John Finis Philips

John Finis Philips (December 31, 1834 – March 13, 1919) was a United States representative from Missouri and a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

Education and career "Judge John F. Phillips" "Colonel Seventh Missouri Federal Cavalry, commanding Brown's Brigade of Pleasanton's Army in the Battle of Westport" Born on December 31, 1834, in the historical community of Thralls Prairie in Boone County, Missouri, Philips attended the common schools and the University of Missouri, then received an Artium Baccalaureus degree in 1855 from Centre College and read law in 1857. He resumed private practice in Sedalia, Missouri from 1865 to 1880.

Congressional service

Philips was elected as a Democrat from Missouri's 7th congressional district to the United States House of Representatives of the 44th United States Congress, serving from March 4, 1875, to March 3, 1877. He was elected from Missouri's 7th congressional district to the United States House of Representatives of the 46th United States Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of United States Representative Alfred M. Lay and served from January 10, 1880, to March 3, 1881. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1880 to the 47th United States Congress.

Later career

Following his departure from Congress, Philips resumed private practice in Kansas City, Missouri from 1881 to 1882. He was a commissioner for the Supreme Court of Missouri from 1883 to 1885. He was a Judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals in Kansas City from 1885 to 1888.

Notable case

Philips was a member of the defense team for the 1883 Gallatin, Missouri murder trial of Frank James.

Federal judicial service

Philips was nominated by President Grover Cleveland on June 19, 1888, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri vacated by Judge Arnold Krekel. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 25, 1888, and received his commission the same day. His service terminated on June 25, 1910, due to his retirement.

Final years and death

Following his retirement from the federal bench, Philips resumed private practice in Kansas City from 1910 to 1917. He died on March 13, 1919, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was interred at Mount Washington Cemetery in Kansas City.