Phillips, R. V.

PHILLIPS

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 1/12/2009 at 13:59:49

R. V. Phillips

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.48, Council Bluffs)
R. V. Phillips, proprietor handle factory, County Bluffs, was born at Crown Point, Essex Co., N. Y. He came to this State in 1849, and settled in Jackson County. For five years, he was with Mr. P. Mitchell, of Maquoketa, who is called the pioneer merchant of the West. He (subject) came to Council Bluffs in 1859, and established a handle factory. He manufactures all kinds of wooden handles, and splits all his timber, instead of sawing it, thereby making a more durable and otherwise superior article. he supplies many different railroads with his goods, having furnished the Union Pacific Railroad with handles for eleven years. He was married in Clinton County, this State, in 1854, to Miss Anna L. Smith. They have four boys, all of whom assist their father in the factory. Frank, aged twenty-six; Don, aged twenty-two; Edward, aged twenty; and Charles, who is eighteen years old. They also have two daughters, one living in Creston (the wife of T. S. Douglas), and the other, Belle, living at home.
Note: At the beginning of this biography, "County Bluffs" is written as it was in the book.