Phillips, Capt. George

PHILLIPS, DORRANCE, CARSON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/20/2011 at 09:00:19

The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa (1880)
Page 845/6

PHILLIPS, CAPT. GEORGE--Postmaster, Brooklyn. Was born August 13, 1835, in Marseilles, Onondago county, New York. Was there raised and educated. His father, George Phillips, followed the pursuits of agriculture in that county. In 1855 the subject of this sketch came west locating Onarga, Iroquois county, Illinois, where he resided three years engaged in contracting and building. In 1858 he left in Onarga, and spent about two years traveling through western country, locating where he now resides in 1860. Mr. Phillips enlisted August 13, 1862, in company H, Twenty-eighth Iowa infantry, and was appointed first lieutenant of the company. They were mustered in October 10, 1862, and were at once transported to Helena, Arkansas, and marched from there to Oakland, Mississippi, under the command of Gen. Hovey, to re-inforce Grant. The first engagements they participated in were Port Gibson, May 1, 1863, and Edward's Station, May 13. After which came the battle of Champion's Hill, May 16. The details of this engagement are too familiar to the people to repeat. Of the Twenty-eighth Iowa, Gen. Hovey in the official report of this action, says: "Not yet more than six months in the service, and yet no troops ever showed more bravery or fought with more valor; of them and their commanders Iowa may well be proud." At the siege of Vicksburg, they occupied a position in the center of th left wing of Grant's army. They were under General Banks during the Louisiana campaign, and the famous Red River expedition. At Alexandria, Louisiana, a bullet passed through his clothing, but did no further damage. Immediately after the fall of Vicksburg, Lieut. Phillips was promoted to captain, for meritorious services. Among the leading engagements that Capt. Phillips participated in beside those already mentioned were Cane River, Middle Bayou, Mansura, Yellow Bayou, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek and various others. He was mustered out November 12 1863. Returned to his home in Brooklyn, and embarked in the general merchandise trade in company with O.F. Dorrance, under the style of Phillips & Dorrance, in which he continued for eight years. He was appointed postmaster, August 25, 1873. Is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and superintendent of the Brooklyn Veteran Union. Was married January 1, 1867, to Miss Nancy E. Carson, of Iowa City. By this union they have five children: Lela, Albert Burton, Effa, Prescott (deceased), and Dilla.