Frank F. Phillips
The active business life of Frank F. Phillips has been connected with the most important period in the development of Ironton and is linked with the founding of one of those industries which have stimulated the city's growth and have been the basis of its manufacturing prestige. His is a career eminently worthy of emulation. Commencing life in practical obscurity and modest circumstances, laboring in humble positions with steady industry, and practicing economy and sobriety, at length he has seen his arduous efforts bear fruit and has profited beyond the fortunes of most men in the value which a growing community confers upon a fortunate location.
Frank F. Phillips was born in Pike County, Ohio, October 7, 1871, and is a son of John and Harriet (Moore) Phillips. John Phillips was born at Lancaster. Ohio, in 1845, and in young manhood learned the trade of blacksmith, which he was following at the outbreak of the Civil war. when he enlisted for service in the Thirty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After completing a very creditable military service, Mr. Phillips returned to his Ohio home and again engaged at his trade, but in 1873 came to the Hanging Rock Region, establishing the Phillips Buggy Works, on South Second Street, Ironton, of which his son, Frank F., is now the owner. Mr. Phillips continued to be connected with this business during the remaining years of his life, and died in July, 1910. He became a substantial and influential citizen of his community, took an interest in its advancement and welfare, and won the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens through a life characterized by industry and integrity. The mother, who was born at Lancaster, Ohio, in 1847, died in February, 1912. There were five children in the family: Maggie R., who is deceased; Harry L., John H., Frank F., and Walter M.
The primary schools of Ironton furnished Frank F. Phillips with his early education, but when fourteen years of age laid aside his school books to enter his father's carriage factory, which business he has continued to be connected with to the present time. In 1910, at his father's death, he was made manager of the plant, and July 1, 1913, became sole owner thereof when he purchased the interests of the other heirs in the business. Possessing in large degree the energetic and enterprising traits of his father's character, he has continued to make the venture a successful and paying one, and his activities have resulted in broadening the scope and nature of the business. The plant is valued in the neighborhood of $15,000, having modern machinery and equipment, and the product of the factory is of such excellent character that Phillips buggies are known all over the state. Mr. Phillips is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and has taken an active and interested part in the movements which have made for Ironton 's advancement along the lines of education and religion. With his family, he attends the First Methodist Episcopal Church. He is independent in his political views.
Mr. Phillips was married May 15, 1912, at Ironton, to Miss Beulah Wyatt, daughter of Joseph and Mary Wyatt, and to this union there has come one son, Frank F., Jr. Mr. Phillips is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, but is essentially a home man and there spends practically all of his leisure time.
From "A Standing History of the Hanging Rock Iron Region of Ohio" by Eugene B. Willard, Daniel W. Williams, George O. Newman and Charles B. Taylor. Published by Lewis Publishing Company, 1916