Thomas J. Philips

Thomas Jones Philips (December 23, 1846 – April 9, 1939) was an American politician from Pennsylvania. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Chester County from 1895 to 1898.

Early life Thomas Jones Philips was born on December 23, 1846, in Atglen, Pennsylvania (then Penningtonville), to Sarah (née Jones) and John M. Philips. His father was a farmer and Baptist deacon. His grandfather Thomas Jones was associate judge and inspector of the Pennsylvania militia. Philips attended public schools and graduated from Lewisburg University (later Bucknell University) in 1867 with a bachelor's degree. He was a member of Sigma Chi.

Career After graduating, Philips engaged in agricultural pursuits for two years at the family farm. He moved west and worked as a store clerk. In 1873, he moved back to Atglen and was appointed assistant messenger of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He later associated with Alexander Goodwin. He worked in the firm Goodman & Philips from 1873 to 1875. He also helped operate Hiberni Iron Works in Chester County from 1873 to 1877. In 1877, he returned to farming the family farm of and 40 cows. He continued farming until at least 1903.

Philips was a Republican. He was justice of the peace and school director of Atglen. In 1882, he was elected delegate to Ohio Republican Convention. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Chester County from 1895 to 1898. He advocated for the Oleomargerine Bill and introduced the Hamilton Road Bill.

Philips died on April 9, 1939, in Atglen. He was interred at Penningtonville Cemetery in Atglen.