by John D. Benedict

1922
The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
P. 222

MICAJAH H. PHILLIPS

For over half a century Micajah H. Phillips has made his home in Oklahoma andfor many years he was an active factor in the agricultural development of thestate, but is now living retired on his farm near Delaware, in Nowata county,having reached the age of seventy-eight years. He was born in Surry county,North Carolina, April 30, 1843, and in May, 1870, when a young man oftwenty-seven years, he came to Indian Territory, casting in his lot with itspioneer settlers. He acquired land seven miles south of Tahlequah and foreight years there engaged in farming and stock raising, removing at the endof that period to Beatty’s Prairie, where he also followed agriculturalpursuits, devoting considerable attention to the raising of horses, mules andcattle. In 1891 he purchased his present place of two hundred and seventy-fiveacres, situated near Delaware, in Nowata county, and continued active in itsmanagement until failing health obliged him to relinquish the arduous caresof business. Here he followed farming and also engaged in the raising ofstock, of which broad practical experience had given him a comprehensiveknowledge, and his labors were conducted along the most scientific lines,being productive of excellent results. In 1916 oil was discovered on hisproperty and he now has four wells, all of which are good producers andcontribute substantially to his income. He made many improvements upon hisplace, converting it into a most desirable farm, and his home is a fine,old-fashioned residence standing on an elevation of ground and surrounded bya beautiful grove of trees.

On the 15th of August, 1867, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to MissJosephine Victoria Raper, a daughter of Charles and Julia Ann (Johnson) Raperof North Carolina. Mary McDaniel, the material grandmother of Mr. Raper, wasa native of North Carolina and of Cherokee extraction. To Mr. And Mrs.Phillips were born eleven children: Frank, who is now fifty-two years of age;W.P.; Augusta C.; Vienna, deceased; Julia Ann; John B., who has also passedaway; Susan; Grace; R.S.; M.H., Jr.; and Josephine. The daughter Augusta isthe wife of John Strong and resides on a farm adjoining that of her father.All of the children are married with the exception of M.H., Jr. Mr. Phillipsis a man of commanding presence and fine mentality, whose life has at alltimes been guided by high principles and whose acts have ever been promptedby worthy motives. He has always taken a deep interest in the welfare andprogress of his community and during the period of his residence here hasgained many sincere friends.

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