For over half a century Micajah H. Phillips has made his home in Oklahoma and for many years he was an active factor in the agricultural development of the state, but is now living retired on his farm near Delaware, in Nowata county, having reached the age of seventy-eight years. He was born in Surry county, North Carolina, April 30, 1843, and in May, 1870, when a young man of twenty-seven years, he came to Indian Territory casting in U-10 lot with its pioneer settlers. He acquired land seven miles south of Tahlequah and for eight years there engaged in farming and stock raising, removing at the end of that. period to Beatty’s Prairie, where he also followed agricultural pursuits, devoting considerable attention to the raising of horses, mules and cattle.
In 1891 he purchased his present place of two hundred and seventy-five acres, situated near Delaware, in Nowata County and continued active in its management until failing health obliged him to relinquish the arduous cares of business. Here he followed farming and also engaged in the raising of stock, of which broad practical experience had given him a comprehensive knowledge, and, his labors were conducted along the most scientific lines, being productive of excellent results. In 1916 oil was discovered on his property and he now has four wells, all of which are good producers and contribute substantially to his income.
He made many improvements upon his place, converting it into a most desirable farm, and his home is a fine, old-fashioned residence standing on an elevation of ground and surrounded by a beautiful grove of trees.
On the 15th of August, 1867, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Victoria Raper, a daughter of Charles and Julia Ann (Johnson) Raper of North Carolina. Marv McDaniel, the maternal grandmother of Mr. Raper, was a native of North Carolina and of Cherokee extraction.
To Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were born eleven children: Frank, who is now fifty-two years. of age; W. P.; Augusta C.; Vienna, deceased; Julia Ann; John B., who has also passed away; Susan; Grace; R. S.; M. H., Jr.; and Josephine. The daughter Augusta is the wife of John Strong and resides on a farm adjoining that of her father. All of the children are married with the exception of M. H. Jr. Mr. Phillips is a man of commanding presence and fine mentality, whose life has at all times been guided by high principles and whose acts have ever been prompted by worthy motives. He has always taken a deep interest in the welfare and progress of his community and during the period of his residence here has gained many sincere friends.