Louis
R. PHILLIPS, cashier of the Henry National Bank, whose business
capacity, executive force and personal popularity are strong
elements in the success of this institution, was born in
Columbus, Ohio, on the 10th of January, 1864. His father, John
M. PHILLIPS, was a farmer by occupation and for many years
carried on the work of tilling the soil, but is now living
retired at Deer Creek, Illinois. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Sarah REED, is a native of Ohio and unto them have been
born eleven children, of whom ten are yet living.
Louis R. PHILLIPS was only two years of age when brought by his parents from the Buckeye state to Illinois, the family home being established in Woodford county, where he acquired his preliminary education in the district schools. He afterward profited by the advantages of a course in Eureka College at Eureka, Illinois, and for six years he engaged in teaching school, spending one year of that time in Woodford county and five years in Nebraska. Retiring from that profession, he turned his attention to general merchandising, which he followed for six years, and subsequently he became one of the organizers of the First National Bank at Chillicothe, Illinois, with which institution he was connected for five years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Henry in 1904 and became cashier of the Henry National Bank, which is regarded as one of the safe and reliable financial institutions of this part of the state. His previous experience had given him a thorough knowledge of general banking business and he was thus well qualified to take up the duties which now devolve upon him in his present business connection. Always courteous in his treatment of the patrons of the institution and willing to grant a favor whenever possible, he at the same time is never neglectful of the interests of the bank and has contributed in substantial measure to its success.
In 1890 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. PHILLIPS and Miss Mary M. BELSLY, of Deer Creek, Illinois. They now have four children, all of whom are in school, namely: Clarence A., Mary Magdalene, Helen G., and Louis B. In his political views Mr. PHILLIPS is an independent republican, who while indorsing the principles of the party frequently casts an independent ballot at local elections. He is a member of Henry lodge, No. 119, A. F. & A. M., and is also connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Chillicothe, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in and co-operation with the work of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a typical representative of that class of alert, enterprising business men who are pushing forward the wheels of progress and accomplishing results through unfaltering diligence and energy.
Extracted July 2011 by Norma Hass from Past and Present of Marshall and Putnam Counties Illinois, 1907.
| Bureau | Putnam | |
| Stark |
 |
La Salle |
| Peoria | Woodford |
