B. FRANK PHILLIPS
A
prominent man of his community, B. Frank Phillips is engaged
in the furniture and undertaking business, combining a barber shop with
these two lines of activity.
Moreover, he is widely know along other lines, serving
at present as the city clerk of Lucas and being deeply
interested in fraternal organizations, in which connection he
has attained a rank which makes him prominent throughout the
state. He was
born in Beacon, Iowa September 4, 1868, a son of Isaac and
Elizabeth (Davis), Phillips, natives of Wales, the father born
May 8, 1834, and passing away in Chariton, Iowa, October 16,
1912. The mother
has also passed away, her death occurring at Beacon, Iowa. The Phillips family
were among the earlier settlers of Iowa, having located at Des
Moines in 1856. They
removed to Lucas, May 22, 1881.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Phillips were the
following children: Mrs.
Isabella Burke, who was born at Farmington, Iowa, and now
resides at Hiteman, this state; Isaac, also a resident of
Hiteman; B. Frank, of this review; Mrs. Rosa Day Evans and
Rhoda May, twins, the former a resident of Lucas and the
latter deceased; Elizabeth, who died in 1889; and John,
superintendent of coal mines at Norwoodville, Iowa. The mother died in
1872 and the father afterwards married Mrs. Ann Phillips, a
widow, who died September 16, 1913.
B.
Frank Phillips attended the common schools of Beacon and Lucas
in the acquirement of his education and in 1887 engaged in the
furniture and undertaking business in Lucas, with which, in
1888, he combined a barber shop. He is so engaged at present and in the
years that have passed has built up an establishment which is
a credit to the city. He
carries a complete and first class line of goods and his
patronage extends far beyond the city limits into the country.
In
May, 1895, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Charlotte
Phillips, a native of Missouri, her people removing to Lucas
county while Mrs. Phillips was quite young. Her parents, John
D. and Charlotte J. (Parker) Phillips, were natives of Wales
and New York, respectively.
The father passed away in Lucas, but the mother is
still residing there. In
their family were seven children.
Mr.
and Mrs. B. Frank Phillips have four children: Wendell Herbert,
born January 25, 1897, who is attending high school in Lucas;
Ward Franklin, born December 13, 1899, and Donald Lester, born
December 23, 1904, both attending school; and Clarice Helen,
born December 19, 1908.
A man who not only enjoys the privileges of American citizenship, but recognizes its obligations, Mr. Phillips has become connected with the public life of Lucas, which city he served for a term of three years as city clerk about eighteen years ago, occupying the same position at the present time. Bringing ability and experience to his duties, he has made a creditable record and his work in that connection is highly commended by his constituents. He is a republic in his political convictions and always votes for the measures and candidates of that organization. Mrs. Phillips is a member of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints of Lucas and takes active part in the work of the church. For many years Mr. Phillips has held the position of chancellor of Castle Hall, No. 133, Knights of Pythias, of Lucas, and is at present past chancellor, while he has also been a member of the Grand Lodge of Iowa for the past fifteen years. He takes a deep interest in Pythianism and there is probably no member of the order in southern Iowa who is more proficient in the work. He also is past foreman of the Yeoman and for two years served as clerk of the Modern Woodmen of Lucas. Besides other valuable property he owns a handsome home. Broad and liberal-minded, he takes a deep interest in the welfare of the public and has ably filled every position of honor and trust to which he has been elected. His career is proof of the fact that ambition will win its way and the prominent position which he has attained no one can begrudge him, as it has been earned in a most commendable way.