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William H. Phillips (1829-1917), Alexandria, VA., bro/o Mrs. Amanda Pettit

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08 Jun 2016 16:39 #1656 by Mamie
DEATH OF W. H. PHILLIPS.

Old and Well-Known Resident Pays Debt of Nature at an Early Hour Last Night.

William H. Phillips, who would have been 89 years old had he lived until next January, died at the residence of his nephew, George W. Pettit, on South Faifax street, early last night. The deceased had recently been unconscious, and during the past week or ten days it was seen that his days would be few. He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Amanda Pettit.

Mr. Phillips was born in this city January 5, 1829. While a boy be became an apprentice under the late Charles Coombs, who many years ago conducted a cabinet-making establishment on the northwest corner of King and Columbus streets. After reaching manhood he was employed as a pattern-maker at the locomotive works of Smith and Perkins, at the foot of Wolfe street.

About the time the civil war was breaking out he was a pattern-maker in the Southern Railway shops in this city, and upon the occupation of the city by federal troops he moved to Lynchburg, and was retained by the railway company during the four year conflict. He was a member of the home guard of Lynchburg, and performed duty at the time General Hunter menaced the city. After the war he returned to Alexandria, and was employed for many years by the Southern Railway Company. Shortly before he reached the octogenarian mile stone he became an employee at the Washington naval yard, and upon attaining his eightieth birthday he resigned his position for the purpose of spending his remaining years outside of workshops. He had up to a short time ago moved among his friends and acquaintances, and was made at home wherever he went.

Mr. Phillips was of a mild and cheerful nature, and although in his last years had met with serious disappointments in one way or another, he possessed the manhood to rise superior to his troubles.

Mr. Phillips was for a long time the oldest member of Alexandria Washington Lodge of Masons. In 1846 he was a member of Plant's Band, of this city, handling the cymbals. He accompanied the Alexandria soldiers who went to Richmond that year previous to embarking for Mexico. While a small child he witnessed the burning of the First Presbyterian church on south Fairfax street, July, 1835.

Up to a short time ago, although well up in the eighties, he did not seem to be burdened with the weight of years, and he daily appeared on King street, his favorite places being Samuel H. Lunt's real estate office and Captain Young's tobacco store, where he mingled with his friends.

The funeral will take place from St. Paul's Church tomorrow afternoon at 4:30 o'clock, Rev. P. P. Phillips officiating. The pallbearers will be Messrs. Samuel H. Lunt, George Young, A. G. Uhler, F. F. Marbury, Thomas W. Robinson and Luther H. Thompson. The interment will be at St. Paul's cemetery. Alexandria Washington Lodge of Masons will attend in a body.

Source: Alexandria Gazette, Alexandria, Virginia, Saturday, September 22, 1917; Pg. 1, Column 5

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