Following his participation in the First Carlist War, he became a military instructor in the army of the Ottoman Empire, where he may have earned the honorary title of Pasha.

In 1845, he emigrated to the Republic of Texas and served in the U.S. Army during the Mexican–American War, including as aide-de-camp to future U.S. President Zachary Taylor.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Buchel sided with the Confederate States of America and served as an officer primarily in Texas.

[2] Following the war, Büchel, at the recommendation of Ali Pasha,[2] served as a military instructor in the army of the Ottoman Empire, during which time he rose to the rank of colonel.

[1] In May 1846, after U.S. Army General Zachary Taylor called for volunteers to fight in the Mexican–American War,[2] Buchel raised a company in the First Regiment of Texas Foot Rifles.

[1] At the beginning of the American Civil War, Buchel sided with the Confederate States of America and joined the Texas Militia.

[1] In 1887, the Texas Legislature passed an act creating Buchel County in the western portion of the state, named in his honor.

[4] Writing on Buchel in 1940, historian Ella Lonn said the following: "He was described as a quiet, unassuming man, and though apparently a secessionist, not nearly so violent as his superior, Luckett.