[p. 485] a citizen of high standing at New Castle was born in this city in 1861, and is one of a family of five children born to his parents, Isaiah and Agnes J. Phillips.
Elmer I. Phillips was reared and educated at New Castle until prepared for college, when he entered Butler University, Indianapolis, Ind., where he was graduated in 1884. In the following year he was admitted to the bar and practiced law in this city for the succeeding ten years. In the meanwhile, Mr. Phillips became deeply interested in all questions of good citizenship and was soon recognized as a factor in Republican political circles and in 1892 was elected to the City Council and continued to serve until 1899, during two years of this time as president. In 1904 he was elected a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from the district which was then made up of Lawrence and Mercer Counties, but which was changed to Lawrence and Beaver Counties in 1906. This was but a just tribute to a citizen who for years has displayed unusual public spirit and a genuine interest in the welfare of city, county and State.
Business has also claimed a large portion of Mr. Phillips' time and attention. For a considerable period he was one of the leading officials of the Lawrence Glass Company. In 1894 Mr. Phillips' manufacturing interests had increased to the extent that they demanded most of his time and attention, and he relinquished his practice as an attorney to give his individual attention to his other interests. In 1897 he accepted the position of secretary and general sales agent of the American Glass Company, and from 1899 to 1903 he served in the same capacity with the American Window Glass Company. He has been connected with a number of other successful business combinations, many of which he has withdrawn from, but he retains membership on the board of directors and executive committee of the Lawrence Savings & Trust Company, and the New Castle Portland Cement Company, and is one of the trustees and treasurer of the Shenango Valley Hospital.
In 1885, Mr. Phillips was married to Beulah Ingels and they have one son. Mr. Phillips owns a beautiful home which is located at No. 159 North Beaver street, New Castle.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
Previous Biography | Table of Contents | Next Biography
Explanation/Caution | Lawrence Co. Maps | Lawrence Co. Histories
Updated: 29 Oct 2001