Phoebe was the daughter of Joseph and Hanna (Comstock) Phillips
1st husband:
Joab Phillips
The two children from this union were
Sirvillian Eugene Phillips (1838–1908)
Alonzo Phillips (1841–1901)
2nd husband:
Robert Herrington
The four children from this union are
Albert R. Herrington (dec1847-2oct1922)
David Comstock Herrington (dec1849-1924)
Henry Joseph Herrington (20jun1850-16apr1929)
3rd husband:
Ira Holden (1800-1886) married 16 April 1854 in Dane Co., WI.
Three children from this union are
Francis Marion (1853-1937)
Winford Scott. (1857-1881)
Lillian Josephine (1858=1941) 260133078
3rd husband Robert B. Ransom, married 20 Aug 1865 in Primrose, Dane, WI. No children have been found produced by this union
THE STORY OF PRIMROSE
(Added by FindAGrave Member Joachim Hawn, #48699109)
The Story of Primrose
1831-1895
COMPILED AND EDITED
BY ALBERT BARTON
1895
HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY
CHARLES ELLIOTT PERKINS
MEMORIAL COLLECTION
TAYLOR A GLEASON, BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS,
MADISON, WIS.
[FORWARD NOTATION: The following content is excerpted from the text above cited. The choice of material cited has been selected for its relevance to individual or event and should be clear enough. While I have left the majority of the introduction intact, the excerpted content will only be shown with essential text details in addition to page and/or Chapter or Subject Header detail. The arrangement and format of content will be in generally the same sequence and chronology as it appears in Barton's publication with record citations as relative.]
EXPLANATORY
The writing of this history of his native town was not begun by the writer with any pecuniary end in view. The very limited number of readers whom he could hope to obtain must certainly have shown him, had such been the case, that the time spent in preparing it could have been far more profitably employed. The work, nevertheless, has been one of profit, and in the pleasure and knowledge derived from it, it has brought its own reward. To have a thorough knowledge of the history of one's region, is no small satisfaction in itself, and while the story of our town may not be so striking and romantic as that of some of its neighbors, it cannot fail to be of interest to her own children.
The history is written chiefly for the benefit of the younger generation, many of whom know little of the early happenings in their localities and of the privations of their own fathers and mothers. If this book should meet with their appreciation the writer shall feel doubly repaid. It would, of course, have been a happier achieve-
ment had this work been written by some one of the old pioneers who have witnessed and lived through all the changing scenes in the town's history, but as no one such has seen fit to do so, he trusts the work of younger hands will be spared any censure in undertaking it. The many errors and shortcomings that the work doubtless possesses, he trusts will also be treated with consideration.
THE FIRST WEDDING
Page 45-46
The first marriage to take place on Primrose soil was that of Wm. K. Underhill to Miss Mary Scofield, by Squire " Nathaniel Wheeler, of Badger Prairie, Verona, Dec. 23, 1846. The wedding was celebrated at the little cabin of the groom's brother, Fred Underhill, a mile east of Robert Spears' home.
William K. Underhill and his brother Fred came to Primrose from Philadelphia, where Fred had just married Elizabeth, a sister of Mary Scofield. William Underhill was a man of some education and was the poet of the settlement, writing many songs for occasions and being always ready to sing or play the violin. Miss Scofield was but 14 years of age at the time of her marriage and is described as 'a very handsome and pleasant girl," an opinion shared by the Indians as Mr. Ashley C. Thomas tells in his reminiscences. Nearly all the settlers of the town turned out to make merry this first glad occasion of its kind in the settlement. The ceremony was performed in the afternoon of a bright winter's day. A supper followed, bountiful as the scant means of the day afforded, at which venison and vegetables, grouse and johnnycake were pressed upon the merry guests. No dancing was indulged in owing to lack of room but throughout the night the young folks held high carnival playing games while the genial bridgroom sang his joiest songs or convulsed the company with witty tales. Contrary to the traditional custom at backwoods weddings the officiating squire was not paid in butter or sausages made by the bride's own fair hands, but in cold cash.
The next marriage in which both parties were from Primrose was that of ROBERT HERRINGTON and [Mrs.] PHOEBE PHILLIPS, who were married by the same officer at his home in Verona. An interesting account of the event is given by Mr. E. S. Hale in his recollections (Follows).
NOTE: above reference regarding marriage being performed by "..the same officer at his home in Verona.." reflects elsewhere notations for both Joseph Phillips and Robert Herrington, respectively, as being among the first elected officials holding different offices in early Verona and Primrose. This account differs somewhat from the below account by Hale who merely mentions where he had been requested to 'deliver' the hopeful couple to their destination of Squire Wheeler's. Hale himself states he was not present for the actual service and concluding only that the couples request was fulfilled during the four day interim he describes…
Source as cited and following contents excerpts from:
IV: CONTRIBUTED BY ELDRED S. HALE regarding an event recalled from Winter 1847
STORY OF PRIMROSE
Page 34
…."We had to go to the land office at Mineral Point to get our deeds. The early settlers usually walked there and came back the next or the third day. When I came here, there were but three or four settlers in the town, the Spears brothers, Geo. Patchin, ROBT. HERRINGTON and JOS. PHILLIPS, I think. They were strung along the "Spears Valley" as we called it; Robt. Spears living on the present Knudt Hustad farm and his brother William on the present Ole Skuldt farm. The first school house in the town was built in the ravine, just between the present house and barn of Ole Osmundson. I helped to draw the logs for the same. The first marriage in the town was that of ''Billy'' Underbill and Miss Scofield, of Montrose.
Page 35
The next, that I remember, was that of ROBERT HERRINGTON and PHOEBE PHILLIPS, and as I helped to bring this one about I will tell you what I remember of it. PHOEBE was a daughter of JOSEPH PHILLIPS and had already been married to a [cousin named PHILLIPS]. For some misdemeanor this husband had disappeared or had landed in some penitentiary and Phoebe, having obtained a divorce wished to marry Herrington. The father objected to their scheme but was, as usual, outgeneraled by the young folks.
One morning, in the winter of 1847, I started for Wiota with a load of corn, and coming by Herrington's, who lived on the present Baker farm, he stopped me and asked me if I could take him and Phoebe out to Squire Wheeler's, who lived in a log cabin upon a small hill near the present asylum in Verona. They wished to get married and as I had the only horse team in town he wished I would. I told him I thought I could' when I returned and was accordingly told to hurry back and keep "mum" to Old Phillips. I was detained three or four days, however, but when i returned, I rigged out a little sleigh that my brother and I had built for running around in, and with this I finally brought them to their destination.
NOTE: the foregoing material contains historically verified information - ie, Hale's personal knowledge as recalled here of Joseph Phillips as among the towns earliest pioneer settlers and a very specific memory regarding one of his daughters – my 2x great grandmother Phoebe; and knowledge she had been married prior to Robert Herrington with whom she bore three children. That 'that' first marriage was with another Phillips Family member…and that she'd successfully obtained legal writ of divorce [which was no small feat for any woman of her era – regardless of grounds!] Until I discovered this material however, I had been utterly stumped by a Census record identifying the 1850 Robert Harrington household with Phoebe described as 'Wife'…but also with two previously only poorly identified children who were enumerated by her maiden surname – which seemed odd because even if both boys had been born 'outside' of marriage and without claim of paternity, that they were conspicuously shown and Robert Herrington had not conveyed his Family name implied to me there was either an error somewhere – or more to the story that might be illuminative. Pheobe's marriage to Robert Herrington occurred per record as follows excerpt of 1850 Census for Robert Harrington's "Blended" Family:
Household 463/Name….Role…Sex…….Age…….Birthplace
Robert Harrington…………M…..29………New York
Pheby Harrington…………F……29……....New York
Albert Harrington…………M……3………Wisconsin
David Harrington…………M……0………Wisconsin
Gwilliam Phillips………...M……10…….....Michigan
Alonzo Phillips…………..M……9………....Michigan
Citation: "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4DF-NH9 : 12 April 2016), Albert Harrington in household of Robert Harrington, Primrose, Dane, Wisconsin, United States; citing family 463, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
NOTE: Robert and Phoebe's household enumerated directly ahead of Joseph Phillips household 464 – and while not specifically remarked upon it would appear that Phoebe's second son, Alonzo may have also lived with his grandfather because the matching vitals/data points are too similar to suggest two boys differentiated only by one year in age…. ALSO NOTE: viewing the actual Census record image reveals a transcription or spelling error for Phoebe's eldest son: Servillian – not Gwilliam.
Robert Harrington, "Wisconsin, County Marriages, 1836-1911"
Principals Name(Groom).………Robert Harrington
Event……………………………………….Marriage
Date…………………………………….06 Mar 1847
Place……………..Dane, Wisconsin, United States
Spouse's-Name(Bride)…..………Phoeba Philleps
Spouse's-Gender…………………………...Female
Citation: "Wisconsin, County Marriages, 1836-1911," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XRLD-8YG : 3 June 2016), Robert Harrington and Phoeba Philleps, 06 Mar 1847; citing , Dane, Wisconsin, United States, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison; FHL microfilm 1,275,890.
