Francis Phillips (abt. 1771 - abt. 1847)

Born about 1771 in Harroldston St. Issells, Haverfordwest

Husband of Rachael (James) Phillips — married 14 Oct 1814 in Harroldston St. Issells, Pembrokeshire

Descendants

Died about 9 Mar 1847 at about age 76 in Portfield, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire [uncertain]

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Biography

Francis Phillips c.1771 – 1847 Francis was the first son of John Phillips of Roseside, Templeton near Narberth. He was born around 1771, possibly in Templeton or Freystrop.

Francis married Rachael James of Letterson/Hayscastle on 14th October, 1814 at the church of Harroldston St. Issells. On this document Francis`s parish is given as Freystrop. The marriage was also noted by their eldest son, Isaac, who wrote up a family history in the family Bible.

So the big question is, when did Francis or his father make the move from Templeton to Freystrop? John Phillips may have had all three of his children in Freystrop, or perhaps once he was old enough, Francis moved alone to Freystrop? It seems he was in the area by the age of 18 at any rate (see below).

It is fortunate that they did marry in 1814 because this is the earliest year of known surviving records. The Parish Records 1765-[1812?]) were recorded in 1933, but then apparently lost.

Francis and Rachael had four boys: Isaac, Stephen, Daniel and Benjamin. Both Isaac and Benjamin later recorded on census returns that they were born at Harroldston St. Issells, so in all probability, were the middle two also, although I`m yet to confirm their identities on any later documents, other than Isaacs notes.

Francis may have had a brush with the law in 1799, where one Francis Phillips was found guilty of trying to con an allowance from a local JP to pay the wages of a fictitious constable!

On the 1841 Census Francis is a 70 year-old agricultural labourer living with Rachael and their youngest son Benjamin. They were living in Ruther Lane, in the poor area of Haverfordwest known as Portfield or Portfield Gate. It is not known if Benjamin had always lived in Portfield. It is very close to Harroldston St. Issells (half a mile), and is also ex-parochial, so the boys would have had to have been registered outside Portfield.

On 9th March, 1847 Francis passed away and Rachel went to live with her youngest son Benjamin and his small family. Rachael died around 1865, presumably in Haverfordwest. Benjamin appears on his father`s Death Certificate as being present at death. The cause of death is listed as "Natural Decay. Not Certified."

UK Census 1841 for Portfield, Extra Parochial of Furzy Park and Portfield, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

1. Francis Phillips. 70. Ag. Labourer. Pembrokeshire.

2. Rhachel Phillips. 60. Pembrokeshire.

3. Benj. Phillips. 15. Pembrokeshire.

Sources

UK Census 1841 Marriage notice Information in family bible Death Cert

Footnotes

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Owen Phillips for creating Phillips-7715 on 28 Oct 13. Click the Changes tab for the details on contributions by Owen and others.