Revolutionary War Captain David Philips
The second generation of my American ancestors, resided in South Park Township, Pennsylvania. David Philips was born in Wales in 1742 and migrated with his fathers family to Chester County, PA in 1755. He is the son of Joseph and Mary Philips, our first American Ancestor (A1).
Possible Location of the Philips Home
American Immigrant Generation II – REV. DAVID PHILIPS
“The Reverend/Captain David Philips was emphatically the leading clergyman of the pioneer days of Peters Township (now South Park Township, PA). He was born in Wales in 1742, and emigrated from that country to America with his father’s family, settling in Chester County, PA. He married during his residence at that place, and in 1783 came into Washington county and took out a warrant for land which now lies in both Allegheny and Washington Counties. This tract of land was surveyed to him as 390 acres, under the title of ‘Norwich’, and he obtained the patent for it March 4, 1786.”
“This quotation from the History of Washington County, PA., (1882), page 891, gives an insight into the life of service of that great pioneer Baptist preacher, David Philips, eldest son of Joseph.”
“Following his years of heroic service in the war (The American Revolution), David Philips accepted the Macedonian call to what was then the American frontier, in Washington County, southwestern Pennsylvania. He was ordained by the Peters Creek Baptist Church in his new home, and was immediately called to the pastorate thereof. At the same time he supplied the Finleyville, Elizabethton and Budd’s Ferry Churches.”
“The Rev. David dedicated a portion of his land to the Peters Creek Church, and assisted in the erection of a roomy log Churchhouse. This structure served the congregation throughout his ministry, and was replaced with a brick building in 1832. The Peters Creek Churchhouse stands today on the land which David Philips donated and dedicated to it a century and a half ago.”
Join the fight for liberty and independence?
“All four were active in organizing the Seventh Battalion, Chester County Militia. David Philips was Captain of Company 2, and Josiah a 2nd Lieutenant. All four brothers distinguished themselves for bravery. Joseph Jr. was an Ensign in the same battalion. Josiah was an associator and acted as scout when the army was at Valley Forge. John Philips was taken captive in New Jersey and in confinement in a prison ship at New York, where he was ministered to by his devoted wife.”
“It is recorded in the D.A.R. Lineage Books that the four brothers raised the company and distinguished themselves with bravery and heroic suffering.”
‘The Phillips Family History’ by Harry Phillips • Published by The Lebanon Democrat • 1935
Two of David’s sons John and Benjamin, migrated to Tennessee in 1797* The Phillips name changed to two “L” after that migration.
*Page 9 – ‘The Phillips Family History’
Whitechurch in Pembrokeshire: http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/9459
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Reblogged this on The Battle of West Nashville.
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Does anyone know from where in Wales Rev. David Philips emigrated? I am related to him through my maternal grandmother. Thanks!
His father Joesph immigrated from Pembrokeshire, Wales. There is a picture of the house in the Phillips Family History book! David is buried near Pittsburg. His son John moved to Wilson County, Tennessee, which is my line.
Whitechurch………..Welsh name:Eglwyswen, Pembrokeshire, Wales. They were weavers and brought three large looms with them across the ocean. Do not confuse Whitechurch with another town named Whitchurch. I am a descendant of one of the brothers……….Josiah….nicknamed Josh.
Thanks Nanc. Looks like Eglwyswen is in Northern Wales? Google Maps does not list a Whitechurch.
