My Genealogy Hound

ALBERT L. PHILLIPS comes from two German families that left the fatherland over a hundred years ago, came to this country and have become thoroughly Americanized. He began life humbly, secured his education by personal efforts, gave three years of service towards preserving the Union intact, and then returned to the pursuits of peace, and after a few years preliminary skirmishing, has established one of the largest flouring-mills in this section of the county. Albert L. Phillips is a son of George and Lydia (Shaver) Phillips, and was born in Stephentown, Rensselaer county, New York, April 12, 1842. Zachariah Phillips was a native of Germany, but in early life he emigrated to America and settled in Rensselaer county, this State, where he died. Being one of the pioneers of that county, he attacked the forests with his axe, subdued the natural growth and in its place sowed the seeds which, sprouting and maturing, fed the hungry mouths of stock and children. After serving in the Revolutionary war he returned to his farm, where he died in 1852. His wife bore him five or six children that grew to maturity. In politics he was a whig. Of the mother’s family the same might be said; the grandfather came to America and settled in the same county. George Phillips was born in Rensselaer county, and learned the carpenter’s trade, which he followed, with contracting and building. He died in 1867, aged seventy-eight years. Most of his life was spent in Rensselaer county, although, for a time, he lived and followed his trade in Dutchess county. In 1811 he married Lydia Shaver, and reared a family of seven children, four daughters and three sons. Two of the latter and one daughter are still living: George E. is at Stottville, New York; and Sarah A. is married to Alberton Hick, of Rensselaer county, New York. Mr. Phillips was a democrat.

Albert L. Phillips passed the early years of life and received his education through his own unaided efforts. He worked hard during the day and studied at night and during spare moments. While still a youth he learned the secrets of milling, and before he was legally a man he was a master miller. Seven years apprenticeship was passed, and he then took charge of a mill in Chatham, Columbia county, this State, where he remained until August 22, 1862, and then enlisted in Company I, 1st regiment. New York Mounted Rifles, and served as private and corporal until the close of the war, his discharge being dated June 12, 1865. His regiment was commanded by Col. C. C. Dodge. He was mainly on detached duty during his service, and was with Generals Spinola and Terry at Suffolk, Va., Fort Darling, Bermuda Hundred, City Point and Petersburg. While Mr. Phillips was engaged in bearing dispatches from Gen. Terry to Col. White he was pursued by Confederates and four bullets passed through his clothing. Much danger was incurred while doing duty as dispatch-bearer, scout and spy, but he seemed to bear a charmed life, and always escaped uninjured. When Richmond capitulated, his company was among the first to ride triumphantly through the streets of the rebel capital. Upon returning home, he was employed at the following named places: Phoenix mills and Revere mills, Rochester, New York; Gowanda, New York, and was burned out in the latter place in March, 1870; then at Versailles, Otto, New York; Union City, Pa., and in 1873 he removed to East Randolph and remained until 1877. From there he went to Dayton, Ohio, and engaged in the grain business for about one year, then moved to Niles, Ohio, and ran a mill; from the latter place he went to Meadville, Pa., and in 1881 he came to Kennedy, where he has since remained, and conducts one of the largest mills in Chautauqua county, having a capacity of one hundred and twenty-five barrels of flour and a car-load of feed per day, and employs ten men. Mr. Phillips is associated with William Thomas a resident of Meadville, Pa. Politically he is a democrat, and belongs to Jamestown Lodge, Knights of Honor.

In 1869 he married Jennie Barlow, a daughter of Alanson Barlow, of Gowanda, New York, and they have one daughter, E. Maud, born March 14, 1876.

Mrs. Phillips died August 5, 1890, after having spent considerable time in Florida searching for health. Albert L. Phillips’ success in the milling business is a proud monument to his perseverance and skill. Under his management the business has expanded to its present proportions, a large proportion of their product being consumed by local trade. It is not alone in business that he is successful; socially he is a pleasant gentleman, and numbers his friends by his acquaintances.