Joseph Lapsley Wilson
Joseph Lapsley Wilson | |
|---|---|
Captain Joseph Lapsley Wilson by Thomas Eakins (circa 1895) | |
| Born | September 17, 1844 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | April 12, 1928 |
| Place of burial | Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | Union army Pennsylvania Army National Guard |
| Years of service | 1862–1867 |
| Rank | Sergeant, Captain |
| Commands | First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War |
Joseph Lapsley Wilson (September 17, 1844 – April 12, 1928) was an American military officer, railroad executive, and horticulturalist. He served in the Union army during the American Civil War and as captain of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry from 1889 to 1894. He wrote two histories of the First Troop in 1875 and 1915. He worked as secretary of the Little Schuylkill Navigation, Railroad and Coal Company for 38 years. He collected over 200 specimens of rare plants he displayed at his estate which became the Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation where he served as the first director.