Selden E. Phillips first saw the light of day September 29, 1864, in Hope township, Barry county, Michigan, where he resided until fourteen years of age. When but two weeks of age he was deprived of a mother's care, and was taken to live with his paternal grandparents. Eight years subsequent to this his grandfather died. At the age of fourteen years he came with his grandmother and his uncle, Anson Phillips, to Lee township, Allegan county, and settled on the farm where he still resides. This farm was taken up by his uncle under the Homestead Law, and consists of eighty acres, lying in sections seven and eight, the public highway dividing the farm into two equal parts. There is a large modern house and barn on either side of the highway. The entire farm is under cultivation, and shows the evidences of Mr. Phillip's thrift and perseverance, he having cleared all but two acres of it himself. For over thirty years he has-resided on this farm, and for over twenty years he has been actual owner of it, having purchased it from his Uncle Anson.
In 1901 Mr. Phillips started a hardware business at Grand Junction, in co-partnership with Mallay Brothers, Mr. Phillips owning a half interest in the firm, which was conducted under the name of Phillips & Mallay Brothers. Three years ago Frank Mallay, one of the firm, was drowned in Scott Lake, his remaining brother conducting their share of the business, the business name being changed to Phillips & Mallay. Mr. Phillips is also a partner, with Roy Carman, in the tubular well business, their field being western Michigan, extending principally along the lake shore from St. Joseph to Holland. The business is under the name of Phillips & Carman. Both the hardware and well business have proved to be extensive and profitable. Most of his time is devoted to these two lines of work, the farm work being done by hired help.
He is a staunch and life-long Republican. The confidence in which he is held by his fellow citizens is shown by the offices of public trust which he has held. He was for four years treasurer of Lee township, one year clerk, having been appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the clerk, and treasurer of the school district for twelve years, and for two years deputy sheriff under Whitbeck and four years under Bensley.
During his term as deputy sheriff he had one very exciting experience while on a business trip to Chicago. He arrived in that city on the early morning boat from South Haven with his little nephew, Walter Lawver. While walking up South Water street he was approached by a man who attempted to entice him down to the docks with the information that there had been a terrible explosion on board the steamer which had just arrived from South Haven., He was, however, not to be deceived by such information, having just quitted the boat himself, and he informed the man that he was not interested in explosions. At this time two more men appeared upon the scene and things began to grow more than ordinarily interesting. Fortunately he carried a revolver and wore the star which was the badge of his official position. When he observed that the men had seriously made up their minds to rob him, he drew his revolver and covered them. A crowd had already begun to gather and a police officer having come up, he handed the three men over to the city's guardian of the peace, and they were immediately accorded a ride in the patrol-wagon to police headquarters. He subsequently testified against these men and they were sent to the penitentiary for their attempted hold-up.
Mr. Phillips is a son of Milo and Susan (Mahoney) Phillips, both natives of Medina, Ohio. There were two children, Ella, wife of Henry Thompson, of Allegan, and Selden E., the subject of this sketch. The latter was married in 1899 to Frances Durfee, born January 22, 1873, in Illinois, and who was a daughter of John and Anna (Hogan) Durfee, natives of Vermont and New York, respectively. They have no children.
He is a member of the National Protective Legion, and in a business way, in addition to the lines of work mentioned above, represents the Allegan and Ottawa Counties Mutual Fire Insurance Company, for whom he has written an extensive fire insurance business. His hardware business also includes the heavier grade of agricultural implements and he also deals in coal and grain.
His business dealings have been lucrative and have brought him the respect and good will of his associates and customers. He has also filled the public offices in which he has served in a skillful and highly creditable manner.
Source: History of Allegan County, Michigan, by Dr. Henry F. Thomas, published 1907; Pg. 184
