Dubuque Genealogy Coordinator

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Thomas Phillips
Extracted from Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties, Iowa, 1894 Reprinted by Higginson Book Co., Salem, Massachusetts, p. 291

THOMAS F. PHILLIPS, of Dubuque, is one of the worthy county officials now ably and acceptably filling the position of Sheriff. He is widely and favorably known in this community, and with pleasure we present this record of his life to our readers, knowing that it will be received with interest by many. He has the honor of being a native of the Hawkeye State, for he was born in Jackson County on the 4th of March, 1857. The parents of our subject were James and Bridget (Hines) Phillips, natives of Ireland, both of whom emigrated in early life to America, crossing the ocean about 1844. The former spent two years in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and in 1846 came to Iowa, where he settled in Jackson County.

His marriage occurred in St. Louis, Mo., in 1847. He came to Dubuque County in 1866, and settled in Prairie Creek Township. After Thomas F. became Sheriff he accompanied him to Dubuque. As a farmer he was prominent in his community, but for some time prior to his death, in September, 1891, he had lived in retirement from active business cares. His wife died in October, 1893.

The subject of this sketch is the fourth in order of birth in the family of six children. In the usual manner of farmer lads the days of his boyhood and youth were passed. As soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields, and was thus employed during the summer season, while in the winter months he attended the district schools of the neighborhood. Thus he acquired a good practical education, and in the Bayless Commercial College of Dubuque he pursued a business course of study.

When that was completed Mr. Phillips returned to the farm, and for some time was engaged in agricultural pursuits and in trading in live stock, buying and selling hogs and cattle. He met with good success in that line of business, and continued to actively engage in the same until 1889, when he was nominated and elected on the Democratic ticket, Sheriff of Dubuque County for a term of two years. So ably did he discharge the duties of the office, that on the expiration of his first term he was re-elected, and in 1893 he was again chosen for a third term in that office. This is now his fifth year. He is brave and fearless in the discharge of his duties and his promptness and fidelity have led to his long retention in office and won him the high commendation of the press and public.

Mr. Phillips takes quite an active interest in political affairs, and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. He owns a good farm and other property and is now comfortably situated in life, having through his own industry and good management become a well-to-do citizen. He is widely known in this community and has many warm friends, who esteem him highly for his sterling worth and strict integrity.