Phillips Family of Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Hampshire
Solomon Phillips of Starksboro Vermont is my 4th great-grandfather. He was a Revolutionary War soldier who enlisted in Uxbridge, Massachusetts but according to an early census was born in Rhode Island. His pension file contains a great deal of information on him and his family. It also contains statements from a Caleb Phillips and John Phillips of Danby New Hampshire. No relationship was indicated.
It is believed that Solomon Phillips is one of the sons of David Phillips and Susannah Bumpass or Burgess.
The 1777 Military Census of Rhode Island lists in Gloucester, Rhode Island, both Solomon Phillips and Caleb Phillips as 16-50A from 16 to 50 years and able to bear arms.
pg 41 - Gloucester Rhode Island
Reuban Phillips 16-50A
David Phillips 16-50A
Solomon Phillips 16-50A
Caleb Phillips 16-50A
16-50A means from 16-50 years and able to bear arms.
Caleb Phillips was a native of Rhode Island and was married in Gloucester, Providence County, Rhode Island in 1767. He came to Vermont during the Revolution with three of his brothers Stephen, John, and Seth. Solomon was not mentioned.
It was thought that Solomon might be the son of David Phillips and his wife, Susannah. Abstract of Will of David Phillips taken from the Rhode Island Genealogical Register Vol 6 No 1 - Will was dated 1796 and proved 4 Nov 1797. It mentions wife Susannah, sons Seth, Joseph, Solomon, David, Caleb, Anthony, John, Stephen, Aaron and Andrew; daughters Elizabeth Bartlett, Deborah Steers (deceased), Ruth Phetteplace and Susanna Whipple. Granddaughter Esther Young. No other info available at that time.
Recently another descendant of Solomon Phillips, Roger Phillips made a research trip to New England and made some interesting discoveries as to the parentage of Solomon. I am grateful to Roger and his wife, Karol, for sharing their research.
Transcription and Images of David Phillips Will
Sources
The Rhode Island 1777 Military Census. Transcribed by Mildred M. Chamberlain, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. Baltimore, 1985. p 41. NOTE: This book is available online through Ancestry.com which is a paid service.
Vermont Historical Gazetteer: A Magazine embracing a History of each town. Vol 111 Orleans and Rutland Counties. The Claremont Manufacturing Co., 1877, p 641.
