From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, publ. 
1894 - Page 70-71
 
HENRY D. PHILLIPS.  The thought which presents itself to the far-seeing and conservative mind 
when the question is propounded as to what essentials are necessary to a man's success in life 
is that they are industry, sobriety, economy and honesty, and the history of all successful and 
honored men will corroborate this.  Among the citizens of Dodge County, Wis., who have met with 
a fair share of success, is Henry D. PHILLIPS, who was born in Monroe County, N.Y., May 7, 
1821, a son of Isaac PHILLIPS, who was born and grew to manhood in Massachusetts, after 
which he removed to the State of New York, and was married in Monroe County to Miss Polly 
GILMORE, whose birth occurred in the Green Mountain State; but her father, Abram GILMORE, 
was one of the pioneer settlers of Monroe County, N.Y.  Mr. PHILLIPS was a shoemaker by 
trade, and followed this occupation during the early years of his life, but afterward settled on and 
improved a farm in Monroe County, where he reared his family and spent the last years of his life, 
dying December 7, 1834, at the untimely age of thirty-seven years.  His widow survived him a 
number of years, came west to Wisconsin, and here resided with her son until death closed her 
career, May 21, 1865.  Asa PHILLIPS is the youngest in a family of two sons and one daughter, 
the other members being Sidney, who came west to Dodge County and here passed from life, 
and Lurinda, wife of Walter ATWATER, who settled in this county, and is now deceased.  The 
youthful days of Henry D. PHILLIPS were spent in Monroe County, N.Y., and there he was given 
the advantages of the common schools and became versed in the details of agriculture on his 
father's farm.  After the death of his father he continued to remain with his mother until he was 
grown and helped to carry on the farm, but upon arriving at mature years he engaged in farming 
on his own account and continued thus for several years in connection with his brother.  In 1855 
he moved West, to Wisconsin, and arrived here about the 15th of May of that year.  He soon after 
purchased a farm in Oak Grove Township, on which he built a house, and there made his home 
for nine years, during which time he bought the farm where he now lives.  This place at that time 
had about forty acres cleared and an old log house had been erected thereon, but since that time, 
under Mr. PHILLIPS' able management, the place has been greatly improved in various ways and 
a substantial residence and good barns have been erected.  He has been actively engaged in 
farming ever since coming to the State, and is one of the substantial and successful agriculturists 
of Dodge County.  He was married in Monroe County, N.Y., in 1849 to Miss Agnes SEELY, native 
of Cattaraugus County, N.Y., where she was reared and educated, and a daughter of John D. 
SEELY.  Mr. PHILLIPS is an old Jacksonian Democrat, and has ably filled a number of local 
official positions, but of his own accord has never sought public office.  At the present time he is 
the efficient president of the Mutual Insurance Company of the Township of Oak grove, and 
socially was formerly a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge at Beaver Dam.  He has been a resident of 
Dodge County, for nearly forty years, and during this time he has shown himself to be one of the 
most public-spirited and enterprising of her citizens.  He is well known throughout the county, and 
is justly considered a man of integrity and worth.
 
Submitted by Carol