One of the most unexpected of the many sudden deaths we have lately been called upon to chronicle is that of A. C. Phillips, a well known and highly respected citizen of Monroe township, which occurred last Wednesday night.
Mr. Phillips, who was a man of 42 years of age, of apparently excellent physical constitution, and as far as was known, free from any disease or ailment, retired about nine o’clock on that evening in the enjoyment of his usual heath and spirits, his wife remaining up some little time later in order to finish some ironing at which she was engaged.
About 12 o’clock Mr. Phillips got up, walked to the bedroom window and remarked that it was quite cloudy and he should not be surprised to see more snow by next morning. These are the last words he is known ever to have spoken.
He then retired and as supposed to be sleeping, until his mother, who was sleeping in a room nearby, heard him breathing in a heavy unnatural manner, when she called to his wife, who quickly arose and lighted a lamp, but when she approached the bed she was horrified to find that lie was extinct, her husband having just breathed his last.
The household was quickly aroused ad the neighbors summoned, who all did in their power to console and assist the bereaved family in their dark hour of bereavement. Heart disease is attributed as the cause of his unexpected death.
He leaves a widow and six children, the eldest of which is but sixteen years of age. Deceased was the eldest son of Michael Phillips, who lost his life in the battle of Green’s Station, Va., in 1865, at the same age of his son at his disease and leaving the same number of children.
Deceased was a nephew of G. V. Phillips, of this place. The funeral took place on last Saturday when the remains were interred in Leatherwood Presbyterian cemetery. The sorrowing family, in their great bereavement, have the sympathy of many relatives and friends.
~ Clarion Democrat, 10-Jan-1895
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That life is uncertain was demonstrated as an inevitable truth by the sudden death of Alvin C. Phillips, a respected resident of Monroe township, on Thursday of last week, at 1 o’clock a.m.
The event was indeed sad, but made two fold so by its suddenness, the deceased being in the prime of manhood, aged 42 years. Mr. Phillips was subject to heart affection for some time past, but of late seemed to be recovering. On the eve preceding his death he was not cognizant of any apparent danger, retiring at an early hour. The angel of death, who was soon to visit his chamber, gave not a single warning except in denying repose, as he was heard to remark something regarding his inability to sleep.
Later on he arose and going to a window remarked something to Mrs. Phillips regarding the fall of snow and that he desired to arise early the following morning, naming his object for so doing. He concluded by remarking something relating to the innocence of a child – alluding to his little daughter - and at the same time kissing her, little dreaming that those were his last words and the last good night kiss, or that in the silent watches of the next two hours death should enter the home and he as it were, should be its choice.
At about 11 o’clock the remaining inmates retired. Sometime after, the deceased’s mother heard curious noise preceeding from her son’s room, and hastening to his bedside, with the assistance of his wife, raised him to a sitting posture where he immediately expired.
The funeral, on account of distant relatives, was delayed until Friday. The whereabouts of his brother Sylvester not being known, he was not present. His remains were interred in the Presbyterian cemetery at Leatherwood, of which church he was a member, Rev. Dible, of New Bethlehem, presiding, and delivering an excellent discourse, dwelling upon the necessity of timely preparation for death and extending his sympathy with deepest pathos to the bereaved friends, which is heartily endorsed by the entire community. (Binkerton, Porter Township, Correspondence)
~ Clarion Democrat, 10-Jan-1895
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Alvan Phillips, living on the Trainor farm in Monroe township, died suddenly of heart disease between one and two o’clock Thursday morning.
The day before he had made preparations to do some hauling and before retiring told his mother that he had experienced a queer pulsation or beating of his heart. His wife did not retire till about 11 o'clock; a few hours later Mr. Phillips arose, looked out at the window and remarked that there were indications of more snow, but if he felt unwell he would not venture out to work. A short time after he was heard to make a peculiar coughing noise, but before a lamp could be lighted and assistance be given he was dead.
Mr. Phillips leaves a wife and six children and an aged and widowed mother to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father and a devoted son. He was aged 42 years and had been a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Dible of New Bethlehem and the remains laid to rest in the Leatherwood cemetery.
~ Clarion Jacksonian, 10-Jan-1895
You can visit the memorial page for A. C. Phillips.
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