Govett, Jr., Joseph

Govett, Jr., Joseph

Joseph Govett was a master builder proposed for membership in The Carpenters' Company several times (1765, 1771, 1772) but was blocked from admission until 1772 because of his membership in the Journeymen Carpenters' Company. He was an "encourager" of the Philadelphia edition of Abraham Swan's The British Architect (R. Bell for J. Norman, 1775), the first book on architecture published in America. When the Library Company erected its hall on Fifth Street (designed by William Thornton) in 1789-1790, Govett received two shares in the library for contributed services.

Written by Roger W. Moss, from the Philadelphia Architects and Builders website. 

96*

Govett

Joseph

, Jr.

12/13/1739

2/7/1795

Elinor

William (R), James, Lydia, Elizabeth, Esther, Joseph, Sarah

Mr. William Roger Govett

George Govett

1/1/1772

Warden, 1848-50

149 Mulberry (CD) (1810)

Received two shares in Library Company for contributed services in construction.

Subscribed to 6 shares for erection of Hall. -------------------- Tatman & Moss Bio Dictionary Phila. Architects page 312. A master builder proposed for membership in The Company several times (1765, 1771, 1772) but was blocked from admission until 1772 because of his membership in the Journeymen Carpenters' Company. He was an "encourager" of the Philadelphia edition of Abraham Swan's "The British Architect" (R. Bell for J. Norman, 1775), the first book on architecture published in America. When the Library Company erected its hall on Fifth St. (designed by William Thornton q.v.) in 1789-1790, Govett received two shares in the library for contributed services. ------------------- INHP Library - Sadler and Govett paid 2000 lbs. for carpentry work on Congress Hall, the largest single invoice listed for construction. Also - "a petition from Joseph Govett and Mathias Sadler to be employed as carpenters in building a city hall was read and ordered to lie on the table. Also - "Govett and Sadlers account amounting to 9.3.4 . . .was read and referred to committee on accounts. ------------------- In his member file, see pages copied from "Fort Mifflin of Philadelphia," telling of his work at the fort protecting Philadelphia. ------------------ E-mail from descendant (Chester Springs, PA) says Joseph Govett, Jr., was son of Joseph Govett who was son of William Govett of Wiveliscombe, Somerset County, England. ------------------- Will proved August 17, 1799; book page WBX:314 A witness on Sept. 17, 1794, to will of Matthias Sadler, a Company member. ------------------- City Directory - 1810 - Eleanor (sic.), widow, 149 Mulberry 1826 - widow Eleanor, gentlewoman, 52 Filbert ------------------ Trans. APS Vol. 43, Part I (1953), page 99 Listed among original subscribers (1770) to construction of Hall. ------------------- In his member folder copy of page from Minutes of Library Company on shares - 1789. Also, was an associate of George Plim, Jr., in 1773. and of Matthias Sadler starting in 1791. ------------------- "Fort Mifflin of Philadelphia" page 19 One of two men who submitted designs for "chevaux-de-frise" to be sunk into channel. No word on whether his design chosen. ------------------- Managing Committee Minutes-1771-2-32, 43 Joseph Govett proposed. Joseph Govett being this evening to be voted for as a member of this Company being informed that he was a member of the Journeyman's Company, James Pearson was desired to have some conversation with him first before he be ballotted for as a member. Managing Committee Minutes-1772-2-43 Joseph Govett elected. Carpenters' Co. Minutes-1795-11-4 Joseph Morris to call on widow of Joseph Govett for the Book of Prices. Carpenters' Co. Minutes-1824-229 Case of Elinor Govett. Carpenters' Co. Minutes-1825-234 Case of Elinor Govett.

f

XX

Also listings for Robert A.