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Note: cal sketches and census records indicate he was born in 1800, but one sketch and a deposition in his probate record state that he was 84 years old at his death (he would have been a month shy of his 84th birthday if he was born in 1800).
Elihu L. Phillips Timeline:
1799 or 1800 born at Manlius, Onondaga Co., NY
abt. 1816-1818 worked at Amos P. Granger's store (probably in Manlius)
1824 operated a store with Sylvanus Tousley in Manlius
1826 married Harriet Tousley, daughter of Sylvanus Tousley
1827 wife Harriet died at Manlius
abt. 1827-1831 worked at his brother's store in Manlius (which brother?)
1828 married Eleanor Dashiel Jones in Manlius
1829 son Charles J. born
1830 son William E. born
1831 son William E. died
1831 infant daughtersupposedly died (probably erroneous)
1831 went into mercantile business on his own in Syracuse
1832 son Charles J. died
1833 daughter Ellen E. A. born
1834-1836 partnered with brother Lyman in the mercantile business in Syracuse
1836 partnered with nephew Nelson Phillips in the mercantile business in Syracuse
1837 elected Sheriff of Onondaga County
1840 wife Eleanor died
1841 was instrumental in creating Rose Hill Cemetery in Syracuse
1846 served as the New York Assemblyman from Onondaga County; his term expired Dec. 31, 1846.
1847 contracted with his brother Lyman to dredge and widen the Erie Canal, mainly through Buffalo
abt. 1847 contracted with brother Lyman to build the Great Western Railway from Niagara Falls to the head of Lake Ontario
abt. 1848-1850 served as one of two Canal Appraisers for the State of New York
abt. 1850-1851 returned to his railroad contract; sold it to partners; contracted with brother Lyman to build the Ohio & Mississippi Railway in Ohio
1852 moved to Empire Twp., Fondu Lac Co., Wisconsin, and bought a farm
1855 daughter Ellen E. A. died in Empire Twp., Fondu Lac Co. - she was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Syracuse
1860 elected Wisconsin State Senator
1860- became very hard of hearing
1862 was an original incorporator and stockholder of the Union Pacific Railroad
1863-1864 served as Provost Marshal for the 4th District, including Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
1863-1864 rented his farm out to Col. B. T. Miller; lived with John Peacock in Fond du Lac
1865 sold his farm in Empire Twp., lived with his brother Lyman for a short time, then purchased a home on Division St. in Fond du lac
1867 obtained charter for the Fond du Lac Savings Bank, and was President for 2 years
1860s purchased the "Sawyer House" in Fond du Lac
1860s continued oversee a farm he owned in Lamartine Twp., Fond du Lac Co.
1884 died in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin (Probate # 3909)
****
As a young man, from the age of 16 (1816) to about the age of 18 or 19, Elihu L. Phillips worked in Amos P. Granger's store--probably in Manlius at that time. General Amos P. Granger, who was about 10 years older than Elihu and may have been something of a mentor for him, as their business and civic endeavors were very similar:
Granger was born June 3, 1789 in Suffield, Connecticut. In 1811, he moved to Manlius, New York, where he was president of the town for several years.
He served as captain in the War of 1812 at Sackets Harbor and on the Canadian border.
He moved to Syracuse in 1820 and engaged in numerous business enterprises. He served as trustee of the city of Syracuse from 1825-1830, during which time he delivered the address of welcome to General Lafayette when he visited in 1825.
He served as delegate to the Whig National Convention in 1852, was elected as an Opposition Party candidate to the Thirty-fourth Congress, and reelected as a Republican to the Thirty-fifth Congress (March 4, 1855-March 3, 1859). He was not a candidate for renomination in 1858.
Granger died August 20, 1866, and was interred in Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse, NY.
An a note on Amos P. Granger's parents: Dr. Amos Granger (Lot 55, Christ Church Cemetery, Manlius) was born in Suffield, Connecticut on October 16, 1748, and was among the fifth generation descendants of Lancelot Granger. Lancelot was born on June 25, 1637 in England, and died in Suffield, Hartford, Connecticut on September 3, 1689.
Dr. Granger married Anne Phelps of Windsor, Connecticut on September 14, 1775. She was born on May 22, 1753 and died on September 26, 1806.
Amos Granger remained in Suffield until his move to Manlius in 1811. He served with Gen. Gates at Saratoga during the Revolutionary War and in the Connecticut Assembly from 1788 to 1791.
One of his sons, Gen. Amos Phelps Granger, was a merchant at Manlius Village.
Elihu L. Phillips married twice: first to Harriet Tousley in 1827; second to Mrs. Eleanor (Dashiell) Jones in 1828 -- Eleanor is said to have been the granddaughter of one John Fleming or Flemming of Maryland.
Onondaga Register, 18 April 1827, p. 3, col. 3 (from card file at OHA):
"Died. In Manlius, on the 10th, death of Mrs. Harriet Phillips, wife of Elihu L. Phillips, daughter of Sylvanus Tousley, Esq., aged 18 years."
Elihu was in business with his future father-in-law, Judge Sylvanus Tousley, selling dry goods in Manlius in 1824, but the business appears to have been sold by 1830. Business directories from Manlius newspapers show:
"Sylvanus Tousley & Elihu Phillips, dry goods, Manlius Village" (dated Nov. 1, 1824)
"Samuel Worden & D. Bickford, grocery Manlius village. Originally Tousley & Phillips. N. side Seneca, E. corner Franklin" (dated Jan. 22 1830)
He was living in Manlius Village in 1827 (Henry C. Van Schaack, in History of Manlius Village (1873), p. 76).
Elihu married Harriet Tousley abt. November 1826, but she is said to have died within six month (in April 1827), so their marriage can be estimated as about November 1826. Some researchers say they had a daughter named Elizabeth. I have old family notes that claim that Harriet and Elihu’s first daughter was buried at Christ Church, Manlius; the same note states that Elihu was later buried there as well. However, there is no record of a daughter or Elihu being buried at Christ Church, Manlius (in fact, it seems that Elihu was buried with his second wife, two sons, and daughter Ellen at Rose Hill Cemetery and later reinterred in Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse). Others say that Elihu and Harriet had no children (and given the short marriage, it would not seem likely). If there was a daughter by his first marriage, she died young.
