James Phifer
James Phifer, retired farmer and stock-raiser, London, was born in Stokes (now Paint) Township July 12,1815. His paternal grandparents were John and Catherine (Rader) Phifer, natives of Virginia. One son, Abraham Phifer, the father of James, came to this county in 1809 or 1810, locating 270 acres of land in what, was then Stokes Township (now Paint), where he resided till his death, April, 1875. He married Ann Withrow, probably a native of Pennsylvania, who departed this life in July, 1860. Our subject is the oldest of four children, one daughter and three sons, all yet living. In early life, he assisted his father with the farm duties, obtaining only an ordinary education. He married Phebe Harpole, a native of Greene County, Ohio. Soon after marriage, he rented a piece of land for farming purposes, and three years later bought 310 acres. During the intervening years, by perseverance, energy and strict economy, he has added to his first purchase until he now owns over 1,700 acres, and he is considered one of the wealthy citizens of London and the county. About 1872, Mr. Phifer removed to London, where he has since resided. He is Republican in politics. Mr. Phifer and wife have four children -- Albert, who married Vinnie Neiberger and resides on the home farm; Vandalia, wife of H. D. Strowbridge, of Washington, D. C.; Melissa, wife of Thomas Duncan, of Columbus, Ohio, and Mary. Mr. Phifer, wife and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]