Attached 11 July 2017 by Joachim Hawn-From: Wisconsin, County Marriages, 1836-1911 For: Phebe Phillips and Robert Harrington
Her three sons with Robert Herrington;
1. [Albert R. Herrington] was born in December 1847 per 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Nyssa, Ontario, and Owyhee Precincts Ontario town, Malheur, Oregon, United States – household of Albert R. Herrington.
2. [David Comstock Herrington] was born December 12 1849 per 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Norfolk Precinct Norfolk city Ward 3-4, Madison, Nebraska, United States – household of David C. Harrington
3. [Henry Joseph Herrington] was born either June 20 1850 per citation for H. J. Harrington in, "Iowa Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990 or June 1851 per 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Onawa Township Onawa town, Monona, Iowa, United States – household of Henry J. Harrington
From what I've been able to glean, Wisconsin marriage records for the era can reflect variance of dates according to a few conditions rather than one hard and fast rule… either date of the license registration, the actual date of the ceremony; or date the event was formally reported and recorded by registrar. It appears to conform to 'who' was reporting, and 'where' it was being recorded that determined record date specificity. Either way – relevant here is that March 6 is surprisingly close to Eldred Hale's recollection of a Winter 1847 marriage [an event which had actually transpired nearly fifty years before it was here committed to a written account].
Robert Herrington's 1863 published Notice of Probate:
Robert Herrington Probate Notice 1864 Submitted by icssshyahoo (Ancestry) Description from the published 7 Jan 1864 Issue of the Wisconsin Daily Patriot, Madison, Wisconsin
PROBATE NOTICE – STATE OF WISCONSIN – Dane County Court – In Probate
"In the matter of the Estate of Robert Herrington, deceased.
Phebe Holden, of the town of Primrose, in said County, having this day filed her petition in this Court, representing that Robert Herrington, (her late husband) departed this life intestate on the 15th day of March, A.D. 1852, at his residence in said town of Primrose, leaving goods, chattels and personal estate within this County, and praying that letters of administration on the estate of said deceased be issued to Robert B. Ransom, of said town of Primrose; it is ordered that said petition be heard before the judge of this Court, on Tuesday, the 26th day of January, next ensuing at ten o'clock a.m., at his office in the city of Madison, in said County; ordered further, that notice thereof be given to all persons interested by publishing a copy of this order for three successive weeks prior to said day of hearing in the Wisconsin Patriot, a weekly newspaper printed and published in said city of Madison. Dated this 30th day of December. A.D. 1863"
By the Court, THOMAS HOOD, County Judge
Jan2w3
Attached to Robert Herrington
Birth: about 1821
Death: 15 Mar 1852
[NOTE: This transcript captures Phoebe during the period after Robert Herrington's 1852 death; and following her 1854 marriage to my x2 gr grandfather: Ira Holden…BUT this record also expressly identifies Robert B. Ransom as the Estate's proxy executer??
Why this is so interesting is because in 1863 Phoebe was in the bitter midst of Divorce proceedings against Ira Holden….where upon decree she then almost immediately married husband #4…Robert B. Ransom! So either, at the time of the Herrington Probate, he was acting on her behalf as legal representative, or they had already married and legal qualification would have fallen to the husband on behalf of his wife.
Historical Record evidence connecting Phoebe to a 1st 'Phillips' marriage claimed by Eldred Hale as aforementioned, supported by the two Phillips children named in the 1850 Census; and as the following record shows – Phoebe named as mother and Joab as father for the eldest Phillips son, Servillian Eugene Phillips – his printed obituary follows:
Mentioned in the Record of Death for Servillian Eugene Phillips:
Record Principals Name…………………...Joab Phillips
Birthplace………………………………...New Plymouth
Sex……………………………………………………Male
Wife of Principal..………………….……Phoebe Phillips
Son…………………………………..Servillian E. Phillips
Other information for Servillian E. Phillips from Idaho Deaths and Burials
Name…………………………...Servillian E. Phillips
Gender…………………………………………...Male
Death-Date……………………………...25 Mar 1908
Death-Place………............…………New Plymouth
Age……………………………………...…………..68
Birth-Date……………………………………….1840
Birthplace…………………………………..Michigan
Race………………………………………….…White
Marital-Status……………………………….Married
Father's-Name………………………...Joab Phillips
Mother's-Name…………………….Phoebe Phillips
Citation: "Idaho Deaths and Burials, 1907-1965," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FWDQ-1MS : 8 December 2014), Joab Phillips for Servillian E. Phillips, 25 Mar 1908; citing New Plymouth, reference 1255604 pg 8; FHL microfilm 1,255,604.
NOTE: record incorrectly cites Joab Phillips birthplace as New Plymouth; his probable birthplace being either New York as was for many Phillips Family members; or equally plausible is Michigan given it was a subsequent residence for Phoebe, and was birthplace of both sons from her first marriage: Servillian and Alonzo…
Servillian Phillips obituary:
The Payette Independent
Friday, April 03, 1908
PIONEER PASSES AWAY AT NEW PLYMOUTH
New Plymouth, April 2, After a brave battle with the fell destroyer, which was continued for many months. S. E. Phillips, one of New Plymouth's best known and greatly respected citizens, succumbed to an aggravated form of heart trouble at his home on Wednesday morning, March 25.
Mr. Phillips was an old resident of New Plymouth, having been one of the original colonists who settled in this valley 12 years ago, where he has made his home ever since. He was a man of sterling qualities, a man whose word was his bond, and who never spoke ill of any one, who always had a word of encouragement to offer at the most opportune time to the men and women who were struggling to build up a home in a new country, where there were many discouragements and difficulties to be overcome. He was always optimistic as to the bright future for the Payette Valley, and years have proven that he was not mistaken.
Mr. Phillips was born in Webster, Washington County, Michigan, December 2, 1839, and was 67 years of age at the time of his death. Two brothers still survive, one in Portland, the other in Iowa.
At Fitchburg, Wis., June 23, 1864, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Divet, and three children were born of the union. They are, Mrs. J. W. Lynch, Mrs. N. C. Parker and J. W. Phillips. The widow and children are left to mourn the loss of a loving and devoted husband and father.
Rev. Greenlee of the Congregational church, conducted the funeral services Friday morning at the Phillips home. The pall bearers were P. R. Ketchum, A. R. Ingalls, Walter Burke, C. S. French, Henry Hanigan and A. Meyer. Scripture reading and prayer opened the ceremonies, after which the male quartet sang "Shall We Meet Beyond the River." Following the song Rev. Greenlee sketched the life of the deceased in a touching manner, and ended his sermon with a few words of cheer and comfort to the members of the family. "It is Well With My Soul" was then sung, the services closing with Mr. Phillips' favorite hymn. "In the Sweet Bye and Bye."
In addition to the immediate members of the family, a large number of the settlers accompanied the body to its last resting place. The many friends of the deceased join in extending their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved wife and family.
Family Members
Spouse: Elizabeth Divet Phillips 1841–1929
Children:
1. Phebe Ella Phillips Lynch 1870–1948
2. Joe William Phillips 1872–1948
PLEASE NOTE: THE CHILDREN SHOWN HERE ARE THOSE WITH FIND A GRAVE RECORDS AND ONLY REPRESENT TWO-OF-THREE NAMED CHILDREN CITED IN THE FOREGOING OBITUARY. THE THIRD CHILD, A DAUGHTER IS SHOWN ONLY BY HER FIRST AND SECOND INITIALS...AND MARRIED SURNAME - THOSE ARE:
3. Mrs. N.C. Parker
Source: Find A Grave Memorial 15986269; Source citation: Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 04 January 2018), memorial page for Sirvillian Eugene Phillips (2 Dec 1840–25 Mar 1908), Find A Grave Memorial no. 15986269, citing Parkview Cemetery, New Plymouth, Payette County, Idaho, USA ; Maintained by Cheryl Hanson (contributor 46836345)
Servillian is mentioned again in the Story of Primrose briefly:
84 STORY OF PRIMROSE
In this year (1856) a small store was opened by Sevilian Phillips on the site of the present Rock Hill Cheese Factory. The building was a small poplar log structure with a four foot counter, and was utilized as a store but a short time. Josiah La FoUette built the first frame house in Primrose in this year.
In conclusion…while Servillian has adult vital records that are clear and unambiguous, beyond the two Census record identifications for Alonzo Phillips, to me are not so compelling. After 1850 I lose certain location for Alonzo but do feel both circumstantially and directly there is enough to warrant him historical reference even if no more than that becomes discovery. As for Phoebe, she was most certainly something of a tour de force – considering she successfully petitioned one divorce prior to 1847; and then a second successful petition against Ira Holden in 1865 (my x2 gr grandfather being that named defendant). In other words, I suspect she was not a woman to be trifled with as it concerned her children…as is painfully spelled out in the Holden v Holden divorce transcript. If you weren't living up to her standard as a husband and father, well, you could and would, be replaced. She had proven that rule twice. I suspect I'd have liked her tremendously!
