In the 19th century, Bernhard, Berry, Gaston, Lee, Lippencott, and Milner were among the families who lived in Morristown. Their homes remain standing, but photographs from those days are rare. Recently, some rare pictures of a noted Morristown family were discovered and the Morristown Historic Preservation Association is pleased to share them with you.

In October 2006, Margaret Smith, the great-great-granddaughter of Charity Gaston Lippincott (July 27, 1803 – September 28, 1888) and Major John Lippincott (Sept. 3, 1801 – Sept. 3, 1886) traveled to Belmont County bearing a quilt her great-great-grandmother made while she lived in Morristown. Mrs. Smith donated this treasured family heirloom to the Mansion Museum at Barnesville and brought with it photos of the Lippencotts and the Morristown home in which they lived. That home is known as the Ephraim Gaston House.

During her visit, Mrs. Smith shared documents noting that Major John Lippincott was elected and commissioned to the office of Belmont County Sheriff on October 20, 1836. He and Charity, had a son, John Woodrow Lippincott, who married Clara Gardner. Clara was born in Morristown on February 28, 1838 to George and Margaret Gardner. She died in 1929.

Clara Gardner’s early life was spent in Morristown and then a number of years in Quaker City. In 1888 the family moved to Barnesville where they made their home on North Lincoln Avenue. John Woodrow Lippincott died in 1907. Clara is buried in Greenmount Cemetery at Quaker City where it is assumed that her husband is also interred.

Much of the family history Mrs. Smith shared came through research her father did. In donating the quilt and photos to the museum, Margaret said, “I cannot quite believe that my interest in all of this history has been prompted by a ‘precious’ quilt. I have to think that my ancestors would be happy that the treasure is finding its way back to Belmont County!”

MHPA extends its thanks to Margaret Smith for this contribution to the Morristown history files.