My Genealogy Hound

William R. Phillips was born March 12, 1836, one-half mile south of Huntsville, and is the only living child of eight born to James and Patsey (Sanders) Phillips. The father was born February 27, 1805, and was a son of John Phillips, one of the early settlers of the county. James Phillips was a native of Alabama and came to this section about 1830, becoming a very extensive land owner, and dying here August 17, 1874, well respected and esteemed. He served as treasurer of the county one term, and in religion was a Methodist. His wife was a native of Kentucky, and a sister of C. B. Sanders [see sketch], and after her death, in 1842, he wedded Elizabeth Williams, who lived until March, 1862. His third marriage was to Mrs. Polly Johnson. William R. Phillips remained with his father upon the farm until about thirty years of age. During the war he served in different companies of the Confederate army, at one time being lieutenant of Regan’s company. His whole term of service was from 1861 until 1865. He began farm life on his own account three miles below his present place, which is situated two miles west of Huntsville, and contains 300 acres of land. He also owns 123 acres in another farm. He is a successful farmer, his land being partly very well improved, and about 200 acres in a good state of cultivation. His whole attention has been given to farming, with the exception of five years spent in Huntsville in the mercantile business with W. A. Gage. January 13, 1866, he married Eliza Williams, a native of Tennessee, by whom he had five children: Mary M., Lulu M., Claude W., Annie and Willie. He was left a widower about 1875 and the following year married Lete Wilson, who was born in Washington County about 1845, and also bore him five children: Burnice, Ettie, James E., Kellie, George W. and Edith. Mr. Phillips is an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which his wife is an active member. He is a Master Mason. In politics he is a Democrat, and as such as elected county treasurer in 1880 and 1882.