1st husband:
Joab Phillips
The two children from this union were
Sirvillian Eugene Phillips (1838–1908)
Alonzo Phillips (1841–1901)
2nd husband:
Robert Herrington
The four children from this union are
Albert R. Herrington (dec1847-2oct1922)
David Comstock Herrington (dec1849-1924)
Henry Joseph Herrington (20jun1850-16apr1929)
3rd husband:
Ira Holden (1800-1886) married 16 April 1854 in Dane Co., WI.
Three children from this union are
Francis Marion (1853-1937)
Winford Scott. (1857-1881)
Lillian Josephine (1858=1941) 260133078
3rd husband Robert B. Ransom, married 20 Aug 1865 in Primrose, Dane, WI. No children have been found produced by this union
THE STORY OF PRIMROSE
(Added by FindAGrave Member Joachim Hawn, #48699109)
The Story of Primrose
1831-1895
COMPILED AND EDITED
BY ALBERT BARTON
1895
HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY
CHARLES ELLIOTT PERKINS
MEMORIAL COLLECTION
TAYLOR A GLEASON, BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS,
MADISON, WIS.
[FORWARD NOTATION: The following content is excerpted from the text above cited. The choice of material cited has been selected for its relevance to individual or event and should be clear enough. While I have left the majority of the introduction intact, the excerpted content will only be shown with essential text details in addition to page and/or Chapter or Subject Header detail. The arrangement and format of content will be in generally the same sequence and chronology as it appears in Barton's publication with record citations as relative.]
EXPLANATORY
The writing of this history of his native town was not begun by the writer with any pecuniary end in view. The very limited number of readers whom he could hope to obtain must certainly have shown him, had such been the case, that the time spent in preparing it could have been far more profitably employed. The work, nevertheless, has been one of profit, and in the pleasure and knowledge derived from it, it has brought its own reward. To have a thorough knowledge of the history of one's region, is no small satisfaction in itself, and while the story of our town may not be so striking and romantic as that of some of its neighbors, it cannot fail to be of interest to her own children.
The history is written chiefly for the benefit of the younger generation, many of whom know little of the early happenings in their localities and of the privations of their own fathers and mothers. If this book should meet with their appreciation the writer shall feel doubly repaid. It would, of course, have been a happier achieve-
ment had this work been written by some one of the old pioneers who have witnessed and lived through all the changing scenes in the town's history, but as no one such has seen fit to do so, he trusts the work of younger hands will be spared any censure in undertaking it. The many errors and shortcomings that the work doubtless possesses, he trusts will also be treated with consideration.
THE FIRST WEDDING
Page 45-46
The first marriage to take place on Primrose soil was that of Wm. K. Underhill to Miss Mary Scofield, by Squire " Nathaniel Wheeler, of Badger Prairie, Verona, Dec. 23, 1846. The wedding was celebrated at the little cabin of the groom's brother, Fred Underhill, a mile east of Robert Spears' home.
William K. Underhill and his brother Fred came to Primrose from Philadelphia, where Fred had just married Elizabeth, a sister of Mary Scofield. William Underhill was a man of some education and was the poet of the settlement, writing many songs for occasions and being always ready to sing or play the violin. Miss Scofield was but 14 years of age at the time of her marriage and is described as 'a very handsome and pleasant girl," an opinion shared by the Indians as Mr. Ashley C. Thomas tells in his reminiscences. Nearly all the settlers of the town turned out to make merry this first glad occasion of its kind in the settlement. The ceremony was performed in the afternoon of a bright winter's day. A supper followed, bountiful as the scant means of the day afforded, at which venison and vegetables, grouse and johnnycake were pressed upon the merry guests. No dancing was indulged in owing to lack of room but throughout the night the young folks held high carnival playing games while the genial bridgroom sang his joiest songs or convulsed the company with witty tales. Contrary to the traditional custom at backwoods weddings the officiating squire was not paid in butter or sausages made by the bride's own fair hands, but in cold cash.
The next marriage in which both parties were from Primrose was that of ROBERT HERRINGTON and [Mrs.] PHOEBE PHILLIPS, who were married by the same officer at his home in Verona. An interesting account of the event is given by Mr. E. S. Hale in his recollections (Follows).
NOTE: above reference regarding marriage being performed by "..the same officer at his home in Verona.." reflects elsewhere notations for both Joseph Phillips and Robert Herrington, respectively, as being among the first elected officials holding different offices in early Verona and Primrose. This account differs somewhat from the below account by Hale who merely mentions where he had been requested to 'deliver' the hopeful couple to their destination of Squire Wheeler's. Hale himself states he was not present for the actual service and concluding only that the couples request was fulfilled during the four day interim he describes…
Source as cited and following contents excerpts from:
IV: CONTRIBUTED BY ELDRED S. HALE regarding an event recalled from Winter 1847
STORY OF PRIMROSE
Page 34
…."We had to go to the land office at Mineral Point to get our deeds. The early settlers usually walked there and came back the next or the third day. When I came here, there were but three or four settlers in the town, the Spears brothers, Geo. Patchin, ROBT. HERRINGTON and JOS. PHILLIPS, I think. They were strung along the "Spears Valley" as we called it; Robt. Spears living on the present Knudt Hustad farm and his brother William on the present Ole Skuldt farm. The first school house in the town was built in the ravine, just between the present house and barn of Ole Osmundson. I helped to draw the logs for the same. The first marriage in the town was that of ''Billy'' Underbill and Miss Scofield, of Montrose.
Page 35
The next, that I remember, was that of ROBERT HERRINGTON and PHOEBE PHILLIPS, and as I helped to bring this one about I will tell you what I remember of it. PHOEBE was a daughter of JOSEPH PHILLIPS and had already been married to a [cousin named PHILLIPS]. For some misdemeanor this husband had disappeared or had landed in some penitentiary and Phoebe, having obtained a divorce wished to marry Herrington. The father objected to their scheme but was, as usual, outgeneraled by the young folks.
One morning, in the winter of 1847, I started for Wiota with a load of corn, and coming by Herrington's, who lived on the present Baker farm, he stopped me and asked me if I could take him and Phoebe out to Squire Wheeler's, who lived in a log cabin upon a small hill near the present asylum in Verona. They wished to get married and as I had the only horse team in town he wished I would. I told him I thought I could' when I returned and was accordingly told to hurry back and keep "mum" to Old Phillips. I was detained three or four days, however, but when i returned, I rigged out a little sleigh that my brother and I had built for running around in, and with this I finally brought them to their destination.
NOTE: the foregoing material contains historically verified information - ie, Hale's personal knowledge as recalled here of Joseph Phillips as among the towns earliest pioneer settlers and a very specific memory regarding one of his daughters – my 2x great grandmother Phoebe; and knowledge she had been married prior to Robert Herrington with whom she bore three children. That 'that' first marriage was with another Phillips Family member…and that she'd successfully obtained legal writ of divorce [which was no small feat for any woman of her era – regardless of grounds!] Until I discovered this material however, I had been utterly stumped by a Census record identifying the 1850 Robert Harrington household with Phoebe described as 'Wife'…but also with two previously only poorly identified children who were enumerated by her maiden surname – which seemed odd because even if both boys had been born 'outside' of marriage and without claim of paternity, that they were conspicuously shown and Robert Herrington had not conveyed his Family name implied to me there was either an error somewhere – or more to the story that might be illuminative. Pheobe's marriage to Robert Herrington occurred per record as follows excerpt of 1850 Census for Robert Harrington's "Blended" Family:
Household 463/Name….Role…Sex…….Age…….Birthplace
Robert Harrington…………M…..29………New York
Pheby Harrington…………F……29……....New York
Albert Harrington…………M……3………Wisconsin
David Harrington…………M……0………Wisconsin
Gwilliam Phillips………...M……10…….....Michigan
Alonzo Phillips…………..M……9………....Michigan
Citation: "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4DF-NH9 : 12 April 2016), Albert Harrington in household of Robert Harrington, Primrose, Dane, Wisconsin, United States; citing family 463, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
NOTE: Robert and Phoebe's household enumerated directly ahead of Joseph Phillips household 464 – and while not specifically remarked upon it would appear that Phoebe's second son, Alonzo may have also lived with his grandfather because the matching vitals/data points are too similar to suggest two boys differentiated only by one year in age…. ALSO NOTE: viewing the actual Census record image reveals a transcription or spelling error for Phoebe's eldest son: Servillian – not Gwilliam.
Robert Harrington, "Wisconsin, County Marriages, 1836-1911"
Principals Name(Groom).………Robert Harrington
Event……………………………………….Marriage
Date…………………………………….06 Mar 1847
Place……………..Dane, Wisconsin, United States
Spouse's-Name(Bride)…..………Phoeba Philleps
Spouse's-Gender…………………………...Female
Citation: "Wisconsin, County Marriages, 1836-1911," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XRLD-8YG : 3 June 2016), Robert Harrington and Phoeba Philleps, 06 Mar 1847; citing , Dane, Wisconsin, United States, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison; FHL microfilm 1,275,890.
