Orrin A. Phillips was born in Crawford County, Pa., March 23, 1838, and was the son of Welcome A. and Lucy Ann (Gear) Phillips. His father was a mechanic by trade. When Orrin was four years of age, he removed with his parents to Elgin, Ill. Here he resided until he was sixteen years of age, attending school the most of the time. In 1854 he removed with his parents to Clayton County, Iowa, settling in what is now Volga City. His parents still reside in Volga City. In 1862 he enlisted in the First Iowa Cavalry, Company K. He served actively in Arkansas and Missourion scouting duty, and in the Red River expedition under General Banks. Mr. Phillips became a veteran in 1864, and served till the close of the war, being mustered out in February, 1866. He then returned to Volga City, and pursued various occupations unti 1870, when he bought the farm of L. Davis, on section 11. He has a fine farm of 120 acres, about eighty of which are under cultivation. Mr. Phillips was married Feb. 20, 1870, to Keziah Bissell, of Volga City. They have two children - Minnie and Leon. Mr. Phillips is a Mason, and politically is a Republican. He has served as Constable, but has made it a rule never to seek office. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1105-1106 |