(from card file at OHA):
"Elihu Phillips married Nov. 6, 1828, to Mrs. Eleanor Jones of Pompey--2nd marriage for both." (no citation)
Elihu L. Phillips apparently lived in either Cicero, Clay or Salina between 1814 and 1831 (see Early Settlers of Cicero, in Dwight H. Bruce's Onondaga Centennial, Boston, 1896, Vol. I, pp. 807-824.).
E. L. Phillips was among the forty men named who attended a "Jackson" Ball at the invitation of Mr. W. W. Tripp at the Syracuse House, 8 January 1829. Writing of it fifty years later, Silas F. Smith noted that E.L. Phillips served as Sheriff of Onondaga County, and that only five of the forty men were still living, including Elihu L. Phillips at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. (Syracuse Daily Journal (Syracuse, NY) , 15 April 1879, p. 1, col. 2)
Elihu L. Phillips was among the eight delegates for the Town of Manlius elected at first meeting of the Anti-Masonic Republicans, held in the home of John Smith in the village of Fayettesville, in April 1830. He was also among the sixty men present at a meeting of the Anti-Masonic Republicans, held at the house of A. Britton, 24 January 1831. (History of Manlius, The Political State of Manlius, 19th Paper, by E.E. Clemens, Thift-News, 23 Feb. 1939, p. 5)
1830 US Census
Manlius, Onondaga Co., NY
Elihu Phillips
1 male 0-5 1 male 10-15 1 male 20-30 2 females 15-20 1 female 30-40 (Since his only daughter was not yet born, there must have been other relatives or boarders living in this household.)
By the mid-1830s, he moved to Syracuse.
Elihu L. Phillips was nominated for Onondaga County Coroner 12 October 1831 at the convention of the Antimasonic Republicans, for the election to be held Nov. 7-8-9. (Onondaga Register & Syracuse Gazette, Onondaga, 12 Oct. 1831, p. 2, col 5; also: The Republican, Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, 19 Oct. 1831)
Among the resolutions adopted by the Onondaga Anti-Masonic Convention, held 21 Feb. 1832, was that two-thousand copies of the proceedings of the convention were to published in pamphlet form and distributed at the direction of Elihu L. Phillips, A. P. Granger and Henry Raynor. (Albany Evening Journal (Albany, NY), 3 March 1832)
(from card file at OHA):
"E. L. Phillips & Co., Dry Goods Merchants "Receiving Dry Goods, Groceries & Crockery--Manlius Shirtings & Sheetings, Constantia Potash Kettles.
"May 14, 1834 Consl. 10-22-34" "The Syracuse Academy was incorporated by act of Legislature, dated April 28, 1835, the incorporators being Oliver Teall, Harvey Baldwin, Aaron Burt, William I. Dodge, Thomas Spencer, Lewis H. Redfield, Elihu L. Phillips, Thomas Rose and S. W. Cadwell." (Early Landmarks of Syracuse, by Gurney S. Strong (1894), p. 67)
"The second railroad into Syracuse came almost with the echo of the first locomotive whistle. The Syracuse and Utica Railroad Company was chartered in 1836 and six of the commissioners named in the "Act for the construction of a railroad from Syracuse to Utica," were prominent citizens of Syracuse, namely: Vivus W. Smith, Miles W. Bennett, Horace Wheaton, Thomas J. Gilbert, Elihu L. Phillips, and Aaron Burt." (see The Village and the City of Syracuse: Chapter XXVIII, part II, in Dwight C. Bruce's Onondaga Centennial, Boston: The Boston History Company, Publishers, 1896, Vol. I, pp. 440-471)
In 1836, Elihu L. Phillips was one of the trustees of the Village of Syracuse. (A Short History of Syracuse, in Early Landmarks of Syracuse, by Gurney S. Strong (1894), p. 376)
Onondaga Standard, 9 March 1836 (from card file at OHA):
"Elihu L. Phillips--co-partnership with Lyman H. Phillips [his brother] under the firm of E. L. Phillips & Co., dissolved Feb. 17, 1836. He has associated Nelson D. Phillips [his nephew] with him under firm of E.L. & N.D. Phillips, and will continue to keep at the Stone Store a large assortment of dry goods. Feb. 17, 1836."
Elihu L. Phillips was one of the original Commissioners named by "An Act for the construction of a Railroad from Syracuse to Utica", which chartered the Syracuse and Utica Railroad, 11 May 1836. (History of Onondaga County, by W. W. Clayton (Syracuse, 1878), p.150; also see: Onondaga's Centennial, by Dwight H. Bruce (Boston, 1896), p. 229)
E.L. Phillips attended the Independence Ball at Bennet's Saloon in Syracuse, July 4, 1836. (Pioneer Times in the Onondaga Country, by Carroll Earll Smith, Charles Carroll Smith (1904), p. 335)
The Syracuse Whig, 22 March 1837, p. 3, col. 2, mentions a meeting of Onondaga County residents, including Elihu L. Phillips, Sylvanus Tousley (Esq.), Grover Lawrence (Esq.), Reuben L. Hess, John Wilkinson, Elam Lynds, and Thomas Bennett.
