Since I found the new link between James and Dorcas (Crawford) Phillips and William Phillips, I decided to work on that branch of the family as well. James appears in the 1850 census in St. Clair County with his wife Dorcas. His kids and their birth years (based on this census) are:
- Russell L (Abt 1830)
- Jesse C (Abt 1832)
- Mary Etta (Abt 1834)
- Sarah Amanda (Abt 1837)
- Ellender J. (Abt 1839)
- James W (Abt 1840)
- Thomas n (Abt 1843)
- Cunningham E (Abt 1844)
- Zachariah (Abt 1849)
In this census, he is living next to Curtis G. Beason (who witnesses many deeds) and other Crawford’s.
The marriage records show that they married on 10 July 1828 in St. Clair County.
According to the approximate dates of birth, there should be 2 adults and 1 male child under 5 in the 1830 census and there should be 6 children and 2 adults in the 1840 census. There is one James Phillips that is living in St. Clair county that has a family that matches that description EXACTLY! We can be very confident that the James Phillips that is listed as the son of William Phillips on the mortgage deed is the same James Phillips located in the 1830 census.
In the 1830 census, James is listed on Page 3. There is a John and William Phillips on Page 5, which puts them relatively (no pun intended) close to one another.
Developing…
NorthEast Alabama Families 
I’m interested in your research. My 3rd great grandfather was John Phillips born in 1817 (married Celia Brothers). I’m looking for documentation that his parents were William and Sarah (Burleson/Hays). You wouldn’t happen to have any online links to the documents you referenced, would you? Any info would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Dack Phillips (Blount County, AL)
I hope you still are active! Let me know you are still looking – I’m very much still researching the family and while I don’t have direct proof, we can triangulate it!