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James Madison Phillips or Philips
Home Page * What's New Photo Index * Surname Links My Ancestors Misc. Phillips Records | ||
| Info Category | Details |
| Born:
June 23, 1833 [?] |
Family notes say he was born June 23, 1833 in Binghamton, NY (Broome County). This date and location also appear in one obituary.
However, there are some contradictions. A second obituary gives the correct date of death but says he was age 63 (born c. 1834). See his Enlistment Document signed April 1864, which said he was age 35 (born c. 1828). See his Declaration for Invalid Pension military document signed Sept. 10, 1883, which said he was age 49 (born c. 1834). Two census records shows a birth year of 1833 or 1834. Another census record doesn't match any other (see census records details toward the bottom of this web page). |
| Parents: Unknown | Unknown. The 1880 census says James' parents were both born in New York.
Family lore said that James' father may have been in St. Louis, MO. His pension papers say he spent years searching for his parents, starting in St. Louis and later in Colorado, Kansas and Texas. [SOURCE: Paula Vierra] |
| Marriage 1:
Married to Angelina Maria Ellis |
The date and place of this marriage are unknown, but the fact of their marriage is supported by a variety of sources, including family notes and a letter written by Angelina's husband, James to her after their marriage. This letter (dated Oct. 25, 1866) apologized to her for his false accusations of her having an affair when he was serving in the Civil War. A rumor passed down over the years (through both his first family and second family branches) said that he left her and moved south to start a new life because she was having an affair. The letter seems to invalidate this rumor.
Family lore is that, when he moved south, his wife refused to go with him. He took his two sons with him but turned around when he was heading toward Illinois. A cholera epidemic was spreading, so be brought the boys back so they would be safe. He continued on alone. His father may have disowned him (possibly for marrying a second time, which is against his father's Catholic faith). |
| Marriage 2:
Married to Eliza Ann Helms on Oct. 14, 1868 |
Military records say James Madison Phillips married Eliza Helms on Oct. 14, 1868, at the home of Levi L. Dunlops in Franklin County, Missouri. Eliza was age 51 when she filed for a war widow's pension in December 1897. See the pension document Eliza filed to prove marital status to get her widow benefits.
One source said that James Madison Phillips married Eliza Ann Helms (b. Mar. 30, 1846). Her parents were Henry/Harry Helms and Mary Ann (Walker) Helms, both born in Indiana. Eliza died Aug. 20, 1909 in Springfield, Greene Co., MO, and is buried in Maple Park Cemetery, Springfield, MO (Lot 13, Block E). She had at least two siblings (Augusta whose married name was Collins and a brother named Charles). [SOURCE: Paula Vierra] This death date conflicts with Eliza's widow pension paperwork, which says she died Aug. 30, 1908 (see military document showing this date). Evidence suggests Eliza also had a sister named Nancy. For information on Nancy, go to the entry labeled "Elected Position: Mayor of West Fork, Arkansas" toward the bottom of this page where details are given about James Madison Phillips' move to Arkansas. His obituary confirms his marriage to Eliza Helms on Oct. 14, 1868. The 1900 Federal Census in Springfield City, Campbell Township, Greene County, Missouri, shows:
Note that a Helms family apparently lived in Adams County, Wisconsin. An article in the Adams County Press in Friendship, Adams County, on Sept. 18, 1890 said that Mr. and Mrs. Helms of Coloma Station celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Aug. 14, 1890. A Mr. and Mrs. Phillips of Big Spring were there and gave them a silver cup. It's interesting to find a Helms and Phillips connection so close to Marquette County where James Madison Phillips once lived. I have not found any connection with this Helms' family to the Eliza Helms who married James (at least not yet). |
| Child 1 [mother
Angelina Maria Ellis]:
George Ellis Phillips b. Feb. 7, 1855; d. Mar. 21, 1934 |
For details about George and his wife and children, go to George Ellis Phillips' web page. |
| Child 2 [mother Angelina Maria Ellis]:
Edward James Phillips aka Edwin or Eddie b. Oct. 1857 |
The 1860 census shows Edwin J. Phillips as living with his parents (see census entry below). He was age 2 at the time (born in Wisconsin).