"In 1837 [Elias Warner Leavenworth] was appointed Trustee of the Village [of Syracuse] in the room of Elihu L. Phillips, elected Sheriff of the County." (from an auto-biographical sketch by Elias W. Leavenworth in A Genealogy of the Leavenworth Family in the United States (Syracuse,1873), p. 242)
Elihu L. Phillips served as Sheriff of Onondaga Co., New York, from 1838 to 1841. (History of Onondaga County, by W. W. Clayton (Syracuse, 1878), p. 76; also see: Onondaga's Centennial, by Dwight H. Bruce (Boston, 1896), p. 310)
A Syracuse-area newspaper also gives some clues. The article was titled "Onondaga Sheriffs, Elihu L. Phillips Elected through Dissensions Among the Democrats, Radicals and Conservatives at War" (Citation not given, but it probably dates to about 1882 to 1884. It was noted as "Contributed by a Veteran Syracusian," and states "Hamilton" at the end, perhaps referencing the contributor) and newspaper clipping. I obtained a copy from the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) "flat files", but the edge not full photocopied.) This article describes the political wrangling of the 1830s between the Democrats and the newly-formed Whigs, giving some details about the term of Sheriff Elihu L. Phillips (who was elected in 1837), mentioning:
"Elihu L. Phillips was born and reared in this [Onondaga] county. Elijah and Elisha Phillips, well [known] here, were his brothers. He also [had a] brother John, who was Sheriff of [Niagara] county during the culminating [ ... ] of the anti-Masonic craze, when the [office] was one of great responsibility [and] importance. ... About thirty years ago, he [Elihu L. Phillips] moved to Wisconsin, settling at Fond du Lac where he has since lived."
Syracuse Journal (Syracuse, NY), 20 March 1939, Sec. D, p. 15, col. 2:
"The first execution [in Onondaga County] under state auspices was that of a Negro named Zachariah Freeman, who killed a white woman named Sarah Boyd in Lysander. Sheriff Elihu L. Phillips refused to do the job of hanging, and Colonel Johnson, undersheriff, did it Nov. 19, 1840, after Governor William H. Seward refused a petition to commute the sentence."
In 1841, Elihu Phillips was among the men who were actively trying to establish a cemetery for the Village of Syracuse. A vote was cast on 4 June 1841 on a motion to rescind the proceedings of May 18; Elihu Phillips, his brother Elijah Phillips, nephew Nelson D. Phillips (as well as John Phillips, M. Phillips and Lyman Walker, et al) were among the men who voted not to rescind the previous proceedings. On 15 June 1841, Elihu L. Phillips, Esq., offered a resolution to the taxable persons of Syracuse Village, New York, for the purchase of parts of Farm Lot Nos. 128 and 212—the same premises recently embraced in Rose Hill Cemetery—for the establishment of a public cemetery for the village. After much debate, the resolution was finally approved. however, after eighteen years, it was ultimately decided the ground was not best suited for a cemetery. Rose Hill Cemetery served the village as the primary cemetery in the area until 1859, when Oakwood Cemetery was established. (See: The History, Incorporation, Rules and Regulations of Oakwood Cemetery at Syracuse, New York (1860), pp. 9, 10 & 66.)
Onondaga Standard, 30 Aug. 1843 (from card file at OHA):
"E. L. Phillips offers for sale 15 large size lots, containing about 1/3 acre each, situated on Onondata st. They are the most desirable vacant lots for building on now in the corporation. Prices low & terms easy. Also three lots on Salina Street, a few rods south of the American Temperance House. Aug. 29"
Onondaga Standard, 20 Sept. 1843 (clipping in OHA files):
"Valuable Village Lots For Sale. The subscriber offers for sale 15 large size lots, containing about 1-3 acres each, situate on Onondaga St. They are the most desirable vacant lots for building on, now in the corporation. Prices low and terms easy.
"Also three Lots on Salina Street, a few rods south of the American Temperance House.
"E. L. Phillips Syracuse, August 29, 1843." In 1846, Elihu L. Phillips was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing Onondaga County. (The red book of Syracuse and Onondaga County (Syracuse, 1923), p. 116; also see: History of Onondaga County, by W. W. Clayton (Syracuse, 1878), p.78) The Onondaga Standard (Syracuse, NY), 6 May 1846, notes that he was a member of the Whig party.
At a meeting of the Democratic Convention for the fifth Judicial District, assembled for nomination of Judges of the Supreme Court [of New York], held 18 May 1847, a communication with the Whig Convention, held at the same time, proposed that a committee of the the two conventions meet in an effort to nominate candidates in a non-partisan manner. Among the resolutions of that committe: "On motion of V. W. Smith, Elihu L. Phillips of Onondaga, was appointed to act as a substitute for the absent delegate from Lewis county." (The Roman Citizen, Rome, NY, 21 May, 1847)
***
A different Elihu L. Phillips was enumerated in Metomen Twp, Fond du Lac Co., in the 1847 Wisconsin Territorial Census. However, after careful consideration, I believe that he was probably the son (b. 1817) of Ezra G., and therefore a nephew of Elihu L. Phillips (1800-1884). This Elihu L. Phillips patented land in Metomen Twp. in 1848, and the record shows that he was "of Cass County, Michigan" (where the Ezra G. Phillips family settled in the 1830s). He was probably the nephew of Elihu L. Phillips (1800-1884), and lived with his uncle in Empire, Fond du Lac Co., Wisconsin in the 1850s. See notes under Elihu L. (b. 1817), son of Ezra G. Phillips.
***
Between about 1848 and 1850, Elihu L. Phillips served as one of two canal appraisers for the State of New York.
Elihu L. Phillips of Syracuse and Gideon Hard of Albion were nominated for Canal Appraisers by the Governor of New York, and the nomination was sent to the Legislature for approval. (The Albany Atlas, cited in another (title and date not given), abt. April 1848)
An itemized list of appropriated funds for New York State salaries in 1850 includes: Elihu L. Phillips, of Syracuse, Canal Appraiser, $4 a day, and 5 cents a mile for travel. (American Almanac and Repository of Useful Knowledge, by Jared Sparks, et al. (1851), p. 232.)
1850 US Census
City of Syracuse (2nd Ward), Onondaga Co., NY (enumerated 8 Aug. 1850)
(in a hotel operated by P. N. Rust)
Elihu L. Phillips, 50, canal appraiser, b. NY
Elihu L. Phillips moved to Wisconsin abt. 1852 (according to two biographical accounts). He hoped that the move might benefit his invalid daughter, Ellen. However, she died within a few years.
Onondaga (or Syracuse) Standard, 7 May 1853 (from card files at OHA):
"Elihu L. Phillips, Esq.--about to leave the city [Syracuse] to settle at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin--has sold his stone front store on Water St., opposite the Post Office, to H. W. Van Buren & Jacob S. Smith for $10,500."