Attached 11 July 2017 by Joachim Hawn-From: Wisconsin, County Marriages, 1836-1911 For: Phebe Phillips and Robert Harrington
Her three sons with Robert Herrington;
1. [Albert R. Herrington] was born in December 1847 per 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Nyssa, Ontario, and Owyhee Precincts Ontario town, Malheur, Oregon, United States – household of Albert R. Herrington.
2. [David Comstock Herrington] was born December 12 1849 per 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Norfolk Precinct Norfolk city Ward 3-4, Madison, Nebraska, United States – household of David C. Harrington
3. [Henry Joseph Herrington] was born either June 20 1850 per citation for H. J. Harrington in, "Iowa Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990 or June 1851 per 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Onawa Township Onawa town, Monona, Iowa, United States – household of Henry J. Harrington
From what I've been able to glean, Wisconsin marriage records for the era can reflect variance of dates according to a few conditions rather than one hard and fast rule… either date of the license registration, the actual date of the ceremony; or date the event was formally reported and recorded by registrar. It appears to conform to 'who' was reporting, and 'where' it was being recorded that determined record date specificity. Either way – relevant here is that March 6 is surprisingly close to Eldred Hale's recollection of a Winter 1847 marriage [an event which had actually transpired nearly fifty years before it was here committed to a written account].
Robert Herrington's 1863 published Notice of Probate:
Robert Herrington Probate Notice 1864 Submitted by icssshyahoo (Ancestry) Description from the published 7 Jan 1864 Issue of the Wisconsin Daily Patriot, Madison, Wisconsin
PROBATE NOTICE – STATE OF WISCONSIN – Dane County Court – In Probate
"In the matter of the Estate of Robert Herrington, deceased.
Phebe Holden, of the town of Primrose, in said County, having this day filed her petition in this Court, representing that Robert Herrington, (her late husband) departed this life intestate on the 15th day of March, A.D. 1852, at his residence in said town of Primrose, leaving goods, chattels and personal estate within this County, and praying that letters of administration on the estate of said deceased be issued to Robert B. Ransom, of said town of Primrose; it is ordered that said petition be heard before the judge of this Court, on Tuesday, the 26th day of January, next ensuing at ten o'clock a.m., at his office in the city of Madison, in said County; ordered further, that notice thereof be given to all persons interested by publishing a copy of this order for three successive weeks prior to said day of hearing in the Wisconsin Patriot, a weekly newspaper printed and published in said city of Madison. Dated this 30th day of December. A.D. 1863"
By the Court, THOMAS HOOD, County Judge
Jan2w3
Attached to Robert Herrington
Birth: about 1821
Death: 15 Mar 1852
[NOTE: This transcript captures Phoebe during the period after Robert Herrington's 1852 death; and following her 1854 marriage to my x2 gr grandfather: Ira Holden…BUT this record also expressly identifies Robert B. Ransom as the Estate's proxy executer??
Why this is so interesting is because in 1863 Phoebe was in the bitter midst of Divorce proceedings against Ira Holden….where upon decree she then almost immediately married husband #4…Robert B. Ransom! So either, at the time of the Herrington Probate, he was acting on her behalf as legal representative, or they had already married and legal qualification would have fallen to the husband on behalf of his wife.
Historical Record evidence connecting Phoebe to a 1st 'Phillips' marriage claimed by Eldred Hale as aforementioned, supported by the two Phillips children named in the 1850 Census; and as the following record shows – Phoebe named as mother and Joab as father for the eldest Phillips son, Servillian Eugene Phillips – his printed obituary follows:
Mentioned in the Record of Death for Servillian Eugene Phillips:
Record Principals Name…………………...Joab Phillips
Birthplace………………………………...New Plymouth
Sex……………………………………………………Male
Wife of Principal..………………….……Phoebe Phillips
Son…………………………………..Servillian E. Phillips
Other information for Servillian E. Phillips from Idaho Deaths and Burials
Name…………………………...Servillian E. Phillips
Gender…………………………………………...Male
Death-Date……………………………...25 Mar 1908
Death-Place………............…………New Plymouth
Age……………………………………...…………..68
Birth-Date……………………………………….1840
Birthplace…………………………………..Michigan
Race………………………………………….…White
Marital-Status……………………………….Married
Father's-Name………………………...Joab Phillips
Mother's-Name…………………….Phoebe Phillips
Citation: "Idaho Deaths and Burials, 1907-1965," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FWDQ-1MS : 8 December 2014), Joab Phillips for Servillian E. Phillips, 25 Mar 1908; citing New Plymouth, reference 1255604 pg 8; FHL microfilm 1,255,604.
NOTE: record incorrectly cites Joab Phillips birthplace as New Plymouth; his probable birthplace being either New York as was for many Phillips Family members; or equally plausible is Michigan given it was a subsequent residence for Phoebe, and was birthplace of both sons from her first marriage: Servillian and Alonzo…
Servillian Phillips obituary:
The Payette Independent
Friday, April 03, 1908
PIONEER PASSES AWAY AT NEW PLYMOUTH
New Plymouth, April 2, After a brave battle with the fell destroyer, which was continued for many months. S. E. Phillips, one of New Plymouth's best known and greatly respected citizens, succumbed to an aggravated form of heart trouble at his home on Wednesday morning, March 25.
Mr. Phillips was an old resident of New Plymouth, having been one of the original colonists who settled in this valley 12 years ago, where he has made his home ever since. He was a man of sterling qualities, a man whose word was his bond, and who never spoke ill of any one, who always had a word of encouragement to offer at the most opportune time to the men and women who were struggling to build up a home in a new country, where there were many discouragements and difficulties to be overcome. He was always optimistic as to the bright future for the Payette Valley, and years have proven that he was not mistaken.
Mr. Phillips was born in Webster, Washington County, Michigan, December 2, 1839, and was 67 years of age at the time of his death. Two brothers still survive, one in Portland, the other in Iowa.
At Fitchburg, Wis., June 23, 1864, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Divet, and three children were born of the union. They are, Mrs. J. W. Lynch, Mrs. N. C. Parker and J. W. Phillips. The widow and children are left to mourn the loss of a loving and devoted husband and father.
Rev. Greenlee of the Congregational church, conducted the funeral services Friday morning at the Phillips home. The pall bearers were P. R. Ketchum, A. R. Ingalls, Walter Burke, C. S. French, Henry Hanigan and A. Meyer. Scripture reading and prayer opened the ceremonies, after which the male quartet sang "Shall We Meet Beyond the River." Following the song Rev. Greenlee sketched the life of the deceased in a touching manner, and ended his sermon with a few words of cheer and comfort to the members of the family. "It is Well With My Soul" was then sung, the services closing with Mr. Phillips' favorite hymn. "In the Sweet Bye and Bye."
In addition to the immediate members of the family, a large number of the settlers accompanied the body to its last resting place. The many friends of the deceased join in extending their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved wife and family.
Family Members
Spouse: Elizabeth Divet Phillips 1841–1929
Children:
1. Phebe Ella Phillips Lynch 1870–1948
2. Joe William Phillips 1872–1948
PLEASE NOTE: THE CHILDREN SHOWN HERE ARE THOSE WITH FIND A GRAVE RECORDS AND ONLY REPRESENT TWO-OF-THREE NAMED CHILDREN CITED IN THE FOREGOING OBITUARY. THE THIRD CHILD, A DAUGHTER IS SHOWN ONLY BY HER FIRST AND SECOND INITIALS...AND MARRIED SURNAME - THOSE ARE:
3. Mrs. N.C. Parker
Source: Find A Grave Memorial 15986269; Source citation: Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 04 January 2018), memorial page for Sirvillian Eugene Phillips (2 Dec 1840–25 Mar 1908), Find A Grave Memorial no. 15986269, citing Parkview Cemetery, New Plymouth, Payette County, Idaho, USA ; Maintained by Cheryl Hanson (contributor 46836345)
Servillian is mentioned again in the Story of Primrose briefly:
84 STORY OF PRIMROSE
In this year (1856) a small store was opened by Sevilian Phillips on the site of the present Rock Hill Cheese Factory. The building was a small poplar log structure with a four foot counter, and was utilized as a store but a short time. Josiah La FoUette built the first frame house in Primrose in this year.
In conclusion…while Servillian has adult vital records that are clear and unambiguous, beyond the two Census record identifications for Alonzo Phillips, to me are not so compelling. After 1850 I lose certain location for Alonzo but do feel both circumstantially and directly there is enough to warrant him historical reference even if no more than that becomes discovery. As for Phoebe, she was most certainly something of a tour de force – considering she successfully petitioned one divorce prior to 1847; and then a second successful petition against Ira Holden in 1865 (my x2 gr grandfather being that named defendant). In other words, I suspect she was not a woman to be trifled with as it concerned her children…as is painfully spelled out in the Holden v Holden divorce transcript. If you weren't living up to her standard as a husband and father, well, you could and would, be replaced. She had proven that rule twice. I suspect I'd have liked her tremendously!
