JOSEPH PHILLIPS, aged 74, died Thursday morning at the family residence near Old Shiloh, after a lingering illness, leaving an aged widow and five sons, of whom County Clerk Phillips is one, and five daughters surviving.

Mr. Phillips served in the civil war in Col. Hicks' 40th Illinois regiment, and at the close of the war removed with his fmily from Rome township to the farm where he died.

He was a devout christian gentleman and highly thought of by his friends and acquaintances.

The funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Taken from the obit of " Joseph Phillips, One of the County's Best Citizens, Falls Asleep."

JOSEPH PHILLIPS died at his home in Shiloh township Thursday morning, Jan. 10, at 6 o'clock.

He was born in Franklin county, Ill., Aug. 7, 1834, aged at the time of his death 72 years, 5 months and 3 days.

Mr. Phillips was married to Elizabeth Phelps in 1852.

He leaves a wife and nine children to mourn his loss. The children are: Mrs. W. M. Ingram, of Shiloh; W. B. and O. C. Phillips, Mt. Vernon; Mrs. A. I. Wilson, Casner; John E. Phillips, Shiloh; C.R. Phillips, Eldorado; Mrs. Connaway, Woodlawn; Louis Phillips, Rome; Mrs. Della Replinger, Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Phillips professed faith in Christ about 35 years ago and has ever since been a member of th M. E. church. That he has kept the faith is proved by this bright testimony while on his death-bed; "I am ready to go, I don't fear death; all is well, I have made preparation to cross the river safely when the hour comes" All of this children were present at the time during the last week of his illness.

Mr. Phillips served in the great Rebellion four years, volunteered his services. He joined Co. F of the 40th Ill. Infantry and took part in scores of battles, some of which were Vicksburg, Donalson, Shiloh, Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain. He was captured by the rebels, marched out and shot down and was left for dead; making good his escape the Great General of Generals permitted him to live and enjoy 40 years of life afrerwards.

As a citizen, there were none better; as a neighbor, always obliging and accommedating; taking much interest in all the affairs of his community, strictly honest and upright in all his dealings with his fellow man, his life has been such as to make the world better by his having lived in it.

The funeral will be held at Shiloh tomorrow, conducted by Rev. Proctor. Interment at Salem.

Source: Taken from the death notice of Joseph Phillips
Date: January 10, 1907
Submitted by David Herron