DR. THOMAS PHILLIPS, OCEANA COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Copyright (c) 2004 by Jan Cortez (cristian@netonecom.net).

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Dr. Thomas Phillips was born in New Brunswick, Apr. 4, 1817. He is a son of Thos. and 
Elizabeth Philips. At the age of seven years he, with his parents, moved to Canada 
where he remained until 1847, then coming to Ionia, Mich. After about a year he came 
to White Lake, near Whitehall. Having previously with John Hanson, Walter Duke and 
others explored the lake shore and interior of what is now Oceana County and finding 
lands that were in every way satisfactory, early in the summer of 1849 he came with 
his family to Claybanks. Mr. Phillips built the first saw mill in the county (a frame 
one) at Stony Creek for Rev. W. Ferry. After settling at Claybanks he divided his time 
between agriculture and the practice of medicine. The doctor was married July 13, 
1845, to Emaline Bowman by whom he had seven children, six sons and one daughter. His 
first wife dying, in 1873 he was married to Mrs. Anna M. Haggerty, whose maiden name 
was Vandeventer, she being the daughter of Abram and Charry Vandeventer. She was born 
in New York State, Nov. 16, 1821. By a previous husband she is the mother of eight 
daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are passing their decling years on their farm on Sec.
 21, Claybanks, loved and respected by all who know them. He has been offered many 
official positions but as a rule has refused to accept them. He has, however, served 
as Treasurer of his township, and as deputy sheriff of the county. To him and a very 
few others belong the honor of being the first settlers of the county. He has seen 
many days and nights of laborious toil but can now honestly esclaim "I have done my 
part in making the wildernes to blossom as the rose."