In 1870, Edward Phillips (age 13, born in Wis.) was living with Samuel Hartwick [surname misspelled] and Angeline, which would be his step-father and mother (see census details on Angelina Ellis' web page). In 1880, Eddie J. Phillips was living with his mother and step-father (see census details on Angelina Ellis' web page). He was a tinner, age 23. In Samuel Hartwell's 1908 diary, it says: E.J. Phillips, 454 Van Buren Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Family notes say Edward married Mary Judge of Milwaukee on June 26, 1881, which was confirmed by two notices in the Montello Express on July 2, 1881 [transcribed for the Marquette Co., WI, rootsweb.com board by Phylis]. One article said that Mr. E. Phillips was married to Miss M E Judge by the Rev. Mr. Brown of Montello in the Methodist Church. The bride wore "a dove colored silk with lace trimmings." It reported that "the groom looked as though he appreciated her." They had dinner at the groom's home before the "happy pair" left for a "short wedding tour." The second notice said they were married on Jun 26, 1881 by the Rev. Daniel Brown (of Montello). Mary E. Judge of Milwaukee was the bride. Neither notice gave the groom's full name (just E.J. Phillips of Germania). It said: Mary "has by her kindness, by her gentle manners, and her purity of character, gained the love and respect of all who, have made her acquaintance." It said that Mr. Phillips "is well known in this section of the country. Of his integrity and good character too much cannot be said, and his happy disposition renders his presence agreeable to all." A transcription of pre-1907 marriage records says that Eddie James Phillips and Mary Effie Judge were married June 26, 1881 [SOURCE: rootsweb.com]. The 1900 Federal Census in Shields, Marquette Co., WI, shows:
A military registration card shows Benjamin Hall Phillips, age 36, was born July 6, 1882 in Germania, Wisconsin. His residence was 272 Allendale, Detroit, Michigan. His father's birthplace was Wisconsin. His employer was Kelsey Wheel Company, 1250 Military, Detroit, Mich. His nearest relative was Ursula Phillips (same address as his residence). His eyes were gray, and his hair was red. This was dated September 3, 1918 (Local Board No. 20, Detroit, Michigan). [SOURCE: ancestry.com] Wisconsin Birth Index 1826-1908 confirms Benjamin Hall Phillips was born on July 6, 1882 in Germania, Marquette, Wisconsin (parents Edward J. Phillips and Mary E. Judge). [FHL Film # 1305092] For photos of Bennie (Benjamin Hall Phillips), go to: P7; P67. For a photo of Harris Phillips, go to: P40 The 1910 Federal Census in Milwaukee Ward 7, Milwaukee, Wisconsin shows:
The 1920 Federal Census in Detroit Ward 16, Wayne Co., Michigan shows:
The 1930 Federal Census in Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan shows:
A World War I Draft Registration Card shows Harris G. Phillips living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin -- born ____ 2, 1889 in Germania, Wis. His occupation was listed as stage hand for the May Theater Co. in Milwaukee. He had blue eyes and red hair. For a photo of Harris Phillips, go to: P40 |
| Child 3 [mother Eliza Helms]:
James Phillips b. 1869 |
James was born in 1869 in Missouri. [SOURCE: Paula Vierra]
James [Jr.] is on the 1870 census with his parents (age 10 months) (see census details below). |
| Child 4 [mother Eliza Helms]:
Annie R. Phillips b. ABT 1872 |
Annie R. Phillips married Burt Beeson. [SOURCE: Paula Vierra]
Annie R. Phillips is on the 1880 census with her parents (age 8) (see census details below). |
| Child 5 [mother Eliza Helms]:
Henry J. Phillips aka Harry b. ABT 1873 |
Henry (Harry) J. Phillips was the son of Eliza Helms and James Madison Phillips. [SOURCE: Paula Vierra]
Henry J. Phillips was on the 1880 census with his parents (age 7) (see census details below). |
| Child 6 [mother Eliza Helms]:
Lydia A. (Ida) Phillips b. ABT 1876 |
Lydia A. (Ida) Phillips was the daughter of
Eliza Helms and James. [SOURCE: Paula Vierra]
Lydia A. Phillips was on the 1880 census with her parents (age 4) (see census details below). |
| Child 7 [mother Eliza Helms]:
Marguerite Elizabeth (Daisy) Phillips aka Daza b. July 1, 1877; d. Oct. 9, 1965 |
Marguerite E. (Daisy) Phillips was the daughter of Eliza Helms and James. [SOURCE: Paula Vierra]
Daza was listed on the 1880 census as living with her parents (age 2) (see census details below). Marguerite Elizabeth Phillips is the daughter of James Madison Phillips and Eliza Helms. She was born July 1, 1877, in Rolla, Phelps Co., Missouri. Marguerite died Oct. 9, 1965 in Burlington, Skagit Co., Washington. She married Sylvester Monroe Hendrixson on Apr. 15, 1899 in Springfield, Greene Co., MO. Sylvester was born Mar. 22, 1877, in Drakesville, Davis Co., Iowa. They had at least four children. Sylvester's parents were George Hendrixson (b. Sept. 6, 1844 in Fulton Co., IN, and d. July 18, 1878 in Ft. Scott, Bourbon Co., KY; his parents were Richard Henrickson and Margaret McKibben) and Mary Ann Morgan (b. Feb. 8, 1845 in Delaware Co., IN, and d. June 19, 1917 in Oakland, Alameda Co., CA; her parents were Charles D. Morgan and Catharine Rash). [SOURCE: Marilynn Munoz on ancestry.com; I have not confirmed these details.] |
