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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
Copyright 2008, all rights reserved.

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Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County
Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890

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The Biography of David A. PHILLIPS 

Pages 338 and 341, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins 

[Surnames: BEVIER, BOWN, BROWN, BRUNSON, GAMBLE, HOLCOMB, HOPKINS, HOUGHTALEN, IRONS, KNOX, LOMAN, MILAM, OPIE, PHILLIPS, TINDALL] 

    
DAVID A. PHILLIPS. Everybody in Orion Township knows David Phillips, who resides on section 1, where he has a fine farm of two hundred acres, which his son manages while he is actively engaged in wagon-making, painting, etc. He is a whole-souled, liberal-spirited citizen, and his many genial, pleasant qualities make him popular with the entire community. 
    
Our subject comes of fine old Revolutionary stick, his paternal grandfather, Luke Phillips' serving in the Continental Army, seven years and three months during the Revolution. Mr. Phillips' parents, Nehemiah and Rhoba Phillips were natives of Rhode Island. His mother's maiden name was Hopkins, and she was a daughter of Stephen Hopkins, the grandson of Benoni Hopkins. John Brown, an uncle of Mrs. Phillips was one of the leaders engaged in throwing the tea overboard in Boston Harbor. The parents of our subject had nine children, of whom the following six are still living: Nancy, wife of Heman Holcomb; Morgan, who married Miss Houghtalen and resides in Peoria County; David A., the subject of this sketch; Rhoba, wife of Jacob Bevier of Stockbridge, Mich.; Henry W., who married Susan Irons and lives in Nebraska; Achsah, wife of Lorenzo Brunson of Wayne County, Mich. 
    
The subject of this biographical review was born in the State of New York, October 18, 1820. In early manhood he came westward as far as Ft. Wayne, Ind., and in that place it was his good fortune to meet with Miss Rebecca I. Knox, whom he persuaded to share with him his life and fortunes, and to her he is greatly indebted for his present prosperous circumstances. Their union has been blessed with seven children, viz: Albina, married William Milam of Lincoln, Neb.; Anetta, wife of John Bown of Lance County, Ore.; Orlando, who married Emma Tindall and lives in Farmington; Ira Melvin, who married Belle Loman and lives in Peoria County; Edgar A., who married Ida Opie and lives with his father; Seward Lincoln, who married Cora Gamble and lives in Peoria County, and Mary E., who resides at home. 
    
When a boy Mr. Phillips learned the trade of a tanner, and afterward acquired that of a carpenter and also wagon-making and painting. He came to Orion Township in 1874, and opened a shop for the manufacture of wagons and also identified himself with the agricultural interests of the place and has a well-improved farm. Mr. Phillips is skillful in his calling and by well directed and incessant labor, has accumulated a comfortable property, and is conducting a good business which brings him in an excellent income. He is a man of steady habits, is a kind and helpful neighbor and is in every way to be relied on. He is a loyal and law abiding citizen, interested in the welfare of his country, and has always affiliated with the Republican party which finds in him a true supporter.