Jonas Phillips - The American Revolution

The American Revolution

Phillips was an ardent supporter of the Non-Importation Agreement in 1770, and at the outbreak of the American Revolution, he favored the Patriot cause. In 1776 he used his influence in the New York congregation to close the doors of the synagogue and leave New York rather than continue under the British. The building was abandoned. Together with the majority of the congregation, Phillips and his family moved to Philadelphia, where he continued in business until 1778. In that year he joined the Revolutionary Army, serving in the Philadelphia Militia under Colonel Bradford..