Onondaga (or Syracuse) Standard, 14 August 1853 (from card files at OHA):
"E. L. Phillips of Fond du Lac is mentioned as a candidate for Congress on the Republican ticket in the Third District of Wis."
(from card file at OHA):
"Elihu L. Phillips--the corpse of a daughter was broght to this city [Syracuse] yesterday for interment. She died at Fond du lac, Wisconsin." (Onondaga Standard, 22 March 1856)
"Rose Hill--Miss Ellen Phillips, 3-21-56, consumption, 21 yrs. Brought from West, Wisconsin, see Oakwood."
"Oakwood Cemetery Cards" at OHA:
Phillips, EA
b. 12-17-1833 Syracuse d. 12-17-1855 " (sic) Int. (at Oakwood) 10-1-1884 1860 U.S. Census (Roll 1407 p., 412)
Empire Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI
Elihu Philips [sic], 60, M, Farmer, real estate $20,000, personal property $3,500, b. NY
Charles T. Wyman, 23, M, Engineer, b. NY [nephew of Elihu's first wife, Harriet Tousley]
William Zimmerman, 21, M, Farm Laborer, b. NY P. S. Fisher, 37, M, Farm Laborer, real estate $1,000, personal property $50, b. NY
Elizabeth (Fisher), 25, F, b. NY Edward (Fisher), 7, M, b. WI Henry (Fisher), 4, M, b. WI (His brother, Lyman H. Phillips, was enumerated two households below Elihu "Philips." A man named B. S. Phillips, age 60, b. Vermont, and his family--probably not related--was enumerated two households above Elihu in 1860.)
There was another E. L. Phillips (b. abt. 1820) enumerated in the 1860 US Census (Roll 1408, p. 850):
Fond du Lac (2nd Ward), Fond du Lac Co., WI
E. L. Phillips, 40, M, Deputy Sheriff, real estate $1,200, personal property $500, b. NY
Ann (Phillips), 39, F, b. NY (This might have been Elihu L. Phillips (b. 1817), son of Ezra G. Phillips. Or it could have been the Elias L. Phillips who patented land in Metomen Twp., Fond du Lac Co. in 1848. Or it might have been another person.)
State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Doomsday Book. Town studies, Volume 1 (1924), p. 50:
"Colonel Elihu L. Phillips, a native of New York, in 1852 settled in Section 7 in Empire. While yet a resident of New York, he was elected sheriff of Onondaga County, a member of the New York legislature, and held a commission as colonel in the New York militia. He was elected to the Wisconsin state senate in 1860; in 1863-4 he was provost marshal of the Fond du Lac district. The quaint and elaborate farmhouse that he built is still standing."
Crane, L. H. D. (ed.) / A manual of customs, precedents and forms, in use in the Assembly of Wisconsin ... Third Annual Edition (1861), p. 12:
"A Statistical List of Members of the Senate of the State of Wisconsin ... Elihu L. Phillips, (occupation) Farmer, (nativity) New York, (age) 53, (years in Wisconsin) 8 [hence he moved there in 1852], (years in Leg.) 2, (Post Office) Fond du Lac, (County) Fond du Lac, (boarding place) D. Atwood."
The Blue Book of the State of Wisconsin (1907), p. 948 [and same, & (1915), p. 260]:
"Senators ... Elihu L. Phillips, (Post Office) Fond du Lac, (County Represented) Fond du Lac, (sessions) 1860, 61."
Elihu L. Phillips served as Provost Marshal for the Fourth District (headquarted at Fond du lac), Wisconsin, in 1863-1864. History of Lafayette county, Wisconsin, by Consul Willshire Butterfield (Chicago, 1881) reads:
"On the 3d of March, 1863, the congress of the United States passed the " Conscription Act." Under this act, Wisconsin was divided into six districts. ... In the fourth district, E. L. Phillips was appointed provost marshal ; Charles Burchard, commissioner; and L. H. [ --?-- ], examining surgeon. Headquarters at Fond du Lac. ... The task of enrolling the State was commenced in the month of May, and was proceeded with to its completion. The nine months' term of service of the Thirty-fourth regiment, drafted militia, having expired, the regiment was mustered out of service on the 8th of September."
A map from the The Wisconsin Domesday Book, Town studies, Volume 1 (1924), p. 46, showing Emprie, Fond du Lac County, Farms and Farmers of 1860, indicates that the farm of Elihu L. Phillips included 450 acres under cultivation, with 80 uncultivated acres, valued at $20,000, with $1,600 worth of machinery and livestock, and 580 bushels of wheat were raised the year before. His farm was immediately south of the farm of his brother, Lyman H. Phillips, which was the largest and most valuable farm in the are
Elihu Phillips's farm included the south half of Section 7, the west half of the southhwest quarter of section 8, the western half of the northwest quarter of section 16, in Empire Township, and included the eastern quarter of the southeastern quarter of section 12 in Fond du Lac Twp., which was contiguous to the land in Empire Twp. The northern line of this property is now Highway 23 or East Johnson Street, and the northwestern corner is about two miles east of Main Street, Fond du Lac. The property is now bisected by County Road K (running north and south) and a new four-lane highway (151) along the western side, running north and south. From satelite images, much of the property is still agricultural, but there are several subdivisions and what appear to be business buildings on the property. The original property stradled the Niagara Escarpment (which here runs about north and south), known locally as "the ledge", a geologically significant ridge that overlooks Fond du Lac and nearby Lake Winnebago, and stretches over 1,000 miles from the Great Lakes to Niagara Falls.
He also owned a farm in Lamartine Twp., Fond du Lac Co., Wisconsin.
Elihu L. Phillips of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, was one of the original partners and stock holders when the U.S. Congress granted articles of incorporation to the Union Pacific Railroad. His name is listed in "AN ACT to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri river to the Pacific ocean, and to secure to the government the use of the same for postal, military, and other purposes." The act was approved by the U.S. Congress July 1, 1862.
Syracuse Standard (Syracuse, NY), 22 May 1862:
"Mr. E. L. Phillips, who was Sheriff of this county some years ago, lives near the city of Fond du Lac. He has been State Senator and is prominently spoken of as the next Republican candidate for Governor. His brother, Lyman Phillips, lives on an adjoining farm."
