Champaign Co, ILGenWeb, The USGenWeb Project - Biography

Matthew A. Phillippe

SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887

SURNAMES: BUCKLES, BUSEY, CLEVINGER, LEMON, PHILLIPPE, SCROGINS, SIMPSON, SMISER

MATTHEW A. PHILLIPPE, an esteemed farm resident, located on section 3, Hensley Township, is a native of this county, having been born in Condit Township, april 29, 1848. His father, John PHILLIPPE, who is now deceased, was a native of Virginia, born in Wythe County, Jan. 13, 1821, and his grandfather, John PHILLIPPE, Sr., also a native of the Old Dominion, was born April 22, 1779. He followed farming pursuits in his native State until 1832, then emigrated with his family to Illinois, the entire journey being made overland with horse-teams. They brought their household goods with them and camped by the way. On arriving in Illinois the elder Phillippe locted with his family in that part of Vermilion now included in Champaign County. He entered 160 acres of Government land on section 32 of what is now Condit Township, and erected a hewed log house which is still standing. Here he made his home until his death, which occurred about 1884.

John, Jr., the father of our subject, was but fifteen years old when his parents came to Illinois. He assisted his father in clearing the farm and remained under the home roof until his marriage. Afterward, his father having given him a part of the old homestead he settled upon it, and with the exception of five years made it his residence until the close of his life. In those days the nearest market was Chicago, whither the grain and other produce was transported in wagons, which trip over bad roads consumed two weeks time. In 1880 Mr. P. removed to Butler County, Kan., where for five years following he made his residence, after which he returned to this county, and died in the city of Champaign in 1884. His remains were laid to rest in the cemetery there and a handsome monument marks the spot where he was buried. The widowed mother still occupies the old homestead. She was formerly Miss Susan J. BUSEY, and a native of Shelby County, Ky., born April 31, 1821. She was the daughter of Mathew E. and Sarah E. (SMISER) BUSEY.

The parental household included six children, for of whom are now living: Mary F. became the wife of Alfred SCROGINS, and lives in Logan County, this State; Matthew A. of our sketch is the third child; John F. is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Nellie F. became the wife of George CLEVINGER, and lives in Butler County, Kan..; Sarah E. married Wiley BUCKLES, and is now deceased; Melissa, Mrs. R. M. BUCKLES, died in Logan County. The father was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the support of which he contributed cheerfully and liberally of his means and influence.

The homestead of our subject is pleasantly located, and Mr. P. has spent much time in beautifying it with shade and other choice trees; he has also erected a good set of frame buildings. The premises in all respects denote the thrift and enterprise of their proprietor and indicate the home of the progressive and intelligent modern farmer. The excellent grades of farm stock are well cared for, and the fences and buildings are kept in good repair. Mr. P. has distinguished himself as an excellent citizen and a good business man, and enjoys in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of the friends who have known him as a man prompt to meet his obligations, and as one of the important factors in the business and agricultural community.

The marriage of our subject occurred Dec. 11, 1871, the maiden of his choice being Miss Ida SIMPSON, who was born in Fayette County, Ind., Nov. 29, 1849. She was the daughter of Henry and Melinda (LEMON) SIMPSON, who were natives respectively of Tennessee and Kentucky. They emigrated to this State in about 1857, and located in Hensley Township, where the father died Oct. 27, 1858. The mother still survives and is a resident of Hensley Township. Our subject is Republican in politics, and cast his first presidential vote in 1868 for U. S.. Grant.