Quick Facts
Biography
Philo White (June 23, 1796 – February 15, 1883) was a politician and newspaperman.
Background
White was born in Whitestown, New York on June 23, 1796. He moved to Salisbury, North Carolina in 1820. From 1830 to 1834, he was a purchasing agent for the United States Navy. He moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1836 and to Racine, Wisconsin in 1844. White died on February 15, 1883 in Whitestown, New York.
Newspaper career
From 1820 to 1830, White published the Western Carolinian and from 1834 to 1836, he published the Raleigh Standard. He later helped to establish and edited the Milwaukee Sentinel. White also owned and published the Racine Advocate for a time.
Political career
White (a Democrat), was a member of the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature from 1847 to 1848, and in 1848 became a member of the first Wisconsin State Senate from the 17th District, serving for a year; he was succeeded by Free Soiler Victor Willard.
White was U.S. Chargé d'affaires in Ecuador from 1853 to 1855. From 1855 to 1858, he served as U.S. Minister to Ecuador.