| Child 8 [mother Eliza Helms]:
Harriet (Hattie) Phillips b. Apr. 1880 |
Harriet (Hattie) Phillips was the daughter of Eliza Helms and James. [SOURCE: Paula Vierra]
Hariet A. Phillips [as spelled] was on the 1880 census as living with her parents (age 1) (see census details below). Hattie was on the 1900 census with her mother Eliza (see census information in Marriage 2 entry above). This census says that Hattie's occupation was dress making and gives her birth month as April 1880. |
| Child 9 [mother Eliza Helms]:
Jerome Phillips |
Jerome Phillips was the son of Eliza Helms and James. [SOURCE: Paula Vierra] |
| Child 10 [mother Eliza Helms]:
Jesse F. Phillips b. May 14, 1884 |
Jesse Phillips was the son of Eliza Helms and James. [SOURCE: Paula Vierra who wrote that Marguerite was her grandmother.] See the Birth Certification Document filed with his mother's pension paperwork.
When James' widow applied for pension benefits, she said that Jesse Franklin Phillips was born May 14, 1884, certified by a notary public in Greene County, Missouri. He was the only minor child mentioned in his mother's application for widow military benefits in December 1897. Jessie F. was on the 1900 census with his mother Eliza (see Marriage 2 entry above for census details). The 1910 Federal Census in North Campbell (District 56), Greene Co., Missouri shows:
The 1920 Federal Census in Denver, Colorado shows:
Jesse F. Phillips' tombstone said he was born May 14, 1884 and died Apr. 6, 1968. He is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Wheat Ridge, Jefferson County, Colorado (Block 46 Lot 59 Grave B-3). His wife was Cora A. Phillips. Cora was born July 19, 1890 and died July 18, 1972. She is buried in the same cemetery (Block 46 Lot 59 Grave B-4). Gilbert Arnold Phillips was born June 12, 1910 and died April 24, 1969. [SOURCE: www.FindAGrave.com] |
| Military Service:
Civil War Veteran |
James enlisted on Mar. 30, 1864, and served as a private with Company A 16th Wisconsin Regiment, Infantry Volunteers. He was in the Battle of Atlanta in 1864 (under General
Sherman's command), fighting for the north. He was honorably discharged on July 12, 1865.
Military papers say he as 5'6" tall, had a dark complexion, black hair and dark eyes. Another military paper contradicts this, saying he had blue eyes. He received $17 a month when he was getting a pension from the government for war services. When he was in the military, he contracted chronic diarrhea and was sick in spring 1864. On the war roll of the Company, he was listed as present April 1864 to Aug. 31, 1864 (although he was absent May 1864, left at Huntsville, Alabama -- he was not reported absent on July 1864 when General Sherman marched on Atlanta, GA; James' company was with Sherman on this mission). When James was in Atlanta, he was treated "by regimental surgeon" for neuralgia of head, neck and breast, caused by exposure. In Sept. and Oct. 1864, he was sick/absent until Apr. 30, 1865. He was present in May and June 1865. See the following military documents: Declaration for Original Invalid Pension - Pg. 1; Declaration for Original Invalid Pension - Pg. 2; Medical/Military History; Declaration for Widow's Pension (Eliza Helms Phillips) - Pg. 1; Declaration for Widow's Pension (Eliza Helms Phillips) - Pg. 2; Marriage Certified with Eliza Helms; Son's Birth Certified (Jesse Franklin Phillips); James' disabilities detailed and widow Eliza's death; Military Discharge; Military Enlistment. The Regimental History of the 16th Wisconsin Infantry lost 123 men to kill or wounds in the battles before Atlanta in July 1864. His regiment occupied Atlanta until Aug. 26 and then was involved in battles at Jonesboro and Lovejoy's Station. The regiment returned to Atlanta on Sept. 8, 1864. This group took part in the siege of Savannah and in the Carolina campaign (engaged at Beaufort, Whippy Swamp and Orangeburg). It waded through swamps, driving the enemy from position. The 16th Infantry took part in the battle of Bentonville. James was listed as present and not absent from illness during the following:
His Declaration for Original Invalid Pension, dated September 10, 1883, gives details/dates on his illnesses during his military service. |
| Misc. Notes:
Fiddle player & Postmaster |
He liked to play the fiddle [SOURCE: Paula Vierra].
