Thomas J. Philips

Thomas Jones Philips
Born	Atglen, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	9 April 1939(1939-04-09) (aged 92) Atglen, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Businessman, politician
Years active	1873–1939
Known for	Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1895–1898); president of Atglen National Bank

Thomas Jones Philips (December 23, 1846 – April 9, 1939) was a Pennsylvania-based businessman and political figure. He represented Chester County in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives between 1895 and 1898.

Early life

Philips was born in Atglen, Pennsylvania, formerly known as Penningtonville, to parents Sarah (née Jones) and John M. Philips, who was both a farmer and a Baptist deacon. His family had notable judicial and military connections; his grandfather, Thomas Jones, served as an associate judge and militia inspector. Philips earned a bachelor's degree from Lewisburg University (which later became Bucknell University) in 1867 and was affiliated with the Sigma Chi fraternity.

Career

Following graduation, Philips spent two years working on his family’s farm before relocating westward to take up a position as a store clerk. In 1873, he returned to Atglen and was appointed assistant messenger for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Between 1873 and 1875, he formed a partnership with Alexander Goodwin in Goodman & Philips, while also managing operations at Hiberni Iron Works in Chester County from 1873 to 1877. He resumed farming on the family’s extensive 240-acre property, which included 40 cows, continuing this occupation through at least 1903.

A member of the Republican Party, Philips held local offices such as justice of the peace and school director in Atglen. He participated as a delegate at the Ohio Republican Convention in 1882. During his tenure in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1895 to 1898, he championed legislation including the Oleomargarine Bill and introduced the Hamilton Road Bill. After an unsuccessful bid for re-election in 1898, he took on roles such as deputy coroner for Chester County and served on the state board of agriculture.

Philips was an active contributor to various Pennsylvania periodicals. He held executive positions in banking institutions: serving as director and vice president of Christiana National Bank and playing a key role in founding Atglen National Bank, where he acted as the inaugural president from 1903 until 1936. At his passing, he was chairman of the board for Atglen National Bank. Additionally, from 1925 until his death, he presided over the Chester County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He also established and led the Atglen Water Company and delivered lectures at Chester County’s Farmers' Institute.

Personal life

In 1880, Philips married Harriet C. Chalfant; they had two daughters named Sarah J. and Alice L. The family relocated in 1877 to a farm obtained through a Pennsylvania land grant, residing there until 1906. Later, Philips lived in West Sadsbury Township, Pennsylvania. His brother was noted educator George Morris Philips.

Philips passed away on April 9, 1939, in Atglen and was laid to rest at Penningtonville Cemetery.