Phoebe was the daughter of Joseph and Hanna (Comstock) Phillips
1st husband:
Joab Phillips
The two children from this union were
Sirvillian Eugene Phillips (1838–1908)
Alonzo Phillips (1841–1901)
2nd husband:
Robert Herrington
The four children from this union are
Albert R. Herrington (dec1847-2oct1922)
David Comstock Herrington (dec1849-1924)
Henry Joseph Herrington (20jun1850-16apr1929)
3rd husband:
Ira Holden (1800-1886) married 16 April 1854 in Dane Co., WI.
Three children from this union are
Francis Marion (1853-1937)
Winford Scott. (1857-1881)
Lillian Josephine (1858=1941) 260133078
3rd husband Robert B. Ransom, married 20 Aug 1865 in Primrose, Dane, WI. No children have been found produced by this union
THE STORY OF PRIMROSE
(Added by FindAGrave Member Joachim Hawn, #48699109)
The Story of Primrose
1831-1895
COMPILED AND EDITED
BY ALBERT BARTON
1895
HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY
CHARLES ELLIOTT PERKINS
MEMORIAL COLLECTION
TAYLOR A GLEASON, BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS,
MADISON, WIS.
[FORWARD NOTATION: The following content is excerpted from the text above cited. The choice of material cited has been selected for its relevance to individual or event and should be clear enough. While I have left the majority of the introduction intact, the excerpted content will only be shown with essential text details in addition to page and/or Chapter or Subject Header detail. The arrangement and format of content will be in generally the same sequence and chronology as it appears in Barton's publication with record citations as relative.]
EXPLANATORY
The writing of this history of his native town was not begun by the writer with any pecuniary end in view. The very limited number of readers whom he could hope to obtain must certainly have shown him, had such been the case, that the time spent in preparing it could have been far more profitably employed. The work, nevertheless, has been one of profit, and in the pleasure and knowledge derived from it, it has brought its own reward. To have a thorough knowledge of the history of one's region, is no small satisfaction in itself, and while the story of our town may not be so striking and romantic as that of some of its neighbors, it cannot fail to be of interest to her own children.
The history is written chiefly for the benefit of the younger generation, many of whom know little of the early happenings in their localities and of the privations of their own fathers and mothers. If this book should meet with their appreciation the writer shall feel doubly repaid. It would, of course, have been a happier achieve-
ment had this work been written by some one of the old pioneers who have witnessed and lived through all the changing scenes in the town's history, but as no one such has seen fit to do so, he trusts the work of younger hands will be spared any censure in undertaking it. The many errors and shortcomings that the work doubtless possesses, he trusts will also be treated with consideration.
THE FIRST WEDDING
Page 45-46
The first marriage to take place on Primrose soil was that of Wm. K. Underhill to Miss Mary Scofield, by Squire " Nathaniel Wheeler, of Badger Prairie, Verona, Dec. 23, 1846. The wedding was celebrated at the little cabin of the groom's brother, Fred Underhill, a mile east of Robert Spears' home.
William K. Underhill and his brother Fred came to Primrose from Philadelphia, where Fred had just married Elizabeth, a sister of Mary Scofield. William Underhill was a man of some education and was the poet of the settlement, writing many songs for occasions and being always ready to sing or play the violin. Miss Scofield was but 14 years of age at the time of her marriage and is described as 'a very handsome and pleasant girl," an opinion shared by the Indians as Mr. Ashley C. Thomas tells in his reminiscences. Nearly all the settlers of the town turned out to make merry this first glad occasion of its kind in the settlement. The ceremony was performed in the afternoon of a bright winter's day. A supper followed, bountiful as the scant means of the day afforded, at which venison and vegetables, grouse and johnnycake were pressed upon the merry guests. No dancing was indulged in owing to lack of room but throughout the night the young folks held high carnival playing games while the genial bridgroom sang his joiest songs or convulsed the company with witty tales. Contrary to the traditional custom at backwoods weddings the officiating squire was not paid in butter or sausages made by the bride's own fair hands, but in cold cash.
The next marriage in which both parties were from Primrose was that of ROBERT HERRINGTON and [Mrs.] PHOEBE PHILLIPS, who were married by the same officer at his home in Verona. An interesting account of the event is given by Mr. E. S. Hale in his recollections (Follows).
NOTE: above reference regarding marriage being performed by "..the same officer at his home in Verona.." reflects elsewhere notations for both Joseph Phillips and Robert Herrington, respectively, as being among the first elected officials holding different offices in early Verona and Primrose. This account differs somewhat from the below account by Hale who merely mentions where he had been requested to 'deliver' the hopeful couple to their destination of Squire Wheeler's. Hale himself states he was not present for the actual service and concluding only that the couples request was fulfilled during the four day interim he describes…
Source as cited and following contents excerpts from:
IV: CONTRIBUTED BY ELDRED S. HALE regarding an event recalled from Winter 1847
STORY OF PRIMROSE
Page 34
…."We had to go to the land office at Mineral Point to get our deeds. The early settlers usually walked there and came back the next or the third day. When I came here, there were but three or four settlers in the town, the Spears brothers, Geo. Patchin, ROBT. HERRINGTON and JOS. PHILLIPS, I think. They were strung along the "Spears Valley" as we called it; Robt. Spears living on the present Knudt Hustad farm and his brother William on the present Ole Skuldt farm. The first school house in the town was built in the ravine, just between the present house and barn of Ole Osmundson. I helped to draw the logs for the same. The first marriage in the town was that of ''Billy'' Underbill and Miss Scofield, of Montrose.
Page 35
The next, that I remember, was that of ROBERT HERRINGTON and PHOEBE PHILLIPS, and as I helped to bring this one about I will tell you what I remember of it. PHOEBE was a daughter of JOSEPH PHILLIPS and had already been married to a [cousin named PHILLIPS]. For some misdemeanor this husband had disappeared or had landed in some penitentiary and Phoebe, having obtained a divorce wished to marry Herrington. The father objected to their scheme but was, as usual, outgeneraled by the young folks.
One morning, in the winter of 1847, I started for Wiota with a load of corn, and coming by Herrington's, who lived on the present Baker farm, he stopped me and asked me if I could take him and Phoebe out to Squire Wheeler's, who lived in a log cabin upon a small hill near the present asylum in Verona. They wished to get married and as I had the only horse team in town he wished I would. I told him I thought I could' when I returned and was accordingly told to hurry back and keep "mum" to Old Phillips. I was detained three or four days, however, but when i returned, I rigged out a little sleigh that my brother and I had built for running around in, and with this I finally brought them to their destination.
NOTE: the foregoing material contains historically verified information - ie, Hale's personal knowledge as recalled here of Joseph Phillips as among the towns earliest pioneer settlers and a very specific memory regarding one of his daughters – my 2x great grandmother Phoebe; and knowledge she had been married prior to Robert Herrington with whom she bore three children. That 'that' first marriage was with another Phillips Family member…and that she'd successfully obtained legal writ of divorce [which was no small feat for any woman of her era – regardless of grounds!] Until I discovered this material however, I had been utterly stumped by a Census record identifying the 1850 Robert Harrington household with Phoebe described as 'Wife'…but also with two previously only poorly identified children who were enumerated by her maiden surname – which seemed odd because even if both boys had been born 'outside' of marriage and without claim of paternity, that they were conspicuously shown and Robert Herrington had not conveyed his Family name implied to me there was either an error somewhere – or more to the story that might be illuminative. Pheobe's marriage to Robert Herrington occurred per record as follows excerpt of 1850 Census for Robert Harrington's "Blended" Family:
Household 463/Name….Role…Sex…….Age…….Birthplace
Robert Harrington…………M…..29………New York
Pheby Harrington…………F……29……....New York
Albert Harrington…………M……3………Wisconsin
David Harrington…………M……0………Wisconsin
Gwilliam Phillips………...M……10…….....Michigan
Alonzo Phillips…………..M……9………....Michigan
Citation: "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4DF-NH9 : 12 April 2016), Albert Harrington in household of Robert Harrington, Primrose, Dane, Wisconsin, United States; citing family 463, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
NOTE: Robert and Phoebe's household enumerated directly ahead of Joseph Phillips household 464 – and while not specifically remarked upon it would appear that Phoebe's second son, Alonzo may have also lived with his grandfather because the matching vitals/data points are too similar to suggest two boys differentiated only by one year in age…. ALSO NOTE: viewing the actual Census record image reveals a transcription or spelling error for Phoebe's eldest son: Servillian – not Gwilliam.
Robert Harrington, "Wisconsin, County Marriages, 1836-1911"
Principals Name(Groom).………Robert Harrington
Event……………………………………….Marriage
Date…………………………………….06 Mar 1847
Place……………..Dane, Wisconsin, United States
Spouse's-Name(Bride)…..………Phoeba Philleps
Spouse's-Gender…………………………...Female
Citation: "Wisconsin, County Marriages, 1836-1911," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XRLD-8YG : 3 June 2016), Robert Harrington and Phoeba Philleps, 06 Mar 1847; citing , Dane, Wisconsin, United States, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison; FHL microfilm 1,275,890.
