American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts

Shippen held official positions in both pre- and post- Revolution era Philadelphia. In 1755, he was appointed Judge of the Admiralty; in 1758, was appointed to Philadelphia Common Council; and in 1770, became a member of Pennsylvania's Provincial Council, and Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 1762-1776. He attempted to remain neutral during the American Revolution but lost his multiple offices during the conflict. After the War, Shippen secured the position of President of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia, 1784-1791; Judge of the High Court of Errors and Appeals,1784-1791; Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 1791-1799; and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 1799.