Geologist, mineralogist and paper manufacturer. Attended Dr. Thomas Cooper's Scientific School in Philadelphia, beginning about 1816. Elected a member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and became very active in its affairs. Made a trip to Mexico in 1817 or 1818, and returned with valuable mineral collections. In 1819 joined Major Long's Expedition to the Rocky Mountains as its official geologist. He bequeathed extensive mineralogical and geological collections to the Academy. After his death his family donated a total of $20,000 to the Academy as the "Jessup Fund," which is still active for its original purposes of aiding students, both men and women, in natural history, and in support of publications.

This collection consists of correspondence, biographical material, data regarding the Jessup Fund and applicants for its benefits, letterpress regarding his paper business, and articles published in the Academy's Journal.