BIOGRAPHY - Abram L. Phillips
ABRAM L. PHILLIPS, a prominent member of the Ford County Bar, and a
resident of Gibson City since 1884, was born in Putnam County, Ill., July 2,
1862, and is a son of George and Martha A. (Light) Phillips. His father was
born in England in 1820, and came to America when thirty years of age. At
first, he made his home near Pittsburg, Pa., where he married Miss Martha A.
Light, a native of that State. In 1857, he came with his family to Illinois,
settling in Putnam County, where he built the first steam sawmill erected in
that county. He engaged in milling until his removal to Ford County in 1867.
He was one of the first Justices of the Peace of Peach Orchard Township,
which office he held until the time of his death, which occurred in the fall
of 1874, his wife, the mother of Abram L., dying about two years previous.
They were highly respected citizens and made many friends in the community
where they made their home.
The subject of this sketch attended the district schools of his native
county in childhood, there receiving his primary education. This was
supplemented by a course in the Wesleyan University of Bloomington, Ill. He
began the study of law under Gen. Bloomfield and was graduated from the
Bloomington Law School in the Class of '84. On taking his degree, he at once
entered upon the practice of his profession at Gibson City, and has
succeeded in building up a prosperous business. He is now one of the able
lawyers and prominent citizens of Ford County.
On the 17th of November, 1885, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage in
Vermilion County, Ill., to Miss Zadie Stevely. The lady is a daughter of
George and Hannah Stevely, and is a native of Illinois, born in Vermilion
County. Unto our subject and his wife has been born one child, a son,
Wendell, born in Gibson City on the 3d of October, 1891.
In political sentiment, Mr. Phillips is a Republican, being a stanch
supporter of the principles of that party. He served one term as City
Attorney of Gibson to the credit of himself and to the satisfaction of his
constituents. Socially, he holds membership with Gibson Lodge No. 733, A. F.
& A. M.; is a member of Hesperon Lodge No. 123, K. of P., and also belongs
to the Modern Woodmen of America, being a member of Gibson Camp No. 235. Mr.
Phillips and his wife stand high in social circles and receive the respect
and esteem of their many friends and acquaintances. In April, 1892, Sir.
Phillips was nominated by the Republican party for the position of States
Attorney, and the strength of his party, as well as his personal popularity,
assures his election in November.
Extracted 22 Aug 2019 by Norma Hass from Portrait and Biographical Record of Ford County, Illinois, published in 1892, page 258.