In 1867, the Wisconsin State Legislature passed "An Act to Incorporate the Fond du Lac County Savings Institution." Elihu L. Phillips and Edward Pier were the two corporators named in the Act. Edwin H. Galloway and Augustus G. Ruggles were associated with the enterprise.
The 1868 Fond du Lac City Directory shows: Fond du Lac Co. Savings Association, north side Forest, one west of Main. E. L. Phillips, President; A.G. Ruggles, Vice President; Edward Coleman, Treasurer. (Edward Coleman was a nephew-in-law of Elihu L. Phillips, having married Susan, daughter of Lyman H. Phillips.)
Although the age is not correct, he is undoubtedly the man enumerated here:
1870 US Census (1713, p. 228)
Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac Co., WI (enumerated 11 June 1870)
E. L. Phillips, 55, white, Retired Farmer, real estate $25,000, personal property $12,000, b. NY
Anna Rauling, 28, white, House Keeper, b. Germany Alex Stewart, 17, black, Hired Man, b. NY 1880 U.S. Census (Roll 1425, p. 174)
2nd Ward of Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac Co., WI
Philips, Elihue L., W, M, 80, widowed, Retired Banker, b. NY, both parents b. NY
Raling, Annie, W, F, 30, widowed, House Keeper, b. Prussia, both parents b. Prussia
Stewart, Alexander, B, M, 24, Hired Man, b. NY, both parents b. NY (note the spelling "Elihue". His middle initial is sometimes mis-transcribed as "S." in censu indexes.)
Elihu L. Phillips died 10 January 1884 at Fond du Lac, WI. His body was buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Syracuse, Onondaga Co., New York.
****
from a Syracuse-area newspaper (clipping in OHA files):
"Deaths "Phillips--at RFond du Lac, Wis., Elihu L. Phillips, formerly of Syracuse, N. Y.
"Funeral will be attended at Oakwood Chapel, tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock
"Elihu L. Phillips. "Intelligence is received of the death of the Hon. Elihu L. Phillips at his home in Fond du Lac, Wis. on the 9th instant. He was far advanced in years, being nearly or quite ninety years old. Mr. Phillips was in early life very prominent in public affairs in Onondaga county. He was one of the organizers and promoters of the Whig power, and for some years one of its local managers. In 1838, Mr. Phillips was elected Sheriff, achieving a notable political triumph, and it was in his term that the first execution of a murderer took place. He was a member of Assembly in 1846. Mr. Phillips belonged to an old and notable family : he was a son [sic--brother] of Col. Elijah Phillips whose wife was Amanda Danforth, daughter of Asa Danforth, jr., and the first white child born in Onondaga county. Mrs. Peter Outwater was a sister [sic--niece], and Mrs. Andrew D. White a [great-] niece of the late Elihu L. Phillips. With his brother [sic—nephew], Nelson, he was prominently engaged in the dry goods trade here for many years, his store being located on the site of the present store of H. W. Van Buren & Co., in Hanover Square. Since his residence in Wisconsin, whence he went nearly forty years ago [in 1853], Mr. Phillips has been State Senator, and has been active in business and political affairs. His remains will be brought here for interment, and services held at the Oakwood chapel tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon.”
[This article is erroneous in placing Elihu L. Phillips as a son of Col. Elijah Phillips, Jr. This mistake is understandable since "Col. Elijah Phillips" was the name of both Sr. and Jr., and since Elihu was about 18 years younger than his brother, Elijah, Jr. The quick pen of the person who wrote this obituary simply confused the two men named Col.Elijah Phillips: one who had died about 70 years earlier, and the other nearly 30 years earlier.]
Syracuse Standard, Sat., 12 Jan. 1884, p. 5, col. 4:
"Died ... "PHILLIPS--At Fond du Lac, Wis., Elihu L. Phillips, formerly of Syracuse, N.Y.
"Funeral will be attended at Oakwood Chapel, this Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock."
Syracuse Standard, Sat. 12 Jan. 1884 (clipping from OHA files):
Death in the West of a Former Syracusian. "Elihu L. Phillips, whose funeral will be attended at the Oakwood chapel at 1:30 this afternoon, died at his home in Fond du Lac, Wis., on Wednesday [9 Jan. 1884], Mr. Phillips was once a man of prominence among the merchants of Syracuse. He was active in politics and became Sheriff of this county in 1838. Eight years later, he was elected member of the Assembly. About thirty-five years ago, he left New York for the West where he was for many years prominent in business and politics."
From the Wisconsin State Historical Society Archives, we find a published obituary and two other biographical notes in Wisconsin Necrology, Vol. 4, pp. 80 & 81:
(hand-written note) "Hon. E. L. Phillips died at Fond du Lac, Jan. 10th 1884, in the 84th year of his age. He was a member of the N.Y. Legislature, in 1847, from Onondaga Co; and in 1860, a member of the Senate of this State [Wisconsin] from Fond du Lac County. In 1863-64, he was Provost Marshal at Fond du Lac; and in 1870, he was instrumental in organizing the Savings bank of that city. His remains were taken to Syracuse, N.Y., for interment."
(hand-written note) "Col. Elihu L. Phillips d. at Fond du Lac Jan. 10, 1884, ae. 84. Born in Manlius, Onondaga Co., N.Y., Feb. 16, 1800. Engaged in mercantile business. in 1837 Sheriff of Onondaga Co., & in 1847 elected to the Assembly. Interested in building railroads in N.Y. Came to Fond du Lac in 1852, locating at Empire, on a farm; engaged in farming for about 15 years, & became prominent in politics. State Senator in 1860-61; Provost Marshal 1863-64. Held Colonel's commission in N.Y. State Militia. President Fond du Lac Savings bank for two years."
