Gottlieb F. Neipp

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Gottlieb F. Neipp

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

It is an interesting study to follow the progress made in the various lines of business by those of foreign birth, who have sought these shores for a variety of reasons and have made their homes in this country. The readiness with which they recognize the advantages offered here, the efficient manner in which they utilize the opportunities which present themselves, is a matter of wonder. Among this numerous throng there is no better element than that which comes to us from that land of thrift and domestic economy – Germany. Patriotism is an ingrained feeling, and while they never lose entirely their love for the land of their birth, they become deeply attached to the land of their adoption and are and have been among the foremost to offer their heart’s blood in defense of the land in which they have found a home. Their business qualities are also of a high order, and when they devote themselves to agriculture or kindred pursuits, success is almost invariably an assured fact. Gottlieb F. NEIPP is a fine example of what has been accomplished in the field of flower culture and its kindred branches in the town of Chatham, Morris county, New Jersey. His father, Johannes NEIPP, was a farmer in Germany, but died in this country.

Gottlieb F. NEIPP was born in Heimerdingen, Germany, August 5, 1858. He acquired a substantial education in the public schools of that section of the country. During his leisure time he assisted his father on the home farm, and when he had completed his education he devoted all of his time to this occupation until he had attained the age of eighteen years. One year was then spent in the obligatory military duty, when he resumed his more peaceful avocation. He was engaged as a nurseryman and florist in his native land until December, 1894, when he decided to see what the new world had in store for him. Upon his arrival in this country he engaged in business for himself as a florist locating at Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn, New York, and conducted it very successfully there until 1906, when he sold it at a very reasonable profit, and removed to Chatham, Morris county, New Jersey. There he purchased his present plant from August PERST, and by means of additions, alterations, and reconstructions, he has raised this to a position of the highest rank among its class. He has installed his own water system, and has forty thousand feet under cultivation under glass, and an extensive tract without glass covering. He has five men constantly in his employ and at times finds it imperative to hire additional labor. While he cultivates all sorts of flowers, he makes a specialty of chrysanthemums and carnations, of which he has raised magnificent specimens and for which he has justly gained more than a merely local reputation.

Mr. NEIPP married in Germany, Christiana TROSTEL, also a native of Germany, and their children now living are:

Bertha Louisa, living at home;
Albert, a resident of California;
Anna, also at home;
Elsa, who is at present (1913) in the junior class of the College of Sciences and Arts, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

Mr. NEIPP and his family are attendants at the Congregational church, and he holds membership in the Morris County Florists’ Association and the Florist Club of New York City. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, and he takes a deep and active interest in whatever concerns the welfare of the community. The cause of education is one he has particularly at heart, and he has served one term as a member of the board of education for Chatham borough. It is men of the caliber of Mr. NEIBB who add to the reputation of the community in which they reside by the interest they display in elevating the existing conditions of matters in every possible direction.

This biography was transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003).