Wharton, Joseph, 1826-1909

Joseph Wharton (1826-1909) was a prominent Philadelphia Quaker merchant, industrialist, scientist, and philanthropist who was active in 19th century Delaware Valley manufacturing, business, and education development. He was descended from two of the oldest families in Pennsylvania. His father, William Wharton, was in the direct line of Thomas Wharton of Westmoreland, England, who came to America in 1683. The first American ancestor of his mother, Deborah Fisher Wharton, was John Fisher, who emigrated from England, and whose son, Thomas, settled in Sussex County, Del.

From the description of Family papers, 1691-1955. (Swarthmore College). WorldCat record id: 50418817