Hello again, The Welsh name is spelled a couple of different ways…..Try Eglwyswrw, Pembrokeshire, Wales. They did not come from N. Wales. I have quite a bit of Philips family records, much of which comes from my Grandmother’s diaries….Ellen Philips Grove. Joseph Philips was the son of Josiah Philips and Joseph had a son named John Dennison Philips. He is my Great Great Grandfather. He emigrated from the original family home in Chester Co. PA….over PA to the Missouri River and then up the Mississippi to Mt Carrol, Ill.. His wife(Eleanor (Ellen) Evans had died in PA and he took his five boys West and settled in Illinois. They had a farm in Malden near Princeton, Illinois. If you’re interested I can tell you more about this branch of the Philips family. My Grandmother, Mother and I also attended Philips family reunions back in the 1960s, which were held close to the old original homestead. Nancy Clemens
Thanks again Nancy. The only thing that comes up in Google Maps is that one in northern Wales. Whitchurch does come up in southern Wales, but I know you said that was not it. I am meeting with a distant cousin soon that may know. She is headed over there to find it. My branch went from Chester County to the Pittsburg area (David Philps), and then into Tennessee near Nashville (John & Ben Phillips – and added the extra L). I wonder if they were using Revolutionary land grants from their father Rev/Capt David Philips? We have located the log cabin they built circa 1798 in Watertown, TN. https://goo.gl/maps/qHVvLkLmTqt48PCLA
Hello again, I may have inadvertently confused you as Whitechurch has an E at the end of White. There is another town called Whitchurch without the E and this is not the town you want. The Welsh name is Eglwyswen or Eglwys-wen and it is in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The English name for this Welsh village is Whitechurch with the E. I think you will be able to find it now on a google search. My Grandmother, Ellen Philips…(sixth generation of the first Americans…Mary and Joseph) always talked about the Tennessee branch of Philips. It is interesting to hear about that line. It is amazing how many descendants that there are today from this original couple. By the way, Mary Philips maiden name is Cuthbert. I love the drawing of Rev. David Philips. It is amazing how much my brother, Scott, looks like him. Has the same Welsh, twinkly blue eyes. I’m guessing that Rev. David had blue eyes. Merry Christmas all, Nancy Clemens
So is this it? https://goo.gl/maps/UM85ACksZ4VYG9k2A
Eglwyswrw, in Crymych is not it. It is spelled Eglwyswen, A.K.A. Whitechurch. Did you do a google search for this name? It seems that Google maps is not getting you to it. I found it just by doing a google search and didn’t bother with google maps. Glad you have this blog site. I just love the drawing of Rev. David Philips……your ancestor. All best to you, Nancy Clemens
my names is sharon murray lorenzo from princeton nj and my grandmother grace emma philips was from this family. we visited the philips family homestead in cardigan wales. glad to share more if you want to email or call- 908 230 8551 sharon
Sharon, do you have a photo of the homestead in cardigan? I live on Whidbey Island, WA and only recently became interested in the Philips heritage. My connection is through David to Josiah to James Blackmore Philips
Joseph & Mary Philips emigrated to Pennsylvania from the village of Eglwyswen (Whitechurch), Wales
Thanks Renee, I will forward this on to my cousins. Which branch are you?
I’m a descendent of Mary & Joseph’s son, David (then his son Benjamin) & so on. I grew up in Lebanon, TN. Joseph & Mary were my great x6 grandparents. I have a couple of Philips family history books. One of which I’m listed in. As well as you, I’m sure!
Hi Renee. I am from Joe>David>John>David>John>JRGraves>John>Robert Phillps my father (adopted by his uncle as a Henderson.
Do you happen no know the address of the house photographed in the Phillips Family History book?
I wish I did. I even reached out to some local historians in Wales. One day I’m going to go there in person to try to track it down. Judging from the Philips (one L with that line) in the Vincent Baptist Church Cemetery, they have kept the history alive. It might be worthwhile to try to connect with them. see: https://athens-south.com/saving-lost-cemeteries/
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I am related to Rev. David Philips and have a DAR ancestor number, but when I do Ancestor search it says no information available.
Are you using Ancestry.com? I have found lots of info on this family with Ancestry. I am descended from David Philips brother, Josiah. All four of the sons were in the Revolutionary war. I am in D.A.R. Let me know if you need help or more info. Nancy Clemens
Hi there. I was wondering what type of info I would need to become D.A.R? I am a descended of David philips through is son Josiah. I have been so interested in finding out all about the family history so much so that I was able to go to Pennsylvania and sought out the gravesites of David philips and the rest of his kids.
Hi Nancy, another Nancy here but from Washington State. I too, descend from Josiah, then to James Blackmore Philips. Would love to connect regarding this addictive genealogy journey.
Hi there, my name is Melissa philips I am related to rev. David philips and I was interested in joining the DAR and was wondering what type of info I needed to join.
I just stumbled across this blog. I’ve been doing research on Reverend Captain David Phillips. I am descended from the Tennessee line where the Basses in Watertown married into Phillips, through my grandfather, whose mother was Mattie Athenia Bass. I currently have my DAR application in, just have to get a few birth certificates and death certificates. I plan to visit Watertown and also the Peter’s Creek Baptist Church, to have the experience of walking on the land that used to belong to my ancestor. I am in Michigan, by the way. I would be happy to compare notes with anyone who would enjoy doing so. Don’t know if I have any information you don’t have but it would be fun to chat. My email is lynx6550@yahoo.com. My name is Lynn.
Hi Lynn. Cousin Billy Pittard has a great site you should visit: https://southernrootsandbranches.wordpress.com/2013/07/23/the-henderson-family-of-middle-tennessee/
Wonderful! Thank you so much I definitely will check it out immediately! 😊
Well done belmontguy! Have you checked out the Philip Philips connection?
I have not. Is that one the sold them the property in Watertown?
