About Robert Philson
Lived 1759 – 1831 (aged 71–72). Robert Philson was an American politician, lawyer and judge.
Robert Philson (c. 1759 – July 25, 1831) was an Irish American soldier and politician.
Philson was born in County Donegal, Ulster, Ireland, and immigrated to Pennsylvania with his uncle John Fletcher. They kept a store in Berlin, Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
In 1794, Philson was arrested for his involvement in the Whiskey Rebellion. He was sent to Philadelphia for trial, but he and his co-defendant, Herman Husband, were acquitted.
Philson served as associate judge of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, for twenty years, and also served as a one-term congressman during the 16th United States Congress.
Philson was commissioned a brigadier general of the Second Brigade, Tenth Division, Pennsylvania militia on May 9, 1800, a position he held during the War of 1812.
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Important facts
People in Robert Philson's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Robert Philson's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Robert Philson?
American politician
When was Robert Philson born?
Robert Philson was born in 1759 in County Tyrone.
When did Robert Philson die?
Robert Philson died on 25 July 1831.
What was Robert Philson's occupation?
Robert Philson was a politician, lawyer and judge.
What nationality was Robert Philson?
Robert Philson was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Robert Philson. https://biography.guide/robert-philson/
MLA: "Robert Philson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/robert-philson/.
Chicago: "Robert Philson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/robert-philson/.
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