The State Journal (Madison, Wisconsin) "The Official State Paper", Vol. XXXII, 12 Jan. 1884:
"HON. ELIHU L. PHILLIPS "On Friday, the 10th, inst. [January 1884], Hon. Elihu L. Phillips, and old and honored resident of Fond du Lac, died at his residence in that city. We have no particulars in regard to his death, but presume that it resulted from old age. Col. Phillips was a native of New York, born at Manlius, Feb. 16, 1800. After receiving a fair business education, he entered the store of Gen. Amos P. Granger in Syracuse, where he spent a few years and then returned to Manlius and went into merchandising on his own account. In 1837, he was elected Sheriff of Onondaga county, and in 1847 was chosen a member of the New York assembly. In 1848 he was appointed canal appraiser, in which position he served two years. He then became a contractor and built sixty miles of the great Western Railway, and afterward contracted to build twenty-five miles of the Baltimore and Ohio road in the state of Ohio. He soon sold out his interest in this contract to his partners. In 1825 [sic] he was married at Manlius, to Miss Harriet Tousley, who died [10 April 1827] about six months after marriage. In 1828 he was married to Mrs. Eleanor Jones, who died in 1838, leaving one daughter. He came to Wisconsin in 1852, with his brother Lyman, and both gentlemen settled on splendid farms in the town of Empire, where they lived neighbors for about fifteen years, when Elihu took up his residence in the city of Fond du Lac., where he has ever since resided. In 1857 [sic], his only child, a lovely young lady, was taken from him by death, and the devoted father never ceased to sincerely mourn this crushing bereavement, which seemed to remove from earth his last hope of home comfort. He served as a state senator in the years 1860-61; was provost marshal in 1863-64. Since his settlement in Fond du Lac, he has been for a short time president of a savings bank, but most of the time he has lived a retired life, giving some attention to his several farms.
“Such in brief is the record of the public life of Col. Elihu L. Phillips. In all positions he has held he discharged most faithfully every duty. He was able and honest in all things. Personally, he was a gentleman of the old school—courtly and refined, well versed on most subjects, fluent in conversation, and extremely agreeable in manner. In politics, he was … [photocopy omits some text] … on any consideration. For several years, the health of Mr. Phillips has not permitted him to mingle much in society, greatly to the regret of his many friends. His character can be well summed up in a single sentence: He was a refined and true gentleman at all times and in all places.
“Mr. Phillips was the uncle of Mrs. Senator Edw. Coleman, of Fond du Lac. Many friends will sincerely regret to learn of the death of this truly honorable and good man.
“The remains of Col. Elihu L. Phillips have been taken to Syracuse for burial. They were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Coleman.”
History of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin (Chicago, 1880), p.845:
"Col. E. L. Phillips, retired; was born at Manlius, Onondaga Co., N.Y., Feb. 16, 1800; entered Gen. Amos P. Granger's store at Syracuse at the age of 16; returned to Manlius and was for three or four years (until 1831) in his brother’s store, and then began the mercantile business for himself. In 1837, was elected Sheriff of Onondaga Co., and chosen [New York State] Assemblyman in 1847. After leaving the Sheriff’s office, he engaged in jobbing, and then took a contract with his brother [Lyman] and two others to build sixty miles of the Great Western Railway from Niagara Falls to he head of Lake Ontario; in 1848, Col. P. was appointed Canal Appraiser, serving two years; then he returned one year to the railroad contract, which he finally sold to his partners, Oswald and Zimmerman, and contracted to build twenty-five miles of the Ohio & Mississippi Railway in Ohio. Col. P. was married at Manlius, N.Y, in 1825 [sic], to Harriet, daughter of Judge Tousley, who died six months later; he was married again, in 1828, to Mrs. Eleanor Jones, granddaughter of John Fleming, of Maryland; she died in 1838 [sic], leaving one daughter, who died in 1857 [sic]. Col. Phillips came to Fond du Lac in August, 1852, locating in Empire on the farm now owned by Mr. Well; and his brother Lyman Phillips, came at the same time; he engaged in farming about fifteen years. He was elected State Senator in 1860; held a Colonel’s position in the New York State Militia; was Provost Marshal of this district in 1863-64, and, in 1869 or 1870, having been interested in a savings bank in Syracuse, he went to Madison and secured a charter for the Fond du Lac Savings Bank, and was for two years its President. Col. Phillips, though past 80 years of age [in 1880], still looks after his farms, which are tilled by tenants.”
Portrait and Biographical Album of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin (Chicago, 1889), pp. 620-623:
“Elihu L. Phillips, brother of Lyman H. Phillips, was born Feb. 16, 1800. Elihu was the seventh son, and many were the children brought to him to be cured of the king’s evil, etc., much to his disgust. At the age of sixteen he went into the store of Amos P. Granger and remained two years, then returned to Manlius and went into the store of his brother. In 1825 [sic], he married Harriet, daughter of Judge Tousley, who died of consumption six months later; he was married again in 1828 to Eleanor Fleming Jones, the daughter of John Fleming, of Maryland, who died in 1838 [sic], leaving one daughter.
“In 1831 Mr. Phillips went into the mercantile business for himself in Syracuse, being a prominent merchant there for many years. He held a Colonel’s position in the New York State Militia, was elected Sheriff of Onondaga County in 1837, and chosen [New York State] Assemblyman in 1847. Soon after he, with his brother Lyman and two others, took a contract to build sixty miles of the Great Western Railway from Niagara Falls to the head of lake Ontario, and in 1848 was appointed Canal Appraiser, serving two years, then returned one year to the railroad contract, which he and his brother sold to their partners, Oswald and Zimmerman, and contracted to build twenty-five miles of the Ohio & Mississippi Railway. In August, 1852, he came to Fond du Lac with his daughter, Ellen A. Phillips, who was an invalid, hoping she might be benefited, and located in Empire on the Doty farm. His daughter died in December, 1855. He remained on the farm until 1865, when he sold to John Wells and moved into the city [of Fond du Lac].
“In 1860 Mr. Phillips was elected State Senator, and was provost Marshal of this district in 1863 and 1864. In 1867 he secured a charter for the Fond du Lac Savings Bank, and was for two years its President. He then retired from business except to look after a farm which he owned in Lamartine [Twp., Fond du Lac Co., Wisconsin]. Being very deaf, he lived quite a secluded life, but always retained the same old-school gentlemanly manner and erect bearing, which were so characteristic of him, and died Jan. 10, 1884, at the ripe age of eighty four.”
