Hines, H. K. "An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon." Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1893. p. 1149. JAMES McPHILLIPS One of the most successful of the early settlers of Oregon, was a native of the Emerald Isle, where he was born, of Irish parents, in 1828. While still a boy he emigrated to this country, coming to California in 1849, where he was for a time employed in working in the mines. Later he returned to the East, where he purchased cattle, and drove them across the plains to Oregon, which proved to be a very successful venture, so much so that he repeated it, realizing a very handsome profit. In the year 1855 - '56, he fought in the Yakima Indian war, and distinguished himself for bravery. He then settled in the Willamina hills, where he engaged in stock-raising, in which he was very successful at first, but lost every head of stock in the memorable winter of 1861 - ' 62. In 1860 he was married to Miss Mary A. Kats, an estimable lady and a native of Arkansas. They lived on their mountain farm for three years, after which, in 1863, they removed to their present farm, in Yam Hill county. This latter place consisted of 500 acres of choice farming land, which they purchased, and upon which, in 1867, they built their present large and comfortable residence. They have continued to live here uninterruptedly ever since, and under their able management the farm has become very profitable. They raise grain, sheep, cattle, hogs and some horses. They had four children, three daughters and one son: Charlotte, Rosana, Charles F. and Teressa, all of whom are intelligent and reflect credit on the State of their nativity. Mr. McPhillips was a Democrat in politics, the principles of which party he supported for many years. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belonged to both the blue lodge and the chapter. When the Grange was organized he became a charter member, took stock in the store, and helped them in every way possible. Toward the end of his life he suffered from paralysis, and his son, Charles, and Mrs. McPhillips managed the business and their large and valuable farm. He died on December 21, 1892, and was laid in his final resting place on December 25 by the Masonic fraternity. He left an estate valued at $50,000. He was a man of uniform integrity of character and kindness of manner. His faithful wife and noble son reflect all of his best qualities, and are valued as good neighbors and true friends. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in May 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.