[1][2] He was a younger brother of United States senator John Coit Spooner.

[4] He also became active with the Republican Party of Wisconsin, serving on the Madison city council.

He ran for Wisconsin State Assembly in 1875, but was defeated by Liberal Republican William Charlton.

In addition to his insurance and political interests, he was the president and major shareholder in Madison Traction Co.

[9] Philip Jr.'s siblings included John Coit Spooner, who served 16 years as United States senator from Wisconsin, and Roger C. Spooner, who was a chairman of the Republican Party of Dane County.