Also at the Wisconsin Genealogy Index at the Wisconsin Historical Society:
Elihu L. Phillips: Obituary Sketch
Wisconsin Souvenir from Johnson and Fuller, p. 68
(This turned out to be just a copy of the obituary that was printed in the State Journal, 12 Jan. 1884.)
The Wisconsin Historical Society's Historical Images Collection also contains a postcard photo of the "Colonel Elihu Phillips Home in Fond du Lac":
Description: Exterior of Colonel Elihu Phillips home, built in 1854.
Image ID: 31098
Creation Date: 1940 ca.
(Need to inquire with someone in Fond du Lac if this home is still standing.)
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The probate record # 3909 of Elihu L. Phillips is kept by the Fond du Lac Historical Society, which copied most of the record (the will, inventories and all papers mentioning heirs, etc.) This will is very important to the Phillips genealogy as his nieces and nephews who were living at the time of his death were legatees, and received some inheritance. By his will and affidavits of legatees, the probate record establishes that Elihu L. Phillips (1800-1884) was a brother of John Phillips (1779-1847) of Youngstown, Niagara Co., NY; Col. Elijah Phillips, Jr. (1781-1845) of Syracuse, Onondaga Co., NY; Ezra G. Phillips (1789-1838) of LaGrange Twp., Cass Co., MI; Susan (Phillips) Washburn (1791-1825) of Clarkson, Monroe Co., NY and Lyman H. Phillips (~1797-1876) of Empire, Fond du Lac Co., WI.
Abstract of the Will of Elihu L. Phillips
Dated 25 May 1876
Proved 4 March 1884
Probate #3909
Recorded in Vol. 46, pp. 561-568, and Vol. 53, p. 189-194
His body is to be buried in the cemetery at Syracuse, New York "by the side of my dear departed wife and children." (This would indicate that he had more than one daughter.)
To Celestia W. Phillips, widow of brother Lyman H. Phillips, or her daughter, Susan Coleman--any paintings and pictures they choose, and all silver with the name “Phillips” engraved.
$500 each to “my nephews and nieces as may survive me,” but does not name them all specifically. The will further specifies that if any legatees, nephews or nieces were to precede Elihu in death, the legacy shall lapse, except where specified otherwise. (This is important because any legatee who received inheritance, but was not specifically named in the will, would therefore be be a true nephew or niece--i.e. a son or daughter of one of Elihu's siblings.)
$100 to Louis P. Hein, son of George & Elizabeth Hein. (Louis was born at Elihu’s home in 1857, and named by Elihu at the request of the parents.)
$500 to Annie Rahling (Elihu’s longtime housekeeper).
$200 to Alexander Stewart (a colored boy who long lived with and worked for Elihu).
$100 to Nelson Robinson (a colored boy who lived with and worked for Elihu since the War of the Rebellion).
His library and bookshelves to Edward Coleman, late brother Lyman’s son-in-law.
To brother-in-law John H. Jones, at one time of Memphis, Tenn, and later of St. Louis, Mo.—small gold watch and chain married “E.D.J.” that belonged to his “sister” Eleanor. (He may have died and the legacy lapsed, or the executor was unable to locate him. It is unclear, but John H. Jones actually may have been the brother of Eleanor’s first husband, and not her brother. See notes under Eleanor Fleming Jones Phillips.)
To Elizabeth F. Wyman of Cleveland, Ohio, former wife of John F. Wyman of Syracuse, New York—silver tea set. (She was the sister of Elihu’s first wife, Harriet Tousley. Elizabeth was the mother of Charles T. Wyman who lived with Elihu for a time in the 1870s. Elizabeth died in 1880, and so this legacy lapsed. It is interesting to note that this will, dated 1876, says that Elizabeth was the former wife of John F. Wyman, but he was still living at the time it was written, and died in Syracuse in 1877.)
$300 to Julia “Lula” Goodenough, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. W. B. Goodenough, of Chicago, Ill. (They were former neighbors, and Elihu was fond of the young girl who was b. abt. 1870; she visited him after her family moved to Chicago, as late as 1883, according to the deposition of Annie Rehling.)
An additional $500 (if it remains in the estate) to niece, Lucia M. Outwater, or her daughter Emily. (Lucia was the daughter of Elijah Phillips, Jr., and Amanda Danforth of Syracuse, NY. Her daughter Emily was the wife of Andrew D. White.)
The remainder of the estate was left to Edward Coleman, in trust, to promote and aid benevolent and religious institutions, emphasizing St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Home for the Friendless in Fond du Lac.
Executor: Edward Coleman, brother Lyman’s son-in-law.
Witnesses: Clarles E. Shepard & E. Delany, Jr., both of Fond du Lac.
A. Codicile, dated 15 March 1878, appoints John Meiklejohn of Empire, Fond du Lac Co., Wisconsin as an executor in conjunction with Edward Coleman, and notes that this did not reflect on Elihu’s opinion of Edward Coleman, but rather he thought that the other heirs might be more confident if a co-executor was a disinterested party to the estate. Witnesses: G. A. Knapp & C. J. Hunter.
Among the probate papers, the following legatees signed notes that they had received inheritance from the estate of Elihu L. Phillips. Elihu’s estate was not enough to give the full inheritance he specified for each, and so bequests were prorated at abt. 24% (e.g. nephews who who were supposed to receive $500 each, ended up with $119.46). None of the notes specify their exact relationship, but some of them were specifically named in the will; the others could only be nephews or nieces, as noted.:
Louis P. Hein received $23.90, dated 31 July 1889. (He was not related.)
Julia Goodenough of Chicago, IL, received $71.68, dated 2 July 1889. (She was a former neighbor.)
Dennis W. McKenna, assignee of Nelson Robinson, received $23.90, dated 2 July 1889. (Nelson Robinson was a "colored man" who had lived and worked for Elihu L. Phillips.)
Annie Rahling received $119.46, dated 31 July 1889. (She was Elihu’s long-time housekeeper, and also submitted a long petition claiming back-wages and other compensation, which offers many details.)
