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- ALFRED J. PHILLIPS, a farmer residing on section 1, La Prairie
- Township, is a native of Somerset, England, born Oct. 31,
1823, and is a son of James and Sarah (SHUTE) PHILLIPS, who were
also born in the same place. The father was a merchant tailor,
and worked at his trade while in England. Determined to make
his home in America, in 1832, accompanied by his family, he crossed
the Atlantic and settled in Greene County, N.Y. He established
himself at Windham, that county, following the trade which he
had learned in his native land, and also dealt in real estate.
Later he removed to Oswego County, and afterward to Genesee County,
where he made his home until 1847, when he emigrated to the West,
and became a resident of Rock County. Three years previous, in
1844, he made a trip to Wisconsin, and purchased some lots at
Emerald Grove. In that town he located in 1847,
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- and embarked in the mercantile business, which he followed
for several years. His death occurred in the spring of 1886,
at the age of eighty-eight years of age. They were the parents
of two children, both of whom came to this county with their
parents: Alfred J., of this sketch; and Louisa, who is now deceased.
The mother was a member of the Congregational Church, and took
a prominent part in the work of that organization.
- In 1844 our subject accompanied his father to Wisconsin,
and entered 160 acres of land, upon
- which, for a period of forty-five years, he has continued
to reside. To his original purchase he has added until the home
farm now comprises 260 acres, while he landed possessions aggregate
560 acres, including sixty acres within the limits of Emerald
Grove. Mr. PHILLIPS has made a specialty of wheat growing, and
in one season harvested 6,000 bushels of wheat. He has also given
some attention to the breeding of fine sheep and Shorthorn cattle,
but of late years has been principally engaged in general farming.
- Mr. PHILLIPS was united in marriage, in March, 1867, with
Rhoda BLUNT, a native of
- Walworth County, Wis., and a daughter of John and Louisa
(SHERMAN) BLUNT, both of whom were natives of New York, and early
settlers of Walworth County. His father was a soldier in the
War of 1812. By their union eight children were born - Naomi,
John, James, Elnora R., Viola F., Mabel A., Birdella H. and Adelaide
R. In the month of November, 1884, the death of the mother occurred.
She was a member of the Congregational Church, and a lady loved
and respected by all. Mr. PHILLIPS has been again married, his
second union being with Fannie McELROY, who was born in Ohio,
of Scotch parents, and is a niece of ex-Senator McDONALD, of
Indiana. He has held the office of Constable, Justice of the
Peace, was Postmaster at Emerald Grove for upward of four years,
and at present is serving as Treasurer of the School Board. In
his political sentiments he affiliates with the Democratic party,
and socially, is a member of the I.O.O.F., becoming a member
of Johnstown Lodge at its organization. He is a worthy citizen,
and is held in high regard by all who know him. The portrait
of Mr. PHILLIPS is shown on another page.
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-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 433-434; lithograph from
same book.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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