My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS S. PHIPPS. Among the prominent families of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, who were disciples of George Fox, the founder of the sect of Christians who called themselves the Society of Friends but who are better known to the general community by the name of Quakers, is the Phipps family, which was so well represented by Thomas S. Phipps, now deceased, who was a lifelong and esteemed resident of Whitemarsh township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania.

Joseph Phipps, grandfather of Thomas S. Phipps, was one of the pioneer settlers of Whitemarsh township, enduring all the hardships and privations which fall to the lot of that class of men. He located on a tract of land which he cleared, cultivated and improved, the same being in the possession of the family at the present time (1904), He was a man of Quaker teachings, and was a speaker of note and prominence. He married and reared a family of children, all of whom became useful citizens of the commonwealth.

Amos Phipps, father of Thomas S. Phipps, was born on the old homestead in Whitemarsh township, and his education was acquired in the district schools of that day. He followed farming throughout his active career, and by perseverance and industry provided a comfortable home for his family. He was a man of integrity and honor, and was therefore much respected in the community. He was a member of the Society of Friends. By his marriage to Miss Susan Whistler, a representative of an old Montgomery county family, the following named children were born, all of whom are now deceased: Edward, Sarah, Elias, Setitia, Matilda and Thomas S. The parents of these children are also deceased.

Thomas S. Phipps was also born on the old homestead in Whitemarsh township, in 1827. His elementary education was obtained in the common schools in the vicinity of his birthplace, and he pursued a course of advanced studies at Freemount Seminary, Norristown. For his life-work he chose the occupation for which he was best qualified, farming, having gained considerable experience by assisting his father, and this he followed successfully on the home farm until his untimely death, which occurred in the spring of 1904. He was driving across the railroad tracks when he was struck by an engine and killed. He invested the savings of his labor in property, owning land and houses in Chester, Norristown and throughout the different townships in the county. He was also the owner of two quarries, both of which at the present time (1904) are working, progressing finely. Some years ago the Pennsylvania Railroad Company cut through his land, and for this he was awarded twenty thousand dollars damages, which was the nucleus of the competence he accumulated. He was a prominent member of the Society of Friends, having a birthright in the Plymouth Meeting. In politics he was a staunch Republican, aiding his party to the best of his ability, but never sought political preferment or held office. He was a man of ready wit and genial disposition, and was esteemed and honored by all with whom he came in contact.

Mr. Phipps married Miss Elizabeth Eastburn, a daughter of Joseph Eastburn, of Delaware. She is now deceased. Their children are: Amos, who married a Miss Hagey; Thomas S., Jr., who married a Miss Clayton; Howard, unmarried; Nevera, who became the wife of Joseph Stackhouse; Alice, unmarried; and Ruth, who became the wife of Mr. Wyvel.