States

A black and white portrait of a middle-aged man in a suit and tie, with a stern expression. He has a full beard and is looking directly at the camera.

A black and white portrait of a middle-aged man in a suit and tie, with a stern expression. He has a full beard and is looking directly at the camera.