Atty. George H. Phillips 1845-1914 Civil War Veteran

PHILLIPS, JOHNSON

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 5/10/2011 at 19:18:27

Atty. George H. Phillips, a pioneer citizen of Oelwein
and one of the most prominent citizens, passed away
in the hospital at Waverly Monday at 4 p. m. The body
was brought to the city on the night train and the last
services will be held from the home Wednesday
afternoon. He had been in failing health for some months
past and about a month ago he was confined to his home.
In the early part of the present month he was taken to
Waverly where he submitted to an operation and for a time
it seemed that he was making a recovery, but during the
past few days it was noted he was failing.
- He was one of the pioneer citizens of Oelwein coming to
this city in April 1874, more than two score years ago. He
studied law and engaged in the practice of his profession,
also purchasing lots and building business blocks. He
continued along these lines and became the largest owner
of property in the city, becoming one of the wealthiest men
of the city and county.
- He had a wide acquaintance in this section of the state and
practiced his profession in the superior and district courts.
But during the past few years his large business interests
occupied his time almost to the exclusion of his law practice.
For many years he was the local attorney for the Chicago Great
Western Railway and was faithful to its interests.
- He was born in Whitewater, Wisconsin, April 28, 1845 and was
therefore sixty-nine years, six months and twenty-six days of age
at the time of his demise. In early life he was thrown to a great
extent on his own resources. When the Civil War broke out he
was a boy of sixteen and in April 1861 he enlisted in a company
intended for a three month service, but the quota for the state
being full he was rejected. Again the following years he enlisted
in the Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, but the father interfered,
refusing his consent and he was discharged.
- On the 3rd of June 1864, Mr. Phillips made a third and successful
attempt to serve his country. He became a member of the Fortieth
Wisconsin Infantry, accompanying the regiment to Tennessee and
was on duty in Memphis when that city was raided by Confederate
General Forrest. At the expiration of his service he came to Iowa and
located at Decorah where he operated at barber shop for some
months. Next he was in West Union and continued the business for
a few years. In 1872 he was located at Denver, Colorado. Returning
to Iowa he again became a resident of West Union, subsequently of
Strawberry Point and Manchester.
- For a number of years after locating in Oelwein in 1874 he conducted
a barber shop and invested in real estate. He was successful and
accumulated considerable capital. He had a desire to become an
attorney and had read such books as he could get, later studying with
method the books from the law library of A. C. Parker, a young lawyer
of ability. He began practicing in the justice courts in 1875 and in
1880 was admitted to the bar. He continued in the profession for
more than a third of a century.
- On January 7, 1874 at Strawberry Point Mr. Phillips was united in
marriage with Miss Ellen Johnson. Two children came to their home,
Lena Blanche and Ray B. who with the wife and mother survive him.
- Mr. Phillips was prominently identified with the upbuilding of
Oelwein and owned a large number of business blocks along South
Frederick street and First Street East, also the Colonial opera house.
He resided in a commodious home on the corner of Third Avenue
and Second street South.
- He was an active member of Griffith Post No. 134 G.A.R. of this city,
Hebron Lodge 374, A.F.& A.M. and Oelwein Lodge B.P.O. Elks.
- For man years he marched on Decoration Day and wore with pride the
bronze button of the order.

Oelwein Daily Register - 25 Nov 1914
Note: burial Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein