DAVIDSON COUNTY, TN - MISC - Obituary of George Crockett Phillips
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The Monroe News-Star
Monday, June 14, 1909
Page 2, column 4

In Memory of George Crockett Phillips

I cannot say, and I will not say,
That he is dead-he's just away,
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand,
He has wandered into an unknown land.
And left us dreaming how very fair,
It needs must be, since he lingers there.

	George Crockett Phillips was born in Nashville, Tenn. on the 
3rd day of October, 1848, and died at Lonwa, near Monroe, on the 29th 
day of May, 1909.  He was the son of captian C.W. Phillips, commission 
merchant and planter and earnest Confederate, who with his company, 
served under the immediate command of General Albert Sydney Johnson.  
His mother was Miss Rebecca Jane Crockett, who was the daughter of 
George and Margaret Crockett of Nashville, Tenn.
	There survive him his aged mother, his sisters, Mrs. S.D. McEnery, 
Mrs. Horace Frierson and Mrs. E.H. Hatcher and his brother, C.W. Phillips.  A 
brother, Frank, died during the Civil War, and a sister, Mrs. Margaret 
McEwen, died nineteen years ago.
	His home, presided over by his mother, was known for its hospitality: 
and all the environments of culture and elegance.  Young people were 
attracted to it and there was no more pleasing sight than to see young 
lady visitors gathered around the aged hostess, listening to her 
brilliant conversation.  Like her son, George, she was fond of books and 
her conversation was accompanied by a most gracious manner and a sweet 
and melodious voice.
Amid these scenes of social pleasure he was always present and always 
ready to contribute by his wit and social graces.
	The announcement of the sudden death of George Phillips created 
profound sorrow in his home city, in his immediate neighborhood and in 
distant parts of the State, where he had many friends.  All recognized 
his sterling worth, genial disposition and habitual courtesy and that a 
true and good man and useful citizen had passed away.
	He was educated on the island of Jersey in the English Channel, where 
he became a thorough scholar, inspired by the loftiest ideas of civic 
virtue characteristic of the Englishman.  This inspiration never left 
him and on all occasions he was pronounced in his condemnation of any 
departure from or any lax performance of duty to the country, whether in 
the courts, the jury box  or in executive chambers or legislative halls.
	When he returned to his home and found conditions existing such as 
prevailed in the reconstruction period, he was among the first to answer 
the call of duty and restore the State to its ancient dignity and 
prestige.  Every one in Ouachita and adjoining parishes knew of his 
vigorous attack upon the common enemy.
	It was only those who were intimate with him who know of his mental 
equipment.  His mind was vigorous and well furnished.  His knowledge of 
history, ancient and modern classics was extensive.  He kept thoroughly 
informed on current literature and events, political and social 
problems.  He spent laborious hours in the day looking after large 
interests intrusted to him and at night he went to his books, magazines 
and papers, which occupied his attention, with few exceptions, until 
midnight and often towards morning.  He never made ostentatious use of 
his knowledge and it was only to congenial friends in moments of 
intimacy that he would discuss matters beyond ordinary conversation.  
	His devotion to his aged mother was one of the most beautiful traits 
of his character.  It was his delight to be near her, to read to her and 
to converse with her and in these moments his lovable disposition was in 
its fullest play and he was happy, seemingly forgetting all the cares 
and tribulations of the planter.  In these moments of happy intercourse 
between them there was a child-like simplicity between mother and son.
	He was just to his employees, charitable to them and took care of 
them in health and sickness.  That they had a warm affection for him was 
manifest in their sincere mourning when they looked upon him for the 
last time and sorrowfully followed him to the grave.
	He had no ambition for political honors, but never failed to perform 
his civic duties.  He took an active part in politics, and his conduct 
in public matters was always on a high plane.  He was a delegate often 
to parish, district and State conventions and to the Democratic national 
convention at Chicago on 1896, and at one time a member of the police 
jury of this parish.  He was a Democrat of the old school and had the 
strongest conviction that his party should not in the least depart from 
the teaching of its founder, Thomas Jefferson.  He always brought to its 
councils sound judgment and common sense.  In his dealings with his 
party associates, in fact, with all who came in contact with him, he was 
pleasing and persuasive, accompanied by a dignity which permitted no 
undue familiarity.
	He was loved for his noble and generous character.
	He was admired by those who recognized in him a brave and chivalrous 
gentlemen, one who never imposed upon the weak nor feared the strong.  
He was loyal to his friends and never forgot the most humble of his 
acquaintances.  Where can such another be found?  His light has faded-
"Gone, gone is the noble eye
And the grasp of the genial hand,
But beyond the nights here breaks the light
On a soul in a better land."