Creator Bio
Jonas Phillips
1736–1803
The German-born Jonas Phillips immigrated to America in 1756. Settling first in Charleston, he worked as an indentured servant to pay off his passage. In 1759 he moved north, first to Albany, then to New York City, and eventually to Philadelphia. After initially failing in business, Phillips enjoyed considerable success. Intensely active in Jewish religious life in New York and Philadelphia, he was, at the same time, a fervent revolutionary patriot who served in the Philadelphia militia.
Entries in the Posen Library by This Creator
Primary Source
Letter to Federal Constitutional Convention
7 September 1787SiresWith leave and submission I address myself to those in whom there is wisdom and understanding and knowledge, they are the honourable personages appointed and Made overseers of a…
Related Guide
Political Life and Thought, 1750–1880
Jews debated all sides of the major political issues of their day. Some welcomed the idea of equality, whereas others feared the loss of their religious-institutional distinctiveness.