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

Joseph’s Kids

Joseph Freeman Phillips and Anna Copeland had the following children: JACKSON W2 PHILLIPS was born about 1843 in Alabama. He married FRANCES WARREN. She was born about 1844 in Georgia. He married an unknown spouse on 27  Sep 1861 in Shelby County, Alabama. WILLIAM PHILLIPS was born on 19 Mar 1847 in Alabama. He died… Continue reading Joseph’s Kids

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