Attached 11 July 2017 by Joachim Hawn-From: Wisconsin, County Marriages, 1836-1911 For: Phebe Phillips and Robert Harrington
Her three sons with Robert Herrington;
1. [Albert R. Herrington] was born in December 1847 per 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Nyssa, Ontario, and Owyhee Precincts Ontario town, Malheur, Oregon, United States – household of Albert R. Herrington.
2. [David Comstock Herrington] was born December 12 1849 per 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Norfolk Precinct Norfolk city Ward 3-4, Madison, Nebraska, United States – household of David C. Harrington
3. [Henry Joseph Herrington] was born either June 20 1850 per citation for H. J. Harrington in, "Iowa Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990 or June 1851 per 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Onawa Township Onawa town, Monona, Iowa, United States – household of Henry J. Harrington
From what I've been able to glean, Wisconsin marriage records for the era can reflect variance of dates according to a few conditions rather than one hard and fast rule… either date of the license registration, the actual date of the ceremony; or date the event was formally reported and recorded by registrar. It appears to conform to 'who' was reporting, and 'where' it was being recorded that determined record date specificity. Either way – relevant here is that March 6 is surprisingly close to Eldred Hale's recollection of a Winter 1847 marriage [an event which had actually transpired nearly fifty years before it was here committed to a written account].
Robert Herrington's 1863 published Notice of Probate:
Robert Herrington Probate Notice 1864 Submitted by icssshyahoo (Ancestry) Description from the published 7 Jan 1864 Issue of the Wisconsin Daily Patriot, Madison, Wisconsin
PROBATE NOTICE – STATE OF WISCONSIN – Dane County Court – In Probate
"In the matter of the Estate of Robert Herrington, deceased.
Phebe Holden, of the town of Primrose, in said County, having this day filed her petition in this Court, representing that Robert Herrington, (her late husband) departed this life intestate on the 15th day of March, A.D. 1852, at his residence in said town of Primrose, leaving goods, chattels and personal estate within this County, and praying that letters of administration on the estate of said deceased be issued to Robert B. Ransom, of said town of Primrose; it is ordered that said petition be heard before the judge of this Court, on Tuesday, the 26th day of January, next ensuing at ten o'clock a.m., at his office in the city of Madison, in said County; ordered further, that notice thereof be given to all persons interested by publishing a copy of this order for three successive weeks prior to said day of hearing in the Wisconsin Patriot, a weekly newspaper printed and published in said city of Madison. Dated this 30th day of December. A.D. 1863"
By the Court, THOMAS HOOD, County Judge
Jan2w3
Attached to Robert Herrington
Birth: about 1821
Death: 15 Mar 1852
[NOTE: This transcript captures Phoebe during the period after Robert Herrington's 1852 death; and following her 1854 marriage to my x2 gr grandfather: Ira Holden…BUT this record also expressly identifies Robert B. Ransom as the Estate's proxy executer??
Why this is so interesting is because in 1863 Phoebe was in the bitter midst of Divorce proceedings against Ira Holden….where upon decree she then almost immediately married husband #4…Robert B. Ransom! So either, at the time of the Herrington Probate, he was acting on her behalf as legal representative, or they had already married and legal qualification would have fallen to the husband on behalf of his wife.
Historical Record evidence connecting Phoebe to a 1st 'Phillips' marriage claimed by Eldred Hale as aforementioned, supported by the two Phillips children named in the 1850 Census; and as the following record shows – Phoebe named as mother and Joab as father for the eldest Phillips son, Servillian Eugene Phillips – his printed obituary follows:
Mentioned in the Record of Death for Servillian Eugene Phillips:
Record Principals Name…………………...Joab Phillips
Birthplace………………………………...New Plymouth
Sex……………………………………………………Male
Wife of Principal..………………….……Phoebe Phillips
Son…………………………………..Servillian E. Phillips
Other information for Servillian E. Phillips from Idaho Deaths and Burials
Name…………………………...Servillian E. Phillips
Gender…………………………………………...Male
Death-Date……………………………...25 Mar 1908
Death-Place………............…………New Plymouth
Age……………………………………...…………..68
Birth-Date……………………………………….1840
Birthplace…………………………………..Michigan
Race………………………………………….…White
Marital-Status……………………………….Married
Father's-Name………………………...Joab Phillips
Mother's-Name…………………….Phoebe Phillips
Citation: "Idaho Deaths and Burials, 1907-1965," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FWDQ-1MS : 8 December 2014), Joab Phillips for Servillian E. Phillips, 25 Mar 1908; citing New Plymouth, reference 1255604 pg 8; FHL microfilm 1,255,604.
NOTE: record incorrectly cites Joab Phillips birthplace as New Plymouth; his probable birthplace being either New York as was for many Phillips Family members; or equally plausible is Michigan given it was a subsequent residence for Phoebe, and was birthplace of both sons from her first marriage: Servillian and Alonzo…
Servillian Phillips obituary:
The Payette Independent
Friday, April 03, 1908
PIONEER PASSES AWAY AT NEW PLYMOUTH
New Plymouth, April 2, After a brave battle with the fell destroyer, which was continued for many months. S. E. Phillips, one of New Plymouth's best known and greatly respected citizens, succumbed to an aggravated form of heart trouble at his home on Wednesday morning, March 25.
Mr. Phillips was an old resident of New Plymouth, having been one of the original colonists who settled in this valley 12 years ago, where he has made his home ever since. He was a man of sterling qualities, a man whose word was his bond, and who never spoke ill of any one, who always had a word of encouragement to offer at the most opportune time to the men and women who were struggling to build up a home in a new country, where there were many discouragements and difficulties to be overcome. He was always optimistic as to the bright future for the Payette Valley, and years have proven that he was not mistaken.
Mr. Phillips was born in Webster, Washington County, Michigan, December 2, 1839, and was 67 years of age at the time of his death. Two brothers still survive, one in Portland, the other in Iowa.
At Fitchburg, Wis., June 23, 1864, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Divet, and three children were born of the union. They are, Mrs. J. W. Lynch, Mrs. N. C. Parker and J. W. Phillips. The widow and children are left to mourn the loss of a loving and devoted husband and father.
Rev. Greenlee of the Congregational church, conducted the funeral services Friday morning at the Phillips home. The pall bearers were P. R. Ketchum, A. R. Ingalls, Walter Burke, C. S. French, Henry Hanigan and A. Meyer. Scripture reading and prayer opened the ceremonies, after which the male quartet sang "Shall We Meet Beyond the River." Following the song Rev. Greenlee sketched the life of the deceased in a touching manner, and ended his sermon with a few words of cheer and comfort to the members of the family. "It is Well With My Soul" was then sung, the services closing with Mr. Phillips' favorite hymn. "In the Sweet Bye and Bye."
In addition to the immediate members of the family, a large number of the settlers accompanied the body to its last resting place. The many friends of the deceased join in extending their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved wife and family.
Family Members
Spouse: Elizabeth Divet Phillips 1841–1929
Children:
1. Phebe Ella Phillips Lynch 1870–1948
2. Joe William Phillips 1872–1948
PLEASE NOTE: THE CHILDREN SHOWN HERE ARE THOSE WITH FIND A GRAVE RECORDS AND ONLY REPRESENT TWO-OF-THREE NAMED CHILDREN CITED IN THE FOREGOING OBITUARY. THE THIRD CHILD, A DAUGHTER IS SHOWN ONLY BY HER FIRST AND SECOND INITIALS...AND MARRIED SURNAME - THOSE ARE:
3. Mrs. N.C. Parker
Source: Find A Grave Memorial 15986269; Source citation: Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 04 January 2018), memorial page for Sirvillian Eugene Phillips (2 Dec 1840–25 Mar 1908), Find A Grave Memorial no. 15986269, citing Parkview Cemetery, New Plymouth, Payette County, Idaho, USA ; Maintained by Cheryl Hanson (contributor 46836345)
Servillian is mentioned again in the Story of Primrose briefly:
84 STORY OF PRIMROSE
In this year (1856) a small store was opened by Sevilian Phillips on the site of the present Rock Hill Cheese Factory. The building was a small poplar log structure with a four foot counter, and was utilized as a store but a short time. Josiah La FoUette built the first frame house in Primrose in this year.
In conclusion…while Servillian has adult vital records that are clear and unambiguous, beyond the two Census record identifications for Alonzo Phillips, to me are not so compelling. After 1850 I lose certain location for Alonzo but do feel both circumstantially and directly there is enough to warrant him historical reference even if no more than that becomes discovery. As for Phoebe, she was most certainly something of a tour de force – considering she successfully petitioned one divorce prior to 1847; and then a second successful petition against Ira Holden in 1865 (my x2 gr grandfather being that named defendant). In other words, I suspect she was not a woman to be trifled with as it concerned her children…as is painfully spelled out in the Holden v Holden divorce transcript. If you weren't living up to her standard as a husband and father, well, you could and would, be replaced. She had proven that rule twice. I suspect I'd have liked her tremendously!
1st husband:
Joab Phillips
The two children from this union were
Sirvillian Eugene Phillips (1838–1908)
Alonzo Phillips (1841–1901)
2nd husband:
Robert Herrington
The four children from this union are
Albert R. Herrington (dec1847-2oct1922)
David Comstock Herrington (dec1849-1924)
Henry Joseph Herrington (20jun1850-16apr1929)
3rd husband:
Ira Holden (1800-1886) married 16 April 1854 in Dane Co., WI.
