Philip Christian Herbig was born in Bavaria, Germany Dec. 25, 1808. He was brought up to learn the trade of manufacturing buggies and fine carriages. Philip emigrated to the U.S. in 1839. After living in South and North Carolina for 1 1/2 years, Ohio for 13 years, and Springfield, Illinois for a year, he moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa and engaged in his trade there. He was the first to make buggies in that county and did so for over 23 years. With a few exceptions, he was the oldest German settler in that county.

Philip Christian Herbig married Jakobina Gotthold in Germany in 1836. Their children were: Louisa (never married); Charles who married Susan Morehead; Helena who married William Mayer; Henrietta (Etta) who married Charles Wray; Philip (wife's name unknown), Amelia married to George Weber; Bertha, married Benjamin Wilson; and Henry (not married). Seven others died in infancy.

Philip Herbig died in Oskaloosa, Iowa.