2024 update – it’s fun to re-read what I was thinking at different points in time. I can say I’ve done enough research that I think I have a better story for what all William and Sarah did in their lives! Based on the FAN club research, I believe William was probably born closer to… Continue reading The Life and Times of William (Abt. 1785 – ?) and Sarah Phillips (1788 – 1877)
Category: Who Were Joseph’s Parents?
Uncovering Joseph Phillips: A 1840 Census Mystery
According to marriage records in St Clair County, Joseph and Anna (Copeland) Phillips married in 1840 in St Clair County. However, when searching Ancestry for his Census entry (As the head of household), he’s noticeably gone. Chances are he’s living in St Clair County in 1840 and likely living on a family member’s land. So,… Continue reading Uncovering Joseph Phillips: A 1840 Census Mystery
James Phillips (Married Dorcas Crawford)
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… Continue reading James Phillips (Married Dorcas Crawford)
Uncovering 1856 Mortgage Records: James Phillips’ Deed
I was looking over some of my records and it looks like one of the mortgage deeds in my possession and it looks like there is a new link to William! The deed is between James Phillips and Alemeth Byers and Peyton Rowan dated 12 August 1856. The front of the document says “Wm Son”… Continue reading Uncovering 1856 Mortgage Records: James Phillips’ Deed
Exploring the Phillips Family Graves in Smyrna, TN
I went to the Smyrna, Tennessee cemetery in Warren County and saw the graves of what I believe are Sarah Phillips, Charity Phillips, Elizabeth Phillips and Milberry “Miley” Phillips. The graves of Charity Phillips, Elizabeth Phillips and Miley Phillips are grouped together and next to one another. Sarah’s grave shows her birthday to be 10… Continue reading Exploring the Phillips Family Graves in Smyrna, TN
Joseph Phillips (1820-1863) – Naming Conventions Approach
One method of research to get through a brick wall is to see what the typical naming conventions of the area and time were. In the 1800’s the naming patterns were: First son: Named for the father’s father Second son: Named for the mother’s father. Third Son: Named for the father or the father’s paternal… Continue reading Joseph Phillips (1820-1863) – Naming Conventions Approach
Joseph Phillips (1820 to 1863) – Land Records Approach
This approach has us look at land records to see who Joseph’s family/father may be. There is a piece of land located in Section 2, Township 13, Range 3 East. The description is as follows: Beginning at the township line and running southwardly to a white oak thence west to the spring including half of… Continue reading Joseph Phillips (1820 to 1863) – Land Records Approach
Joseph Phillips (April 3, 1820 to June 13, 1863) – Census Approach
Facts to Remember: Alabama became a territory in March/August 1817. Alabama became a state in December 1819. The first federal census for Alabama occurred in 1830, there is an Alabama state census for 1820 that includes Shelby County, St. Clair County, and approximately 6 other counties. Map of Alabama in 1820 April 3, 1820 The… Continue reading Joseph Phillips (April 3, 1820 to June 13, 1863) – Census Approach
First post in a while
Hope everyone is doing well! I just realized I haven’t posted on this blog in a while and I’m currently working on a “book” of Joesph Phillips & Anna Copeland, so why not do both at the same time. I will post/update the story as I get evidence going one way or another or to… Continue reading First post in a while
Just saw the William Phillips property
Just got back from Etowah/St Clair county and got a chance to see the William Phillips and Zachariah Phillips land. Great trip overall. I was able to actually photograph the likely area that the Sweet Gum tree lived, and the little Canoe Creek, And my grandmother Anna (Copeland) Phillips (died Anna Sanders) grave! I’m now… Continue reading Just saw the William Phillips property
NorthEast Alabama Families 