Philip T. Smith, chief of police of New Haven, his native city, was born on the 31st of January, 1867. His father, Thomas Smith, a native of Ireland, made his way direct to New Haven on coming to America in 1848 and here entered the employ of Little & English, remaining with the business under the later proprietorship of Charles L. English of the firm of English & Holt. His capability and reliability were indicated by his forty-eight years' connection with these firms, who were extensively engaged in the lumber business. He died in the year 1893 at the age of seventy-six years and was laid to rest in St. Bernard's cemetery. His wife, Mrs. Mary Smith, also a native of Ireland, came with her parents to America in 1855 and was here married. To that union were born nine children, of whom four are yet living: James, who is with the Louis Mansfield Lumber Company of New Haven; Frances, the wife of John Blessington of New Haven; Philip T.; and Richard J., who is a merchant. The mother also survives and is splendidly preserved at the age of eighty-seven years.
     Philip T. Smith was educated in the Wooster school of New Haven and in the high school, after which he started out to earn his own living at the age of eighteen years, being first apprenticed to a butcher, with whom he remained for a year and a half, but he did not like the business and secured a position at corset cutting. He followed that work until 1895, when he was appointed supernumerary on the New Haven police force In December, 1896, he was made a patrolman and in December, 1906, was advanced to the rank of sergeant, while in 1909 he became captain. In November, 1905, he was detailed as acting chief clerk and on the 20th of January, 1913, he was made chief of police. His promotions have come to him in recognition of his fidelity and ability, and he is today at the head of a well organized and efficient police force, doing splendid work in maintaining law and order through the suppression of crime in this city.
     On the 19th of January, 1898, in St. Monica's church on Seventy-ninth street in New York city, the Eev. Terrance B. Smith, a cousin of Philip T. Smith, pronounced the marriage service that united the destinies of Mr. Smith and Miss Mary L. Reynolds, a native of New York city and a daughter of Bernard and Rose Reynolds. They have become the parents of four children: Frances, born in New Haven, September 13, 1901; Richard Thomas, September 10, 1904; Philip, February 15, 1908; and Rose, July 25, 1910.
     The family are communicants of the Sacred Heart Catholic church and Mr. Smith has membership with the Knights of Columbus and also with the Elks and the Eagles. He is identified with the Chamber of Commerce and with the International Association of Chiefs of Police. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party. Practically his entire time and attention are given to the duties of his office, and. he holds to high standards of public service, his record being a most commendable one.