WILLIAM PHILLIPS SR....
b. 1847 Marizion, Cornwall, England ; d. 1936 Beaver Meadows Pennsylvania, USA
..is as of this date (9/26/2004) the earliest United Sates resident in this direct lineage. There are others, possibly, but unsubstantiated at this time. A connection to the U.S. Civil war is a very good possibility for present day descendants of William via his second wife, Catherine's family. see a mariage certificate
The plaque, mentioned in an old letter, as shown on Phillips Family History page of this site, was located this past August (2004) in Beaver Meadows PA.. The plaque was originally hung in the rear, facing the altar in the Episcopal Methodist Church. It is now mounted on a large rock beside the road connecting Beaver Meadows & Weatherly PA.. This is located within the coal mining region of Pennsylvania and on the Cumberland Trail used to open up the West. Behind the church is a spring used to water the horses after their climb through the mountainous country.
The importance of that particular spring to the family is that William Sr. was a blacksmith and lived on Church Street directly around the corner from the Church. He was very involved with the church; some say he was a minister in addition to being a Blacksmith. Therefore it was very appropriate for his son Charles Spade Phillips (brother of 'Pop', Edgar Cerner Phillips) have that memorial placed in the Church.
William was married twice, the first time we believe to Emma P. Phillips (1850-1879). There were three (3) sons William Jr., John; James.
His second marriage was to Catherine Susan Phillips (Mcgrann of Beaver Valley Columbia County Pa.) (1846-1943); they had two (2) sons Edgar Cerner Phillips (Pop) and Charles Spade Phillips (uncle Charlie 1884-1954). NOTE: spelling of Susan could also be Suzan.
We are checking other documents relating to William Phillips. Sr. and will post as available.
Christmas Letter to his son
1927
(click to read letter)
