Justus, Phillip

Justus, Phillip

Phillip Justus was born in 1769 and was elected to the Carpenters’ Company in 1801 after being proposed by Jacob Lybrand. From 1794 to 1800 Justus was listed as a carpenter residing at 115 N. 5th street. His most famous contribution to Philadelphia’s built landscape was the Naval shipyard built at the end of Washington street. These two wooden ship houses were started in 1821 and were some of the largest structures in Philadelphia until the end of their lifespan a half-century later. In 1816, Justus was credited with designing the roof of Washington Hall, a short-lived auditorium that could seat 6,000 people. William Strickland had Philip Justus serve as the superintendent of carpenters for the construction of the Second Bank of the United States, a famous example of early Greek Revival architecture. Justus received payment for “mahogany desks and doors as per contract” and a substantial payment of $351.10 for “ carpenter’s work, shingling watch house, hoisting machine and mahogany work including mantels inside banking room.” Justus also worked for the Mutual Assurance Company providing surveys for the organization. His most famous example was a survey of the Graff house, also known as the Declaration House, which served as Thomas Jefferson’s residence when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. Justus lived a long and reputable serving many positions within the administration of the Carpenters’ Company and found financial success as a carpenter, surveyor and businessman. He died in 1861 at the age of 91.

Biography from the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings site, a project of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Written by Tom Stokes

216*

Justus

Phillip

11/26/1769

Philadelphia, PA

9/4/1861

Georg

Ann Margaretha

Olgs S. Brigham brigham5@msn.com

1/1/1801

Secretary, 1806

Warden, 1807-09

Book Prices Committee, 1836-43

Managing Committee, 1823-25,37-39

115 N. 5th St. (1794-1800) (Prime)

Ship houses, foot of Washington Ave. (see references)

Second Bank of U.S.

Chestnut St., west of 4th

Graff House, insurance survey (Declaration House)

Transactions of APS, Vol. 43, Part I (1953) Article by Charles E. Peterson Completed insurance survey for Mutual Assurance Company, Survey No. 1709, dated April, 1811. ------------------------ Dissertation by Donna J. Rilling, Chapter 4, page 7 House carpenters were well acquainted with mediation and arbitration in the building business. House carpenter Philip Justice (Justus) acted on behalf of Julianna Scott when, in 1808 or 1809, he negotiated to purchase a building lot. A carpenter for approximately a decade, and a member of the city's Carpenters' Company, Justus offered expertise as well as reputation that facilitated an agreement with the difficult Mr. Brown, owner of the lot. His stature among artisans enabled Justus to approach Brown, a "gentlemen," not from a position of equality, but from one of credibility. . . . ------------------------ Note from descendant: I have (John) Philip Justus born 11/26/1769 (First Reformed Church records), son of George & Margaretha Justus. Philip lived on Wood St. and died 9/4/1861 at age 91. In member file is copy of "cabinet photo" sent by descendant. Philip Justus' father listed in a City Directory (before 1800) at Water St, east side. George Reinhard also listed at Water St., east side. ------------------------ HSR - Second Bank of U.S. Chapter II, page 2-6 On these pages, the work of Justus is described as superintendent of carpenters and payments to him for additional work for"mahogany desks and doors as per contract." Also, payment of $351.10 "for carpenter's work, shingling watch house, privies, hoisting machine and mahogany work including mantels inside banking room." ------------------------ HSR - Graff House Chapter II, pg. 5: Justus completes survey for The Mutual Assurance Company, Survey No. 1300 on August 29, 1808. Description of buildings, which are defined as one structure. ------------------------ City Records D.S.B. #339; filed October 9, 1819; no record of satisfaction Philip Justus vs. William Haydock. Claim $1152.21 against two new 3 story brick buildings or dwelling houses with their appurtenances situate on the north side of Wood street between John street and 7th street which is not yet obtained a number in Spring Garden in the county of Philadelphia for work and labour done. ---------------------- Managing Committee Minutes-1801-8-140, 148 Jacob Lybrand proposed Philip Justus; Philip Justus elected. --------------------- City Directory - 1805 - Philip, carpenter, 192 N. 5th 1810 - Phillip, carpenter, 167 Vine 1814 - Philip, surveyor, 24 Wood St., Mutual Insurance Company. Philip, carpenter, 24 Wood 1820, 24 - Philip, carpenter, 24 Wood City Directory - 1830, 35 - Phillip Justus, carpenter, 24 Wood St. Also listing for widow, Susannah Justus, gentlewoman, 481 N. 2nd St. She may have been the widow of his brother, George. 1840 - Philip, surveyor, 24 Wood. 1845 - Phillip, county commissioner, State House; house 24 Wood. 1850 - Philip, treasurer, Washington Mining Co., 48 S. 4th; house 24 Wood. --------------------- Managing Committee Minutes-May, 1991-pg. 163 Historian emeritus report: The best known work of our member Philip Justus was the two huge structures (Philadelphia Navy Yard Ship Houses) at the foot of Washington Street to house the wooden fighting ships built there in the 1820's. They were remarkable for their size and construction. (Also has illustration.)

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Also listings for Peter, Swan, and Sarah Justus.