Wisconsin industrialist and Republican Party leader Cyrus L. Philipp was born in Milwaukee on March 28, 1898. In 1914 when he was only sixteen his father Emanuel L. Philipp was elected governor, and as a result the younger Philipp spent the next six years living close to the seat of political power in Wisconsin. Thereafter, although he never sought elective office for himself (his name rumored in this connection, however, several times), it is clear that politics was much more than an avocation for Cyrus Philipp.
While his father was governor Cyrus completed his studies at the University of Wisconsin and during World War I he enlisted for service in the Navy and attended an officer training program in Chicago. During the 1920's he was connected with his father in the cigar manufacturing business. In 1920 they also founded together the Union Refrigerator Transit Company. After the elder Philipp's death in 1924 Cyrus was named vice-president and in 1936 president of the company. He later also became vice-president of the firm's parent company in Chicago, the General American Transportation Corporation. By 1931 Milwaukee historian John Gregory spoke of Philipp as one of the most successful young businessmen in the city. His other business related activities during this period included service on the board of First Wisconsin National Bank, First Wisconsin Trust Company, Perfex Corporation, and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. Civic and charitable involvements and memberships were also numerous, including work for the Family Welfare Association, Citizens Bureau of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Downer College, Milwaukee Hospital, Milwaukee Country Club, Milwaukee Club, Wisconsin Club, University Club, Milwaukee Athletic Club, and the Alumni Association of the University of Wisconsin.
Philipp married Mary Edwards on October 3, 1925. They were the parents of three children: Emanuel L. II, Mary Baur, and Patricia.
Philipp became active in politics in Milwaukee during the 1920's. In 1928 he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention and a leader in the successful gubernatorial campaign of Walter Kohler, Sr. During the 1930's he emerged as a leader within the state Republican Party organization. From 1934 to 1938 he was chairman of the Republican State Central Committee. He was also a leader in the Milwaukee County Republican Committee. From 1944 to 1952 he was national committeeman and a member of the National Executive Committee. In 1952 he was a delegate pledged to Robert Taft at the National Convention.
Philipp died on September 20, 1981 after a lengthy illness.