Edward Coleman received $119.46, dated 6 July 1889. (He is named in the will as the son-in-law of Elihu’s late brother, Lyman H. Phillips.)
Susan A. Coleman received $119.46, dated 6 July 1889. (She is named in the will as a daughter of Lyman H. and Celestia W. Phillips, the late brother and sister-in-law of Elihu L. Phillips.)
Lucia M. Outwater, of Syracuse, NY, received $119.47, dated 15 July 1889. (She is named in the will as a niece. Her daughter, Amanda, is also named in the will. The deposition of Anna Rehling correctly states that Lucia’s son-in-law was Andrew White. Other records show that Lucia M. Outwater was the daughter of Col. Elijah Phillips, Jr., & Amanda Danforth of Syracuse, NY—Elijah (who d. in 1845 in New York City) being a brother of Elihu L. Phillips.)
Mary W. Jewett & Theo. S. Dean, of Brockport, Monroe Co., NY, executors of the estate of Mary W. Peck, of Clarkson, Monroe Co., NY, received $119.47, dated 8 Oct. 1889. (Mary W. Peck is not named specifically in the will, and so her inheritance indicates that she was a niece of Elihu L. Phillips. Her probate record indicates that she died 7 Oct. 1886, while cemetery inscriptions show her death as 7 June 1886. This record, along with others, indicate that Mary Washburn Peck was the daughter of Dr. John and Susan (Phillips) Washburn—Susan (who d. in 1825 in Clarkson or Parma, Monroe Co., NY) being the sister of Elihu L. Phillips.)
L. H. Phillips received $119. 47, dated 13 July 1889. (He is not named specifically in the will, and so his inheritance indicates that he was a nephew of Elihu L. Phillips. That being so, he could only be the Lyman H. Phillips (1809-1894), son of John & Dorthea (Wood) Phillips of Youngstown, Niagara Co., NY—John (who d. in 1847 at Youngstown, Niagara Co., NY) being the brother of Elihu L. Phillips.)
Josephine M. Phillips and Samuel Shipper, of Porter, Niagara Co., NY, executors of the estate of Thomas Phillips, received $119.46, dated 29 July 1889. (He is not named specifically in the will, and so his inheritance indicates that he was a nephew of Elihu L. Phillips. Other records show that Thomas A. Phillips died 24 August 1887; Josephine M. Phillips was his daughter. Thomas A. Phillips was the son of John & Dorthea Phillips—John (who d. in 1847 at Youngstown, Niagara Co., NY) being a brother of Elihu L. Phillips.)
B. W. Phillips received $119. 47, dated 23 July 1889. (He is not named specifically in the will, and so his inheritance indicates that he was a nephew of Elihu L. Phillips. The family Bible registry and other records show that Boyd Walker Phillips was the son of Ezra G. & Tamar (Walker) Phillips—Ezra (who d. in 1838 at Lagrange, Cass Co., MI) being the brother of Elihu L. Phillips.)
Boughton G. Phillips received $119. 47, dated 13 July 1889. (He is not named specifically in the will, and so his inheritance indicates that he was a nephew of Elihu L. Phillips. The family Bible registry and other records show that Boughton Gates Phillips was the son of Ezra G. & Tamar (Walker) Phillips—Ezra (who d. in 1838 at Lagrange, Cass Co., MI) being the brother of Elihu L. Phillips.)
Elihu L. Phillips received $119. 47, dated 13 July 1889. (He is not named specifically in the will, and so his inheritance indicates that he was a nephew of Elihu L. Phillips. The deposition of Annie Rehling states that Elihu Phillips, nephew of Elihu L. Phillips (1800-1884), and his wife, Ann Phillips, lived at the farm of the elder Elihu L. Phillips in Empire, Fond du Lac Co., Wisconin, up to mid-1859 when they removed to Ripon. The family Bible registry shows that this Elihu L. Phillips (b. 1817) was the son of Ezra Gates & Tamar (Walker) Phillips—Ezra (who d. in 1838 at LaGrange, Cass Co., MI) being the brother of the elder Elihu L. Phillips.)
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A different man named Elihu Phillips, "of Racine Co., Wisconsin Territory", patented 40 acres of land in Kenosha Co., Wisconsin, 10 September 1844 (GLO Document Nr.: 11501; Accession/Serial Nr.: WI2690__.450).
This other Elihu Phillips was enumerated in Racine, Wisconsin Territory in the 1840 U.S. Census (Roll 580, p. 92) with a young family.
In the 1850 Census this family was enumerated at Bristol, Kenosha County, Wisconsin: Elihu Phillips, age 45, a farmer with real estate value of $2,000, b. Vermont. His wife Calista is 46, also from Vermont. Children listed are George, 17; Walter 16; Esther 14, all show New York nativity; Lucina 13, Ohio nativity; Hollis 12; Grata 7 and Simeon is 5, all show Wisconsin nativity.
There were enumerated again in the 1860 Census, at Bristol, Kenosha County, Wisconsin: E. Phillips, age of 51, farmer with real estate value of $6,000 and personal of $400, b. NY; Christianna is 35, b. NY; Walter is 26, doing farm labor, b. NY; Hollis is 17, Gradia is 15, Simeon is 12 and Jane is 7, all show Wisconsin nativity.
There is also mention of an Eli Phillips in Memoirs of Waukesha Co., WI (1907), p. 271. From "Some Poineer Families of Wisconsin, Index", Eli Phillips, of Waukesha Co., was b. 13 April 1796 in NY and died 7 Oct. 1883, m. Lavina Delaney Huntley. I do not know where in NY he may have lived, but will mention that the will of Jasper Huntley (Onondaga Co., NY, Will Book B, p. 59), dated 16 dec. 1812, proved 27 Feb. 1813, mentions that Henry Phillips occupied properties owned by Jasper Huntley. I believe that this Henry Phillips is related to the Nicholas Phillips family, but do not know if Jasper Huntley (d. 1813) was any relation to the wife of Eli Phillips (1796-1883).
Note: Different old family notes say he was born in 1799 and 1800. Biographi
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