Balderson Introduces Bill to Rename Philo Post Office

Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) introduced a bill on Thursday to dedicate and rename the post office in Philo,  as the “Samuel J. Mitchell Jr. Post Office” in honor of Sam Mitchell, who served as Philo’s postmaster for 52 years. His service began in 1967 after being appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Sam was born in Duncan Falls in 1936 and graduated from Philo High School. He served three years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic working on B-36 and B-52 heavy bombers. After serving his nation, Sam owned the Duncan Falls Gulf Station for several years before working for the Ohio Power Plant and then Universal CITI Credit Corporation in Columbus.

In his spare time, Sam was active within his community. He was a member of several organizations, such as the Duncan Falls-Philo Lions Club as well as the Muskingum County Dive Team. He also served for the Harrison Township Fire Department where he was the Chief for over 25 years. Sam passed away in October 2023.

The bill will now be referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability for consideration. If approved by the committee, the bill will go to the House floor for approval.