Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.
Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, p 351 - 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 int
he 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.