Robert Philson
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Robert Philson (abt 1759 - July 25, 1831) was born in County Donegal, Ulster, Ireland, and immigrated to Pennsylvania with his uncle John Fletcher. They kept a store in Berlin, Bedford County, Pennsylvania.
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[edit] Political
Philson served as associate judge of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, for twenty years, and also served as a one-term congressman during the 16th United States Congress.
[edit] Whiskey Rebellion
Robert Philson was an instigator of the Whiskey Rebellion. Harmon Husband, Philson, and two other prisoners taken at approximately the same time were sent to Philadelphia for trial, and Washington wrote Hamilton 31 Oct. that they "were safely lodged in this City on Wednesday afternoon" (Library of Congress: Hamilton Papers).
- General Robert Philson, Harmon Husband, and about 16 other protesters were arrested. Husband and Philson were taken to Philadelphia where they were to tried and convicted of treason. In 1795 President Washington pardoned them, but the central government's power to enforce its laws had been proved. The lesson lasted over sixty years. [1]
[edit] Military
Philson was commissioned a brigadier general of the Second Brigade, Tenth Division, Pennsylvania Militia on May 9, 1800. During the War of 1812, he served as a brigadier general of the Second Brigade, Twelfth Division, Pennsylvania Volunteers
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| Preceded by Alexander Ogle |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district 1819-1821 |
Succeeded by John Tod |
