My Genealogy Hound

BREWER D. PHILLIPS, one of the solid business men of Brocton and prominent in the Republican party at that city is a son of William W. and Celestine (Ely) Phillips, and was born at Cassadaga, Chautauqua county, New York, December 5, 1859. Sawyer Phillips (grandfather) was a native of Connecticut but came to and settled in Stockton, in May, 1816, taking section No. 15, Town 4, Range 12. He followed farming and was also a cooper. He married and had children. William W. Phillips was born at Cassadaga where he now resides. He is a prosperous farmer and a leading citizen in his community. He married Celestine Ely and had a family of children. He is a republican and takes an active interest in the welfare of his party and the just and economical administration of the county’s affairs. He is sixty-two years of age and still enjoys good health. His wife is a native of Stockton town.

Brewer D. Phillips stayed on his father’s farm until seventeen years of age, attending the winter schools as the work would permit. In 1876 his uncle, who was a general merchant in Cassadaga, offered him a clerkship which was accepted and filled for three years. It was here that he laid the foundation of his business knowledge. He went to Buffalo in 1879 and spent a season as clerk in a dry goods house. From there he went to Sinclairsville for a year working for A. Putman & Son, general merchants, and then they transferred and promoted him to manage a branch store in Stockton, staying there three years and giving excellent satisfaction on account of his ability and integrity. In the spring of 1885, Mr. Phillips came to Brocton and bought his father-in-law’s interest in an old established store and entered business with his brother-in-law, T. C. Moss, the style of the firm being Moss & Phillips. They have an immense trade and carry a big stock of general merchandise, with a branch store in Portland. They also handle season and real estate.

In 1883, Mr. Phillips married Ida M. Moss, a daughter of T. S. Moss, of Brocton, and they have one child: Jessie W.

He is a strong member of the Republican party and by it was twice elected supervisor — in 1889 and 1890, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Socially, Mr. Phillips is a pleasant and companionable gentleman and in business he is recognized as among the best in Brocton.