Rowntree, Joseph (1836–1925)

British Quaker, cocoa and chocolate manufacturer, and philanthropist. In 1869 he joined his brother, Henry Isaac Rowntree, who in 1862 had taken over the cocoa side of a grocery business. Joseph was left in sole control when his brother died in 1883, but was later joined by his sons, John Wilhelm Rowntree and B Seebohm Rowntree.

In 1897 the firm became a limited-liability company with Joseph as chairman. Land on the outskirts of York was bought in 1890, and the first of the present buildings was erected there; since then there have been many extensions. In 1901 Joseph bought another estate just beyond the factory, with the intention of creating a village community similar to that at Bournville. The Joseph Rowntree Village Trust was formed in 1904 to put his ideas into practice, and considerable progress was made during his lifetime, after which the work was carried on by B Seebohm Rowntree and others.

Joseph Rowntree was born in York, England. He was interested in all social problems, in adult education and the activities of the Society of Friends; and the village, New Earswick, acted as a focal point for these interests.