My Genealogy Hound

PHILIP S. DAY is a prominent citizen of Post Oak Township, Johnson County, and owns a desirable homestead six miles south of Warrensburg. In 1870 he bought forty acres of this land, and has since extended his possessions until he now has one hundred and sixty acres in the homestead. When he first located here he built a small cabin, which sheltered his family for a few years, or until he was enabled to build a good frame structure. During the war, while he and his brother were away on military duty, his father’s house was burned by bushwhackers. Another house was soon built, but in the mean time the family was obliged to live in a small shed. The parents of the gentleman above mentioned were Richard and Sarah (Stone) Day, natives of North Carolina. After making their home in Indiana for twelve years, they moved to Post Oak Township, this county, in 1847 Richard Day departed this life December 30, 1892, when in his eighty-second year. His wife, who was born in June, 1815, is still living on the farm which her husband entered in 1850. The family lived for years in a log cabin sixteen feet square, and made the journey overland to this state in a three-horse wagon. The maternal grandmother is also living and has passed the one hundredth anniversary of her birth. Richard Day was formerly a member of the Society of Friends, but in later years joined the Methodist Church, to which his wife also belongs. After the war he was a stanch Republican.

Philip S. Day was born in Henderson County, Ind., January 5, 1842, being one of nine children. Joseph M., a farmer of this county, served as a member of the Twenty-seventh Missouri Volunteers, and afterward in the Fortieth Regiment of the State Militia. Deborah is the wife of S. H. Taggart, who owns a farm north of Warrensburg. William is deceased, his death having occurred in June, 1876, in California, whither he had gone for his health; he was also a member of the Twenty-seventh Missouri Infantry. Mary is the wife of James H. King, a farmer of this township. Nancy C., the widow of Alexander Scott, is living near her father’s home. Daniel is a farmer of Chilhowee Township. Christina S. resides with her mother; and Serena J. died at the age of three years.

Until entering the army Philip S. Day lived on his father’s farm. He enlisted, August 10, 1862, in the Seventieth Regiment of Missouri Enrolled Militia, and at the end of a few months’ service the company disbanded for a time. When it was re-organized he joined Company B, Fortieth Regiment, for six months. From April 1 until July 8, 1865, he served under Captain Chester with Johnson County volunteers, and though in no regular battle, he took part in several skirmishes with Quantrell. From the close of the war until 1867 he was assistant to Sheriff T. W. Williams. About 1866 he bought a farm in company with a brother and became interested in stock-raising, and for the past twenty-five years has cultivated his present farm.

October 27, 1870, Mr. Day married Ruan C., a daughter of Thomas J. Cull. She was born in Johnson County, Mo., and died April 24, 1872, leaving a daughter, Minerva Jane, who passed from this life in her third year. September 3, 1874, our subject wedded Elizabeth C., daughter of James C. and Temperance E. (Weaver) Buxton. She was born in Iredell County, N. C., July 7, 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Day are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the former being a Trustee of Houts’ Chapel, which he was very active in organizing. He was the one who broke the ground when the church foundation was laid, and in company with Maj. T. W. and T. D. Houts did much for the infant congregation. He has also served in the capacity of Class-leader, Steward and Superintendent of the Sunday-school.