Thomas Wharton Phillips
Thomas Wharton Phillips | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Near Mount Jackson, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | July 21, 1912 (aged 77) New Castle, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, businessman |
| Years active | 19th century |
| Known for | U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania; president of Producers’ Protective Association; president of Citizens’ National Bank; trustee of Bethany College and Hiram College; founder of Phillips University |
Thomas Wharton Phillips (February 23, 1835 – July 21, 1912) was a Pennsylvania Republican who served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Early life
Phillips was born close to Mount Jackson, Pennsylvania, within present-day Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. He was the offspring of Ephram and Ann Phillips and descended from Reverend George Phillips. His education comprised attendance at local public schools supplemented by private tutoring.
Career
Phillips was involved in the oil industry and held the position of president at the Producers’ Protective Association between 1887 and 1890. Additionally, he presided over the Citizens’ National Bank located in New Castle, Pennsylvania and acted as a trustee for both Bethany College and Hiram College, Ohio.
As a Republican, he was elected to serve in the Fifty-third and Fifty-fourth Congresses, during which he chaired the United States House Committee on Labor in his second term. Choosing not to run again in 1896, he returned to his business interests. President William McKinley appointed him to the United States Industrial Commission, where he served until its termination. Phillips also participated as a delegate at the 1908 Republican National Convention.
In 1906, he played a key role in establishing a bible college in the Oklahoma Territory, which evolved into Oklahoma Christian University. He personally funded Dr. Ely Zollars’ salary for one year during the institution’s early phase and continued as a significant supporter.
Personal life
Phillips married twice. His first wife, Clarinda Hardman (1837–1866), daughter of David and Nancy Rebecca Hardman, married him in 1862. They had two sons:
- Herbert Clyde Phillips (1864–1912), who wed Idell Houghton in 1894.
- Norman Arter Phillips (1865–1893), who pursued a career in banking.
Following Clarinda’s passing, he married her younger sister Pamphila Hardman (1844–1933) in 1871. This union produced three children:
- Victor Karl Phillips (1872–1901), married Mary Mayme Lusk in 1898.
- Thomas Wharton Phillips Jr. (1874–1956), who also served as a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania.
- Benjamin D. Phillips (1885–1968), who dedicated five decades to the Citizens National Bank board; he was married first to Undine Conant and later to Mildred Welshimer.
Phillips passed away on July 21, 1912, in New Castle and was interred at Oak Park Cemetery there.
Legacy
Following his death, the institution was renamed Phillips University by its trustees in his memory. Although the university ceased operations in 1998, Phillips Theological Seminary, which had separated from the university in 1987, continued functioning as of 2016.