Three children from this union are
Francis Marion (1853-1937)
Winford Scott. (1857-1881)
Lillian Josephine (1858=1941) 260133078
3rd husband Robert B. Ransom, married 20 Aug 1865 in Primrose, Dane, WI. No children have been found produced by this union
THE STORY OF PRIMROSE
(Added by FindAGrave Member Joachim Hawn, #48699109)
The Story of Primrose
1831-1895
COMPILED AND EDITED
BY ALBERT BARTON
1895
HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY
CHARLES ELLIOTT PERKINS
MEMORIAL COLLECTION
TAYLOR A GLEASON, BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS,
MADISON, WIS.
[FORWARD NOTATION: The following content is excerpted from the text above cited. The choice of material cited has been selected for its relevance to individual or event and should be clear enough. While I have left the majority of the introduction intact, the excerpted content will only be shown with essential text details in addition to page and/or Chapter or Subject Header detail. The arrangement and format of content will be in generally the same sequence and chronology as it appears in Barton's publication with record citations as relative.]
EXPLANATORY
The writing of this history of his native town was not begun by the writer with any pecuniary end in view. The very limited number of readers whom he could hope to obtain must certainly have shown him, had such been the case, that the time spent in preparing it could have been far more profitably employed. The work, nevertheless, has been one of profit, and in the pleasure and knowledge derived from it, it has brought its own reward. To have a thorough knowledge of the history of one's region, is no small satisfaction in itself, and while the story of our town may not be so striking and romantic as that of some of its neighbors, it cannot fail to be of interest to her own children.
The history is written chiefly for the benefit of the younger generation, many of whom know little of the early happenings in their localities and of the privations of their own fathers and mothers. If this book should meet with their appreciation the writer shall feel doubly repaid. It would, of course, have been a happier achieve-
ment had this work been written by some one of the old pioneers who have witnessed and lived through all the changing scenes in the town's history, but as no one such has seen fit to do so, he trusts the work of younger hands will be spared any censure in undertaking it. The many errors and shortcomings that the work doubtless possesses, he trusts will also be treated with consideration.
THE FIRST WEDDING
Page 45-46
The first marriage to take place on Primrose soil was that of Wm. K. Underhill to Miss Mary Scofield, by Squire " Nathaniel Wheeler, of Badger Prairie, Verona, Dec. 23, 1846. The wedding was celebrated at the little cabin of the groom's brother, Fred Underhill, a mile east of Robert Spears' home.
William K. Underhill and his brother Fred came to Primrose from Philadelphia, where Fred had just married Elizabeth, a sister of Mary Scofield. William Underhill was a man of some education and was the poet of the settlement, writing many songs for occasions and being always ready to sing or play the violin. Miss Scofield was but 14 years of age at the time of her marriage and is described as 'a very handsome and pleasant girl," an opinion shared by the Indians as Mr. Ashley C. Thomas tells in his reminiscences. Nearly all the settlers of the town turned out to make merry this first glad occasion of its kind in the settlement. The ceremony was performed in the afternoon of a bright winter's day. A supper followed, bountiful as the scant means of the day afforded, at which venison and vegetables, grouse and johnnycake were pressed upon the merry guests. No dancing was indulged in owing to lack of room but throughout the night the young folks held high carnival playing games while the genial bridgroom sang his joiest songs or convulsed the company with witty tales. Contrary to the traditional custom at backwoods weddings the officiating squire was not paid in butter or sausages made by the bride's own fair hands, but in cold cash.
The next marriage in which both parties were from Primrose was that of ROBERT HERRINGTON and [Mrs.] PHOEBE PHILLIPS, who were married by the same officer at his home in Verona. An interesting account of the event is given by Mr. E. S. Hale in his recollections (Follows).
NOTE: above reference regarding marriage being performed by "..the same officer at his home in Verona.." reflects elsewhere notations for both Joseph Phillips and Robert Herrington, respectively, as being among the first elected officials holding different offices in early Verona and Primrose. This account differs somewhat from the below account by Hale who merely mentions where he had been requested to 'deliver' the hopeful couple to their destination of Squire Wheeler's. Hale himself states he was not present for the actual service and concluding only that the couples request was fulfilled during the four day interim he describes…
Source as cited and following contents excerpts from:
IV: CONTRIBUTED BY ELDRED S. HALE regarding an event recalled from Winter 1847
STORY OF PRIMROSE
Page 34
…."We had to go to the land office at Mineral Point to get our deeds. The early settlers usually walked there and came back the next or the third day. When I came here, there were but three or four settlers in the town, the Spears brothers, Geo. Patchin, ROBT. HERRINGTON and JOS. PHILLIPS, I think. They were strung along the "Spears Valley" as we called it; Robt. Spears living on the present Knudt Hustad farm and his brother William on the present Ole Skuldt farm. The first school house in the town was built in the ravine, just between the present house and barn of Ole Osmundson. I helped to draw the logs for the same. The first marriage in the town was that of ''Billy'' Underbill and Miss Scofield, of Montrose.
Page 35
The next, that I remember, was that of ROBERT HERRINGTON and PHOEBE PHILLIPS, and as I helped to bring this one about I will tell you what I remember of it. PHOEBE was a daughter of JOSEPH PHILLIPS and had already been married to a [cousin named PHILLIPS]. For some misdemeanor this husband had disappeared or had landed in some penitentiary and Phoebe, having obtained a divorce wished to marry Herrington. The father objected to their scheme but was, as usual, outgeneraled by the young folks.
One morning, in the winter of 1847, I started for Wiota with a load of corn, and coming by Herrington's, who lived on the present Baker farm, he stopped me and asked me if I could take him and Phoebe out to Squire Wheeler's, who lived in a log cabin upon a small hill near the present asylum in Verona. They wished to get married and as I had the only horse team in town he wished I would. I told him I thought I could' when I returned and was accordingly told to hurry back and keep "mum" to Old Phillips. I was detained three or four days, however, but when i returned, I rigged out a little sleigh that my brother and I had built for running around in, and with this I finally brought them to their destination.
NOTE: the foregoing material contains historically verified information - ie, Hale's personal knowledge as recalled here of Joseph Phillips as among the towns earliest pioneer settlers and a very specific memory regarding one of his daughters – my 2x great grandmother Phoebe; and knowledge she had been married prior to Robert Herrington with whom she bore three children. That 'that' first marriage was with another Phillips Family member…and that she'd successfully obtained legal writ of divorce [which was no small feat for any woman of her era – regardless of grounds!] Until I discovered this material however, I had been utterly stumped by a Census record identifying the 1850 Robert Harrington household with Phoebe described as 'Wife'…but also with two previously only poorly identified children who were enumerated by her maiden surname – which seemed odd because even if both boys had been born 'outside' of marriage and without claim of paternity, that they were conspicuously shown and Robert Herrington had not conveyed his Family name implied to me there was either an error somewhere – or more to the story that might be illuminative. Pheobe's marriage to Robert Herrington occurred per record as follows excerpt of 1850 Census for Robert Harrington's "Blended" Family:
Household 463/Name….Role…Sex…….Age…….Birthplace
Robert Harrington…………M…..29………New York
Pheby Harrington…………F……29……....New York
Albert Harrington…………M……3………Wisconsin
David Harrington…………M……0………Wisconsin
Gwilliam Phillips………...M……10…….....Michigan
Alonzo Phillips…………..M……9………....Michigan
Citation: "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4DF-NH9 : 12 April 2016), Albert Harrington in household of Robert Harrington, Primrose, Dane, Wisconsin, United States; citing family 463, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
NOTE: Robert and Phoebe's household enumerated directly ahead of Joseph Phillips household 464 – and while not specifically remarked upon it would appear that Phoebe's second son, Alonzo may have also lived with his grandfather because the matching vitals/data points are too similar to suggest two boys differentiated only by one year in age…. ALSO NOTE: viewing the actual Census record image reveals a transcription or spelling error for Phoebe's eldest son: Servillian – not Gwilliam.
Robert Harrington, "Wisconsin, County Marriages, 1836-1911"
Principals Name(Groom).………Robert Harrington
Event……………………………………….Marriage
Date…………………………………….06 Mar 1847
Place……………..Dane, Wisconsin, United States
Spouse's-Name(Bride)…..………Phoeba Philleps
Spouse's-Gender…………………………...Female
Citation: "Wisconsin, County Marriages, 1836-1911," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XRLD-8YG : 3 June 2016), Robert Harrington and Phoeba Philleps, 06 Mar 1847; citing , Dane, Wisconsin, United States, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison; FHL microfilm 1,275,890.
Attached 11 July 2017 by Joachim Hawn-From: Wisconsin, County Marriages, 1836-1911 For: Phebe Phillips and Robert Harrington
Her three sons with Robert Herrington;
1. [Albert R. Herrington] was born in December 1847 per 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Nyssa, Ontario, and Owyhee Precincts Ontario town, Malheur, Oregon, United States – household of Albert R. Herrington.
