PHILLIPS-Benjamin - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Benjamin PHILLIPS for over 30 years has been a resident on his farm of 420 acres situated on Sec 5, Wabash Twp, Parke County. He has made a a success of agricultural pursuits and at one time was owner of 650 acres but has disposed of a portion of this, having given his children 230 acres and some money. He has fed live stock and dealt extensively in it all his life, having been quite successful in that line. Mr. Phillips was born Oct 16, 1829 in Faquier Co VA being a son of William and Harriet Robison Phillips. Jenkins Phillips, of Va the grandfather of our subject followed the occupation of an agriculturist in the Old Dominion. His son, William who was born in the same state was a farmer and slave owner. In 1833 he went to Coschocton Co OH and in 1835 came to Reserve Twp, Indiana where he resided until his death. He purchased and improved about 220 acres where he died March 14, 1882. William Phillips was born Aug 27, 1797 was a hardshell Baptist and strong Democrat. His wife, who survived him until Nov 6, 1886, was born in Va Sept 15, 1804 and was the mother of 10 children, all but two of whom lived to mature years. They are as follows: Albert who died in Iowa; Rachel, Mrs. Henry Milligan who died in the same state; Nancy, wife of William Hawkins of Illinois; Jenkins, a resident of the Hawkeye State (Iowa); Benjamin; William; Alpheus of Illinois; Randolph and two who died in childhood. Th emother was for half a century devoted and consistent membe rof the Methodist Episcopal Church. Benjamin Phillips came to Indiana with his parents and received only limited common school advantages. At the age of 20 he left home, starting in business for himself and in 1852 settled on 7 acres of land on Sec 2, Wabash Twp which belonged to his wife. THis he engaged in cultivating for seven years, about 1860 locating on his present farm which has been his home continuously until the present time with the exception of two years spent in Montezuma. He owns 420 acres of valuable and desirable land which is well kept and a model farm of this decade. Mr. Phillips has been twice married, his first union being with Jane, daughter of William and Mary BATEMAN MORGAN. Four children belessed their home, 3 living: Nelson G; Samuel B and Warner. The wife and mother who was born April 29, 1829 was called to her final abode Jan 21, 1864. The present wife of our subject was before her marriage Julila, widow of Smith DUNLAP and daguther of John and Barbara NEWMAN, of PA Dutch descent. The father was one of the pioneers of this county and Minister of the united Brethren Church. Of the 4 children born to Mr. and mrs. Phillips, 3 are living: George of California; Nettie, wife of Charles Mathews of Illinois and Annie. Mrs. Phillips had two children by her first marriage: James H. and David B. Our worthy subject and wife are faithful members of the United Brethren Church. The former is a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons and has the respect and friendship of all who know him.