from The Newton Press (Newton, Illinois)--issue of March 4, 1941
JOHN PHILLIPS AGED FARMER FOUND DEAD
Found by his son, Charles Phillips, sitting in a chair; Had passed peacefully away
John Phillips, an aged farmer residing along at his farm four miles northwest of Newton, was found dead in a chair about 9:30 o'clock Sunday. The discovery was made by his son, Charles Phillips, who resides nearby, when Mr. Phillips Sr. didn't come to his home, Sunday morning, as he was expected to do. He had apparently passed peacefully away shortly after dusk Saturday evening, after coming in and sitting down in a chair. He had removed his shoes and pants and is believed to have been preparing to go to bed, as had been his custom for several years. Charles Phillips stated Monday morning at an inquiry conducted by Coroner Earl L. Dufrain that he went to his father's home about 9:30 when the latter didn't come to his home as he had planned. Finding his car sitting in the yard, he stepped up to the door and found it locked on the inside. By then he had become alarmed and went to a window and looked inside and saw Mr. Phillips Sr. slumped over in a chair. Forcing the door, he went inside and found that he was dead.
IN GOOD HEALTH
Mr. Phillips had been in good health, having walked to Newton from his farm Saturday, February 22, when his car failed to start from some minor cause. He was born at Plainfield, Indiana, December 17, 1852, son of Mr. and Mrs. Washington Phillips, and came to Jasper county in 1868, a short time before his parents arrived. He had always resided northwest of Newton. He was married to Miss Yanty Tharp and following her death to Miss Alice Yingst, who also preceded him in death. He leaves five sons and three daughters, Howard and Charles Phillips and Mrs. Minnie Babbs of Newton vicinity, Orie Phillips of Peoria, Harry Phillips of Frankfort, Indiana, Mrs. Alice Thorpe of Peru, Indiana, Mrs. Viola Ball of Indianapolis, and Ed Phillips of Stark, Kansas; several grand-children; and one brother, Walter Phillips of Tuscola; other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held at the Markwell Funeral Home at 2:00 o'clock this afternoon, conducted by the Rev. A.O. Jacobs. Burial will be in the Brick cemetery near his home.
Submitted By: Mike Phillips, mphillips1@kc.rr.com