William Harper Phillips, Marion alderman, wagon maker, implement dealer and Confederate officer, was born in Clarksville, Mecklenburg County, Virginia in July 1846.  He was the son of Robert Allen Phillips (1816-1879) and Caroline Leneve (1825) who married in Mecklenburg County December 21, 1840. 

In the 1860 census, William’s father, Robert, was a 43 year old wheelwright with real estate valued at $490.  His mother, Caroline, was 38 years old.  Everyone in the family was born in Virginia and they were living in Mecklenburg County, Virginia near Clarksville.  William was 14 years old, living with his parents and four siblings:  Rosalie, Mary, Martha, and Pauline. Loney A. Yancey, 18, may be a relative or an indentured servant and was attending school; James Wiles, 17, an apprentice wheelwright, was also living with the family.  Continue reading →