ALLEN PHILLIPS. The creditable condition of agricultural life in Boone County, Arkansas, is due to a great extent to the enterprise, energy and intelligence of her worthy tillers of the soil, prominent among whom may be mentioned. Allen Phillips, born in Surry County, N. C., February 12, 1847, a son of A. and Susan (Wilburn) Phillips, who were born, reared, married and died in the Old North State. The father was a leading Democrat of his day, was a prosperous farmer, but the late war swept away a considerable portion of his Property. He and wife had the following children: Louisa, who is living in North Carolina; Nancy, who is dead; Robert, who is living in Henry County, Missouri; Richard, who is living in North Carolina; Allen and Sarah E., who also reside in the Old North State. The paternal grandfather, Richard Phillips, was an early pioneer of this State, having been a participant in the Revolutionary War.
Allen Phillips was reared on a farm in the State of his birth, received a practical common-school education, but the bursting of the war cloud which had so long hovered over the country put an end to his education. After he had attained his majority he started out to make his own way in the world, and in 1873 emigrated westward, and settled in Boone County, Arkansas, purchasing the farm on which he now resides, which at that time was heavily covered with timber. His estate comprises 160 acres, and on it are first-class improvements, the buildings being substantial, commodious and sightly, the fences in good repair and the farm under excellent cultivation. He has ever been a stanch Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for office, the duties of his farm fully occupying his time and attention. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarall Staples, was born near Walnut Grove, Arkansas, June 4, 1854, grew up and was educated in this county, and in 1878 was married to Mr. Phillips, by whom she had five children: Susan M., Robert P., Mary and Martha (twins) are deceased. and one child that died unnamed. Mr. Phillips and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, in which he is a deacon, and in all matters pertaining to the section or conducing to its welfare, he has shown a deep interest. He is of the stuff of which good citizens are made, and in the section in which he resides he commands the respect and liking of all who know him.
Mrs. Phillips is a daughter of Patrick D. and Emeline (Gathen) Staples, who live on a fine farm on Gathen Prairie. The father was born in east Tennessee, June 25, 1824, a son of John and Sallie (McKinnie) Staples, who were among the early pioneers of Boone County, Arkansas, coming thither in 1849, accompanied by their son, Patrick D. John Staples died a few years ago, but his wife has been dead many years. He was a farmer and carpenter by occupation, by which means he acquired a competency. His family consisted of the following children: Patrick D.; William B., who lives in the Choctaw Nation; Benjamin F., also a resident of the Choctaw Nation; Alexander, who died at Fort Smith, Arkansas, during the war; Eneline, wife of A. Watkins; Betsey J., wife of William H. Barker, and Adaline, who married a Mr. Gathen and lives in the Choctaw Nation. Patrick D. Staples quite well remembers the overland journey to this county, soon after which he located on Cherokee Creek, and in 1870 moved to the farm where he now lives where he has since been quite successfully engaged in tilling the soil and raising stock. He was married to the daughter of Col. Beal Gathen, by whom he became the father of three children: Belvadra, wife of S. J. Wilson; Sarah Elvira, wife of Allen Phillips, and Adaline, wife of Al. Savage, of Taney County, Missouri Mr. Staples lost his first wife in 1872 , and afterward married Sue, daughter of L. Pateet, this union resulting in the birth of one child, William B., who is now seven years old. Mr. Staples is now seventy years of age and is yet a hale and healthy man, giving promise of many more years of usefulness. He is a natural mechanic, an excellent carpenter, and has followed the cooper’s trade some during his life. He has always been a Democrat politically.