NECROLOGY.
WILLIAM HENRY PHILLIPS,
Was born in Valley Falls, R. I, March 29, 1826. William Phillips, one of the first purchasers in Taunton, was his ancestor. His great grandfather was James Phillips, the son of John Phillips, cousin to the father of the renowned Wendell Phillips, of national reputation. His parents were William Stoddard and Hannah (Burt) Phillips. His mother was the grand-daughter of Gen. Jacob Haskins, renowned in the French and Indian wars.
The subject of this sketch married Miss Fanny W. Shaw, of North Middleboro, Mass., January 17, 1848. Their children were Henry S., who died early, and Isadore L., the wife of John F. Montgomery, Esq, of Taunton. Mr. Phillips died April 23, 1893.
While he was young his father removed to Taunton, which thereafter became his residence. Prior to fourteen years of age, he attended the public schools in town, when he commenced navigation. At eighteen he became master of a schooner, extending his nautical enterprise until 1859. He then entered into a mercantile partnership for the sale of coal and building materials, from which a competency was realized. He retired from the firm in 1888, and became associated in various enterprises until his death.
In person, he was tall and commanding, active in movement, inventive in enterprise, and persistent in action. He was characterized by a tireless energy, out-spoken convictions,' cheerfulness, sociability, firmness, catholicity, and signal beneficence. Progress marked every step of his life. With others, he assisted in securing the city charter of Taunton, and was ever deeply interested in municipal affairs. He was also deeply interested in the industrial improvements and projects of Taunton and other cities. He was especially helpful to many young men, helping them by money and influence to the success they subsequently won. He was an esteemed patron of East Greenwich Academy, and a prominent originator and director in the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. He actively participated in civil affairs, and became a stanch advocate of temperance and woman's rights. The oppressed ever found in him a true and pronounced friend. His religious life dates from 1870, at which time he became an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Signally faithful in his attendance, generous in support, committed in his views, appreciative in his experience, his presence ever promised improvement, activity, and success. His generosity was manifested in many parts of the country, while in the language of his pastor, Rev. Mr Clark, he may "justly be said to be the founder of the Grace M. E. Church, of Taunton." One of his recent charities was the gift of Memorial Chapel to the society where he was a most devoted member, a gift in memory of a beloved grand-daughter deceased. His death was sudden and unexpected, accompanied by expressions of devout faith and hope. A large assemblage gathered at his funeral, testifying in many ways their great loss.
A life member October 11, 1886. The portrait of Mr. Phillips accompanying this sketch, is furnished by the family.
Source: Collections of the Old Colony Historical Society, papers read before the Society during the Year 1878, published by Old Colony Historical Society, Taunton, Mass., 1879; Pgs. 128-129
