History of Clark County, Wisconsin (1918)

JAMES ALBIAN PHILLIPS, leading real estate man and prominent citizen of Neillsville, came to Clark County in 1894, and in the nearly quarter of a century which has passed since then, he has not only prospered in his own line and built up a large business, but has also actively identified himself with the growth and the progress of this region by bringing in many new and desirable residents. As a real estate man, as insurance agent, and as abstractor, not only in this county, but to some extent in other sections of the state, he has proven his energy, his worth and his ability. Busy though he is with his many duties he has found time for the development of the social and fraternal side of his nature, and is the present Master of Neillsville Lodge, No. 163, A. F. A. M., and a member of Neillsville Chapter, No. 66, R. A. M., Neillsville Commandery, No. 36, K. T., as well as an initiate in all the Consistory rites available in this state. He is also a member of Neillsville Court, 3094, 1. 0. F. Born near Bangor, La Crosse County, this state, the youngest of eight children, Mr. Phillips, after acquiring a good common school education, began his career as a railroad man, and was thus engaged until he became interested in real estate.

He was married at Leon, Oct. 4, 1878, to Ella A. Mott, who was born in Kane County, Ill., youngest daughter of John and Adaline (Soules) Mott, and this union has been blessed with one daughter, Lulu May, who resides at home. Mrs. Phillips is a member of the Christian Science Church. She is prominent in church and social affairs, their home is noted for its cheer and hospitality, and the family is one of the most highly respected and esteemed in the entire community. John and Charlotte (James) Phillips the parents of James A. Phillips, were born in Wales, where their respective parents were tenant farmers. They were married in Canada, and there resided several years, during which they developed two farms. Upon coming to the United States they located in La Crosse and later Monroe County, this state. They took up wild land and developed a good farm, becoming substantial and prosperous residents.