Joseph Freeman Phillips, born 3 April 1820, lived a short, but impactful life. He was likely born in Shelby County, Alabama, to his parents William and Sarah Phillips. The family would move to St Clair County, Alabama shortly after that. Joseph stayed in the same area for the rest of his life, marrying a close neighbor Anna Copeland (1823 – 1891). He died at the age of 43 on 13 June 1863 in St Clair County, Alabama.
Early Records
Both the 1850 and 1860 US Federal Census have Joseph’s birthplace as Alabama. Later research should look into if I believe that Joseph was the person answering the census taker or not.
In 1820, it appears that the only census available is the 1820 Alabama State Census. The US Federal Census doesn’t have much Alabama records. While I’m glad we have SOMETHING to go off of, the Alabama Census only covers 8 counties. Those counties are highlighted in Blue as they were in 1820. Notably absent is Blount and Jefferson Counties. But I’m grateful that it does cover St Clair and Shelby Counties.
Joseph was likely born to William and Sarah. I have discussed how it was determined that my DNA and the DNA from a descendent of John Phillips (married Celia Brothers) match, and that indicates that their father was likely the connection. In 1820, we find a William Phillips living in Shelby County with 5 boys, 1 girl and his wife
It’s not air-tight, admittedly, but it is circumstantial. Joseph would have been born in April, and the census would have taken place a few months later. More research should be done on the FAN’s in Shelby County.
1830 Census
The 1830 US Federal Census is a bit more informative. We find that William Phillips is living in St Clair County, Alabama at this time.
Joseph would be 10 at the time and his brother John would be 7. William and Sarah had a large family! 2 adults and 10 kids! Remember William’s son James is living with his wife down the road at this time.
1840’s
The first connection we have between Joseph and William is the witness signatures in a mortgage deed between Silas Crump and A & AW Byers on 11 Jan 1840.
Two people with the same last name witnessing a friend of the family’s deed. We can infer that they at least knew of each other, and with Joseph finally being of majority age and the eldest son (since the first male was on his own), this may have been a fun family event for the Phillips’.
Later that year, Joseph marries Anna Copeland on 20 March 1840. Anna was the daughter of Joseph Copeland and his wife (either Sally Miller or another woman Charlotte) Anna was born on 13 Aug 1823 likely in Georgia, and died on 1 Jun 1891 in Etowah County, Alabama.
Looking at the US Federal Census in 1840, it looks like Joseph is living with his father in law, Joseph Copeland.
1850’s
License to Preach
Joseph Phillips’ gravestone lists his name as Elder Joseph Phillips. He was given his license to preach on 8 July 1850 in St Clair County, Alabama. This is secondary, the actual record is in St Clair Marriage Records, Book 3 Page 103.
One of the first marriages he worked was his niece Sarah Amanda Phillips to William H Goode on 8 Jan 1856. Sarah is the daughter of James and Dorcas Phillips.
Based on the US Federal Census, we see indicators that he was living with Joseph Copeland in 1840. Here he is living next door to his father in law, along with other Copelands.
1850 Census
He is noted as a farmer and a Baptist preacher, born in Alabama and owning about 250 acres. He is living with Anna (29), and his children Sarah Jayne (9), Jackson (7), Joseph (5), and William (2).
In the Agricultural Census of 1850, Joseph was growing corn and making butter. He owns approximately 40 acres of land, had 3 milk cows.
Land Deals
Generous In Laws!
Joseph Phillips’ father in law was a successful man by most accounts. As he got older, he gifted his children both land and slaves. One example is on 14 October 1856. Joseph Copeland deeds land to his daughter Anna Phillips and her husband Joseph Phillips
Joseph wasn’t done there. Later on 14 December 1857, Joseph purchased the land his father worked (or adjacent to it) years earlier. Notably Joseph is called “Joseph Phillips of SHELBY County.” While he likely was born in Shelby county, he’s been living with his father in law Joseph Copeland for the better part of 2 decades in St Clair County. None the less, Joseph purchased about 200 acres from his brother and sister in law, James and Dorcas Phillips.
Notable witnesses are RC Crump and Burrell McClendon.
The 1860’s
Joseph’s oldest daughter Sarah Jayne was coming of marrying age, falling in love with a neighbor George Brothers. George was the son of Israel Brothers. Interestingly, women were able to marry at a younger age, and although Sarah was of legal age, George was underage and needed his father’s permission.
1860 Census
Joseph moved to his fathers old land referenced earlier. Per the census, he’s in Township 13, range 3 east and we can confirm that looking at the legal description in the deed. Joseph is living with his wife Anna, daughter Sarah (widowed), sons Jackson, Joseph, William and John. Newly added are Maryann (7), Jesse (4) and Rutha Frances (7/12).
Joseph is in the 1860 Agricultural Census. He owns about 200 acres (the amount listed in the deed), has 1 less cow than in 1850, but grew 800 bushels of corn and made 450 pounds of butter!
Death/Will
Joseph dies on 13 June 1863. His will is probated in St Clair County, Alabama. The probate and actual will is as follows:
And finally, his actual will (well, a copy of it).
NorthEast Alabama Families 