Thomas Raeburn White


Thomas Raeburn White was a prominent attorney, political reformer, newspaper publisher and law professor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He practiced law at White and Williams LLP, wrote extensively on the Pennsylvania Constitution and taught at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law.

Personal life

White was born on August 30, 1875 in Rich Square, Indiana. White graduated from Earlham College before attending the University of Pennsylvania Law School. In 1901, White married Elizabeth Wilson, she died in 1921. They had three children Mary, W. Wilson White and Thomas Raeburn White Jr.

Professional life

White graduated from University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1899 and was admitted to the bar that year. Throughout his professional life he was a partner in the law firm of White and Williams LLP, which he founded in 1899. Although he was technically retired he continued to visit the office regularly and counsel younger attorneys until his death.

Political reformer

In 1905 the Committee of Seventy, a good government group in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, selected White as their counsel. In this capacity he investigated voting fraud and political crime.

Published works

Commentaries on the Constitution
Business Law: A Text-Book for Schools and Colleges