My Genealogy Hound

JOSHUA W. LIPPINCOTT, deceased, a man of intellectual attainments, sterling character and business ability of a high order, for many years a well known personality in the business circles of the city of Philadelphia, where his career was one of marked enterprise and great financial success, was born at Cinnaminson, near Riverton, Burlington county, New Jersey, October 20, 1840.

He received his primary instruction in the schools of his neighborhood, completing his education by a course at Haverford College, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. In 1861, the year he attained his majority, his uncle, Joshua Lippincott, retired from the firm of Lippencott & Parry, and he then took his interest in the firm, which placed him at the head of the concern. At that time they were located at Second and Market streets, Philadelphia, wholesale and retail dealers in cloths, woolen goods, etc. The firm name remained the same until the year 1863, when Mr. Parry by reason of failing health retired, and then the business was conducted under the style of Lippincott & Johnson, Mr. Parry retaining an interest as a silent partner until 1867, when he withdrew from the firm entirely. In the meantime the business was moved to their new building at No. 1021 Walnut street. Mr. David T. Burr was admitted as a partner, and the firm name was changed to Lippincott, Johnson & Co. This name remained the same notwithstanding the fact that Joshua W. Lippincott died August 16, 1896. At the expiration of eight months the interests of Joshua W. Lippincott ceased, and Horace G. Lippincott, his son, was admitted into the firm, thus continuing the name of Lippincott, Johnson & Co. Joshua W. Lippincott was the manager and principal buyer of the firm of which he was the head, and in this capacity he made frequent business trips to Europe. Notwithstanding that they had unlimited credit, it was the custom of the firm to pay cash for all purchases, as it enabled them to procure the best of goods for their money. The business was conducted along conservative lines, and by the exercise of sagacity and farsightedness on the part of Mr. Lippincott their trade increased in a remarkable manner, placing them among the leading mercantile firms in that flourishing city. Mr. Lippincott was a member of the Society of Friends, a Republican in his political views, and a valued and honored citizen.

In 1863 Mr. Lippincott married Mary Elizabeth Parry, daughter of Samuel and Martha (Hallowell), Parry. They had one son, Samuel Parry Lippincott, born October 23, 1865, at No. 1624 Mt. Vernon street, Philadelphia. He received his primary education at the John Dillingham Friend’s School, and this was supplemented by a course at Haverford College Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. He has been a resident of Cheltenham township for a number of years, near Wyncote, where he has become well known.

Mrs. Joshua W. Lippincott died February 26, 1866. Mr. Lippincott then married Eliza Greenough Lippincott, and they were the parents of one son, Horace Greenough Lippincott, Jr., born August 10, 1871. He married Margaret Meredith, a daughter of J. Dennie and Emily Meredith.