The Tennessee branch of our Phillips family was lead by our Welsh ancestor, Philip Philips. His brothers William (Billy), Col Fighting David, Joseph (married to Mary Cuthbert) from Pembrokeshire, etc. at one time or another ended up in Pennsylvania in the 1700s.
Philip Phillips lived for a period in Washington, Bedford, Counties, PA, and possibly New Jersey. He travelled widely in Kentucky and Tennessee,. Built Fort Philips, fought natives, etc.
William Phillips resided in Allegheny County, PA
Col David Philips resided in Washington County, PA until moving to Davidson County, Tennessee, prior to his death in 1788.
Philip Philips is reported to have migrated from Washington County, Pennsylvania, to Kentucky in 1779 or 1780. He had large land holdings in Kentucky and Tennessee. Virginia land grants entered in his name from 1782-1792 exceeded 53,000 acres. Old Kentucky grants exceeded 15,000 acres.
Wow, so Philip Philips sold the Watertown, TN tract to his nephew John Phillips (Col. David’s father)?
This John Philips was most likely Captain/Reverend David Philips’s son. Col David Philips was a brother to Philip Philips and the Rev David was his nephew.(John Philips his great nephew)
Looking at our family history, and we can trace our roots easily back to George Augustus Philips in NY (1831 – 1885). Handwritten documents indicate we’re related to “3 Philips brothers that served in the Revolutionary War”. Just curious if your relatives described here are those gentlmen?
Maybe. I’ll have to check my records. 7th Chester County Battalion?
Greetings! This is Nancy Clemens. I am descended from one of the brothers of this Welsh Philips family. There were four brothers that fought in the Revolutionary war. I am descended from Josiah. When I was 16 I attended a Philips family Reunion near Chester, PA. at the St Vincents church where many of them are buried.
Hi Nancy. Did Josiah come to Tennessee with his brother John?
This Josiah Philips didn’t settle in Tennessee but stayed in sw PA near Pittsburgh not far from his father Rev David and mother Mary Thomas. b. 1776 d. 1849 in Library, Pa, was married to Mary Boyer.
Hi all! It is great to see all this dialogue back and forth. I too descend from Rev. David through his son Josiah. I have been researching the Philips family for nearly 2 decades. If anyone plans to visit the Peters Creek location, let me know. I would be happy to meet up with you and share all the stories I know! I can be reached at PhilipsWithOneL@gmail.net.
Hi Amy. Welcome to the Tennessee group! I’ve been there once and shot the 360 imagery that should still be on google. We still wonder why they added the L when they moved here. I’ve also wondered if they land they settled on was a family land grant from the revolutionary war.
Hello, and thank you for the welcome! Most of my research has been focused on the Southwestern PA branches. That said, I have been recently dabbling in the TN branch; as well as Reverend David’s early history in Chester County. Both Philip Phillips and Col. David Phillips (Fighting David) resided in Peters Creek before moving to TN. I was trying to develop a better understanding of the timing of their departure from Peters Creek–hence my dabbling in the TN line.
From what I can gather, Philip was in business with a man named Michael Campbell. Thier line of business was real estate. I’d dare say, they were perhaps one of the earliest companies to deal in land at the volume/quantities they did. They owned large amounts of property, and they did acquire some of that property by purchasing land from individuals who were granted land due to service in the Revolutionary War. I know that Rev David’s son (John I think) purchased land from either Col David or Philip. (I will have to check my notes).
I also know that other Philips family members from PA were dabbling in TN properties as well. When Philip died, there was an issue with property that was never settled with Josiah Philips (one of the 4 patriot brothers – brother to Rev/preaching David and son of Joseph). From what I can roughly gather, it seems he purchased property from Philips & Campbell, but never received the deed. When Philip died, it then became an issue between Josiah (& his descendants) and Michael Campbell.
I even found one land deal in Andrew Jackson’s records between Rev David and Philip.
On another note, I recently found an incredible description of Benjamin Philips’ property in TN. “Advertisements in an unidentified newspaper clipping regarding the estate of Benjamin Philips
Transcribed by Aim2Bhappy on January 10, 2024
I do not have the name or the date of the newspaper. I only have the clipping.
“To Rent
For one or more years, all that valuable plantation, lately owned by Benjamin Philips, of Davidson County, (now deceased) on Cumberland River, three miles before below Nashville; about 300 acres cleared land, under good fences; 50 acres of bluegrass (?) lots–70 or 80 acres, in wheat and rye.–On which is a dwelling house, 10 (or 40?) feet long, four good rooms, a new brick dwelling house, unfinished, kitchen, smokehouse, a new brick dwelling house , unfinished kitchen , smokehouses, negro houses of the best quality , whiskey and cider houses, &c.__ A barn about 75 feet long, with stables under the same; a water mill that grinds about half the year; a good horse mill–Apple & Pear orchard of the most juice kind, early and late.–Pears, plumbs &c.