James was a Postmaster in Germania in 1866. [SOURCE: Fran Sprain's book Vol. I Places and Faces in Marquette County, Wis.] |
| Religion:
Raised a Catholic but left the faith |
His obituary says he was raised a Catholic but "long since left that faith." It added that, "while he had never reunited with the church, he told his family he made made peace with God." |
| Census Record:
1860 Federal Census Shields, Marquette Co., WI |
The 1860 Federal Census in Shields, Marquette Co., WI, shows: |
| Census Record:
1870 Federal Census Campbell, Green Co., MO |
The 1870 Federal Census in Campbell, Green Co., Missouri, shows:
|
| Census Record:
1880 Federal Census Dillon, Phelps County, Missouri |
The 1880 Federal Census in Dillon, Phelps Co., Missouri, shows:
|
| Elected Position:
Mayor of West Fork, Arkansas 1885 and 1888 |
J.M. Phillips was the first mayor of West Fork, Washington Co., Arkansas. West Fork was incorporated in May 1885. He was elected mayor again in 1888. [SOURCE: History of
Benton County [Arkansas]] This article said he was a contractor and builder.
His obituary confirms that he was elected mayor of West Fork, Arkansas, in 1888. Paula G. Vierra wrote an article about James in Flashback magazine (August 1999). It said he moved with his family to Arkansas in 1882, along with his brother-in-law Jacob Wallace and Jacob's family. James' wife had relatives in West Fork and Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Family lore is that they moved back to Missouri (Springfield) because malaria was spreading in West Fork. The Encyclopedia of Arkansas online confirms that J.M. Phillips was mayor when West Fork was incorporated in May 1885. The 1870 Federal Census in Springfield, Campbell Township, Greene County, Missouri, shows Jacob Wallace (who is likely James' brother-in-law):
Nancy E. Helms married Jacob A. Wallis [as spelled] on Feb. 6, 1870 in Laclede, Missouri. This month of birth matches the month given in the above census record. [SOURCE: LDS database online at www.familysearch.org] |
| Possible Lead:
Autograph Album Signatures |
The following individuals signed Dollie Block's autograph book [Dollie was Fred Block's daughter and a daughter-in-law to James Phillips; Dollie's sister Delia married James' son George Phillips]:
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| Possible Lead?:
1850 Census Medina, Medina Co., Ohio |
1850 Federal Census in Medina, Medina County, Ohio, shows a James Philips living two houses away from a Peirce (James' mother-in-law was married to a Peirce in 1850); this James was the right age to be my ancestor:
Next door was Elizabeth Philips (age 87, born in Conn. - race not given; assumed to be white). Next to Elizabeth lived:
See Edward Peirce's (age 27 in 1850) census information and 1860 (when he lived in Benton, Michigan [Misc. Peirce Records page.] In-between the Peirce and Philips household was the household of Joseph Wells [middle initial hard to read - could be an H or a W] (age 26, shoemaker, born in Ohio), Harriette (age 26, born in Conn.), Amelia E. (age 5, born in Ohio), Celia M. (age 3, born in Ohio), Ellen L. (age 1, born in Ohio). Also near these families was Daniel Hall's family (born in England). [See Hall Records page] A Reuben Phillips is buried in the Lakeview Cemetery on County Hwy. I in Jackson Township, Adams Co., WI. He was born 1788 in New York; died Nov. 6, 1874; and "Private - War of 1812." [SOURCE: Cemetery notes on rootsweb.com contributed by Joan Byers - http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~adams6/cem10.html] Others buried in the same cemetery include:
|
| Possible Lead?:
1850 Census Record St. Louis Ward 4, St. Louis Co., MO |
This may be a coincidence but the combination of the name Edward J. Phillips (which was the name James gave a son) and Mary Block (which is the surname of James' daughter-in-law, Ottilie Block) may be worth exploring. On the other hand, Edward was born in Virginia and two children were born in Illinois, and no evidence of a Virginia or Illinois connection has been found. The 1880 census says James' parents were born in New York. Could Edward be an uncle?
|
| Died:
Nov. 16, 1897 |
He died Nov. 16, 1897 and is buried in the Springfield National Cemetery in Springfield, Greene County, Missouri [Section 25, Plot 1651]. He died of acute bronchitis and endocarditis in Springfield, MO.
His obituary said he died at 2 p.m. at his home on West Walnut Street. |
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