2. [David Comstock Herrington] was born December 12 1849 per 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Norfolk Precinct Norfolk city Ward 3-4, Madison, Nebraska, United States – household of David C. Harrington
3. [Henry Joseph Herrington] was born either June 20 1850 per citation for H. J. Harrington in, "Iowa Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990 or June 1851 per 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Onawa Township Onawa town, Monona, Iowa, United States – household of Henry J. Harrington
From what I've been able to glean, Wisconsin marriage records for the era can reflect variance of dates according to a few conditions rather than one hard and fast rule… either date of the license registration, the actual date of the ceremony; or date the event was formally reported and recorded by registrar. It appears to conform to 'who' was reporting, and 'where' it was being recorded that determined record date specificity. Either way – relevant here is that March 6 is surprisingly close to Eldred Hale's recollection of a Winter 1847 marriage [an event which had actually transpired nearly fifty years before it was here committed to a written account].
Robert Herrington's 1863 published Notice of Probate:
Robert Herrington Probate Notice 1864 Submitted by icssshyahoo (Ancestry) Description from the published 7 Jan 1864 Issue of the Wisconsin Daily Patriot, Madison, Wisconsin
PROBATE NOTICE – STATE OF WISCONSIN – Dane County Court – In Probate
"In the matter of the Estate of Robert Herrington, deceased.
Phebe Holden, of the town of Primrose, in said County, having this day filed her petition in this Court, representing that Robert Herrington, (her late husband) departed this life intestate on the 15th day of March, A.D. 1852, at his residence in said town of Primrose, leaving goods, chattels and personal estate within this County, and praying that letters of administration on the estate of said deceased be issued to Robert B. Ransom, of said town of Primrose; it is ordered that said petition be heard before the judge of this Court, on Tuesday, the 26th day of January, next ensuing at ten o'clock a.m., at his office in the city of Madison, in said County; ordered further, that notice thereof be given to all persons interested by publishing a copy of this order for three successive weeks prior to said day of hearing in the Wisconsin Patriot, a weekly newspaper printed and published in said city of Madison. Dated this 30th day of December. A.D. 1863"
By the Court, THOMAS HOOD, County Judge
Jan2w3
Attached to Robert Herrington
Birth: about 1821
Death: 15 Mar 1852
[NOTE: This transcript captures Phoebe during the period after Robert Herrington's 1852 death; and following her 1854 marriage to my x2 gr grandfather: Ira Holden…BUT this record also expressly identifies Robert B. Ransom as the Estate's proxy executer??
Why this is so interesting is because in 1863 Phoebe was in the bitter midst of Divorce proceedings against Ira Holden….where upon decree she then almost immediately married husband #4…Robert B. Ransom! So either, at the time of the Herrington Probate, he was acting on her behalf as legal representative, or they had already married and legal qualification would have fallen to the husband on behalf of his wife.
Historical Record evidence connecting Phoebe to a 1st 'Phillips' marriage claimed by Eldred Hale as aforementioned, supported by the two Phillips children named in the 1850 Census; and as the following record shows – Phoebe named as mother and Joab as father for the eldest Phillips son, Servillian Eugene Phillips – his printed obituary follows:
Mentioned in the Record of Death for Servillian Eugene Phillips:
Record Principals Name…………………...Joab Phillips
Birthplace………………………………...New Plymouth
Sex……………………………………………………Male
Wife of Principal..………………….……Phoebe Phillips
Son…………………………………..Servillian E. Phillips
Other information for Servillian E. Phillips from Idaho Deaths and Burials
Name…………………………...Servillian E. Phillips
Gender…………………………………………...Male
Death-Date……………………………...25 Mar 1908
Death-Place………............…………New Plymouth
Age……………………………………...…………..68
Birth-Date……………………………………….1840
Birthplace…………………………………..Michigan
Race………………………………………….…White
Marital-Status……………………………….Married
Father's-Name………………………...Joab Phillips
Mother's-Name…………………….Phoebe Phillips
Citation: "Idaho Deaths and Burials, 1907-1965," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FWDQ-1MS : 8 December 2014), Joab Phillips for Servillian E. Phillips, 25 Mar 1908; citing New Plymouth, reference 1255604 pg 8; FHL microfilm 1,255,604.
NOTE: record incorrectly cites Joab Phillips birthplace as New Plymouth; his probable birthplace being either New York as was for many Phillips Family members; or equally plausible is Michigan given it was a subsequent residence for Phoebe, and was birthplace of both sons from her first marriage: Servillian and Alonzo…
Servillian Phillips obituary:
The Payette Independent
Friday, April 03, 1908
PIONEER PASSES AWAY AT NEW PLYMOUTH
New Plymouth, April 2, After a brave battle with the fell destroyer, which was continued for many months. S. E. Phillips, one of New Plymouth's best known and greatly respected citizens, succumbed to an aggravated form of heart trouble at his home on Wednesday morning, March 25.
Mr. Phillips was an old resident of New Plymouth, having been one of the original colonists who settled in this valley 12 years ago, where he has made his home ever since. He was a man of sterling qualities, a man whose word was his bond, and who never spoke ill of any one, who always had a word of encouragement to offer at the most opportune time to the men and women who were struggling to build up a home in a new country, where there were many discouragements and difficulties to be overcome. He was always optimistic as to the bright future for the Payette Valley, and years have proven that he was not mistaken.
Mr. Phillips was born in Webster, Washington County, Michigan, December 2, 1839, and was 67 years of age at the time of his death. Two brothers still survive, one in Portland, the other in Iowa.
At Fitchburg, Wis., June 23, 1864, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Divet, and three children were born of the union. They are, Mrs. J. W. Lynch, Mrs. N. C. Parker and J. W. Phillips. The widow and children are left to mourn the loss of a loving and devoted husband and father.
Rev. Greenlee of the Congregational church, conducted the funeral services Friday morning at the Phillips home. The pall bearers were P. R. Ketchum, A. R. Ingalls, Walter Burke, C. S. French, Henry Hanigan and A. Meyer. Scripture reading and prayer opened the ceremonies, after which the male quartet sang "Shall We Meet Beyond the River." Following the song Rev. Greenlee sketched the life of the deceased in a touching manner, and ended his sermon with a few words of cheer and comfort to the members of the family. "It is Well With My Soul" was then sung, the services closing with Mr. Phillips' favorite hymn. "In the Sweet Bye and Bye."
In addition to the immediate members of the family, a large number of the settlers accompanied the body to its last resting place. The many friends of the deceased join in extending their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved wife and family.
Family Members
Spouse: Elizabeth Divet Phillips 1841–1929
Children:
1. Phebe Ella Phillips Lynch 1870–1948
2. Joe William Phillips 1872–1948
PLEASE NOTE: THE CHILDREN SHOWN HERE ARE THOSE WITH FIND A GRAVE RECORDS AND ONLY REPRESENT TWO-OF-THREE NAMED CHILDREN CITED IN THE FOREGOING OBITUARY. THE THIRD CHILD, A DAUGHTER IS SHOWN ONLY BY HER FIRST AND SECOND INITIALS...AND MARRIED SURNAME - THOSE ARE:
3. Mrs. N.C. Parker
Source: Find A Grave Memorial 15986269; Source citation: Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 04 January 2018), memorial page for Sirvillian Eugene Phillips (2 Dec 1840–25 Mar 1908), Find A Grave Memorial no. 15986269, citing Parkview Cemetery, New Plymouth, Payette County, Idaho, USA ; Maintained by Cheryl Hanson (contributor 46836345)
Servillian is mentioned again in the Story of Primrose briefly:
84 STORY OF PRIMROSE
In this year (1856) a small store was opened by Sevilian Phillips on the site of the present Rock Hill Cheese Factory. The building was a small poplar log structure with a four foot counter, and was utilized as a store but a short time. Josiah La FoUette built the first frame house in Primrose in this year.
In conclusion…while Servillian has adult vital records that are clear and unambiguous, beyond the two Census record identifications for Alonzo Phillips, to me are not so compelling. After 1850 I lose certain location for Alonzo but do feel both circumstantially and directly there is enough to warrant him historical reference even if no more than that becomes discovery. As for Phoebe, she was most certainly something of a tour de force – considering she successfully petitioned one divorce prior to 1847; and then a second successful petition against Ira Holden in 1865 (my x2 gr grandfather being that named defendant). In other words, I suspect she was not a woman to be trifled with as it concerned her children…as is painfully spelled out in the Holden v Holden divorce transcript. If you weren't living up to her standard as a husband and father, well, you could and would, be replaced. She had proven that rule twice. I suspect I'd have liked her tremendously!
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See more Herrington Holden Ransom or Phillips memorials in:
- Onawa City Cemetery Herrington Holden Ransom or Phillips
- Onawa Herrington Holden Ransom or Phillips
- Monona County Herrington Holden Ransom or Phillips
- Iowa Herrington Holden Ransom or Phillips
- USA Herrington Holden Ransom or Phillips
- Find a Grave Herrington Holden Ransom or Phillips
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