Short Biography of Henry Phile

HENRY PHILE, farmer; P. O. Macedonia; born May 30, 1804, in Bucks Co., Penn., to Henry and Mary G. (Allshouse) Phile. His father was born in Germany. Mary G. was a daughter of Gabriel, to whom were born five children, three sons and two daughters. Henry Phile, Sr., was a wagon-maker by trade. He came to Pennsylvania in 1795. Twelve children were born him, viz., Mary, Betsy, Katie, Rebecca, Priscilla, Eliza, Sarah, Hannah, Lydia, John, Joseph and Henry. Henry moved with his father to Columbiana Co., the last day of 1808; afterward to Green Township (now Mahoning Co.). Here his father settled on land purchased from the Government, his death occurring in 1833, at the age of 77. His wife died seven years later. At the age of 18, our subject left home, learned the cabinet-maker's trade in Trumbull Co., and afterward established business with a partner at Ellsworth; this associated lasted two years, the partner walking off with the money, leaving Mr. Phile with the experience. He then came to Franklin, where he engaged in the carpenter and cabinet work. In April, 1830, he came to this township. Dec. 16, same year, he was married to Roxie Cranmer, the second child born in this township, which birth is recorded March 22, 1812, on Lot 72; she was a daughter of Jeremiah and Hannah (Cole) Peck [sic]. Jeremiah was born in New Jersey in 1762, and served all through the war of the Revolution. He was a son of Jeremiah, who was a native of Scotland. Hannah Cole was a daughter of Joshua and Eunice (Bennett) Cole, both being natives of New York. Mrs. Phile was one of ten children. The family came first to Chagrin Falls, and, in 1811, they located in this township. Mr. Phile located on the farm he now owns, in April, 1837. There were but few improvements on the place. He came here with very limited means. His first location was a short distance west of Macedonia, where he worked at his trade. When he located on his present farm, he engaged in both farming and practicing his trade. Corn was $1.50 per bushel, wheat 42, and other things in proportion; meat was out of the question; wages very low and money hard to get; yet, by the aid of his rifle, he obtained venison and wild turkeys, then plentiful. Though Mr. Phile was twice bankrupted by bailing and by a dishonest partner, yet he has been successful, having now a good home and 118 acres of land. Of nine children born, five are living—Eunice (Mrs. A. E. Salsberg, of Ottawa Co.); also Henry and George, in same place; Mary, at home; Ava G. (Mrs. James Wolcott, of this township). Mr Phile has always been a true Republican.

Source: "History of Summit County: With an Outline Sketch of Ohio" ⁴⁹²²