The above plantation lies on and near the bluff of the Cumberland River, for three quarters of a mile, covering a good landing to the river–the dwelling houses, &c. are situated on a beautiful eminence, about a quarter of a mile from the river–high and healthy. Together the large DISTILLERY, consisting of a good stone house 36 (or 30?) by 60 feet, in which are two steam stills that boil from 150 to 200 gallons at a charge; a good copper still, of 160 gallons, for doubling or rectifying, 74 tubs have about 120 gallons each; the distillery is supplied with overhead water the greater part of the year , convenient to which are the best water and horse malls, corn cribs &c. All of which I would prefer renting together; If that can’t be conveniently done, I will divide the plantation and 3 or 4 divisions, so as to suit renters.
Matthew Barrow, Guardian
To Wm. H. Philips & Jesse H. Philips
Feb. 4.–65–lt?” (I am not sure this is the number 65)”
Finally, I have a working theory on why they relocated to TN. In 1794, the Whiskey Insurrection went down just outside of Pgh. Contextually speaking, this was a big deal at the time — making national newspapers. Even Alexander Hamilton wrote to George Washington about it, naming Rev David in his letter. He also asked a local official to investigate David. I have found mentions here and there about the role of the Philips family in the Whiskey Rebellion. It seems Col David, Benjamin, and John, all distilled whiskey in PA. They were participants in the rebellion and were with the mob that burned down the tax collector’s house. I have often suspected they moved to TN to possibly fly under the radar after everything happened.
Rev David was also involved, and was appointed as one of the official spokespersons to petition the general assembly to reconsider the whiskey tax. This is a working theory, but I have been trying to deep dive primary records to see what else I can learn. Here is a good summary of the Whiskey Rebellion. https://www.history.com/topics/early-us/whiskey-rebellion.
Finally, I am not sure why they added an L to their name, as it was spelled with one L in many of the Peters Creek primary records.
Whoa! Sorry that was so long-winded!
Wow, the Rosetta Stone we have been looking for! Thanks Amy!!
Tried to reply before but I think it got lost in the ethernet. In a nutshell, excellent work and sharing of the land advertisement. How did you find it? Where are you researching? My husband and I made it to Peters Creek Baptist Church cemetery and Peters Creek Christian Church cemetery last October flying out from Washington state. In May we are continuing my Phillips obsession in Wales.
Nancy:
That is so exciting! I am envious! Wales is definitely on my bucket list! Please share pictures!
I believe I found those advertisements on genealogybank.com. There was another advertisement too. It was in reference to the sale of 30 slaves. I can share that as well if you want me to. When doing research, I find advertisements can be pivotal in genealogical research, especially in light of public notices.
On another note, I know that as recent as a decade ago, mini-reunions for the Philips family were still being organized, and there was one man who was basically the record keeper. His name was Tom Philips. He was tasked with updating the Philips Family Record, as well as sending out occasional newsletters. Really nice guy. Unfortunately, I lost touch with him when I had to take a research break due to a family emergency. I tried to hunt him down recently, and could not find him. So I am not sure if anyone is still carrying the torch.
Feel free to ask me questions. If I know it, I am happy to share it. I used to have my research visible for public consumption, but I realized that people were not using it within the spirit in which it was intended. So I stopped doing that. But I am happy to share my information, and feed your obsession. As it is mine too! LOL.
Amy
My name is Melissa philips and I think that it is so cool that going to Wales is on your bucket list. That is also on my bucket list. So I can find more info about my ancestors.
Greetings Melissa! Thank you for responding. Yes, I would like to hear about the sale of slaves. I have never heard before that this Philips family had slaves. Only part of your response showed up here. When I opened the “continue reading” it was just a jumble of letters and numbers. You can write to me at my email if you like. ncnancyclemens@gmail.com All best, Nancy
Thanks. Will post whatever I find related to the Welsh Philips.
Yes, Amy, eager to check out Wales and will happily share. I tried using genealogybank.com but stopped at the “pay here” part. Would love the slave sale advertisement if possible. or others. Really interesting. I don’t have any desire to make this a commercial venture- just personal family use. Thanks, Nancy
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Quick question for all of you. Has anyone been able to establish why Col. David Philips is called Colonel? Did he serve in the French and Indian War?
As far as I know he Col David Philips served in the Revolutionary War and became a Col. My ancestor is his brother, Josiah, who also served in the Revolutionary War. I have a lot of information on the family. When I was 16 I attended a Philips family reunion and visited the Vincent Church where the original family went to church and also the graveyard where many of our ancestor are buried. I am now 80 yrs old. by Nancy Clemens