Dr. Thos. Phillips Biography 1849 Contributed by Jan Cortez

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."