Earle W. Phillips, son of V.M. and Alice Phillips, was born near Nevada,
     Missouri August 7, 1888. In his early teens he accompanied his parents,
     brothers, Joe, Roy and Ralph and sister Madge to Cleveland, Oklahoma. They
     came to Barber County in the spring of 1907 and settled northwest of Kiowa,
     then moved to Dobbs Ranch southeast of Medicine Lodge. Later the family
     purhcased Phillips Ranch six miles north of Medicine Lodge and farmed
     together.
       Earle served in the army during WWI. He returned tot he ranch in 1919
     and later went to Flagstaff, Arizona where he worked with Roy Hoovler as
     a carpenter for many years. An interesting experience was the construction
     of a school and hospital for the Navajo Indians near Tuba City, Arizona.
       He returned to Medicine Lodge in the early 40's to be near his aging
     mother and engaged in carpentry. His mother, Alice, passed away in 1941.
       Minnie Williams, born in Glasgow, Scotland, June 28, 1899, to Mr. and
     Mrs. Thomas Williams. She came to America at an early age and lived in
     Victor, Colorado, with her parents and a sister (Mrs. Sam Dinsmoor).
       Her parents died only a few years after their arrival in the States, so
     Minnie was left on her own resources at an early age. She was desirous of 
     becoming a teacher and worked her way through high school and Southwestern
     College. She received her Master's Degree from Wichita University. She
     taught 25 years in Kansas with exception of 11 years in Round Up, Montana.
       Minnie's unique approach to instructing and molding character will be
     remembered by students who were under her direction. Her guidance influenced
     many for good.
       Minnie was a member of the Methodist Church, YWCA, and she was president
     of BPW.
       Minnie Williams and Earle Phillips wre married August 23, 1947 and made
     their home in Medicine Lodge. Earle continued home building in the area
     and Minnie took a two year leave of absence from teaching but returned to
     her beloved profession in 1949.
       Minnie died unexpectedly September 23, 1950. Earle died only six weeks
     later when he turned to speak to a fellow workman in a home they were
     constucting and stepped through a hole left for a fireplace. He fell to
     the basement and his neck was broken in the fall.
       Through the years, Earle and Owen Jester were great friends and they and
     their wives continued that close relationship though the Jesters were
     Nebraska residents.
       Earle's brother, Joe Phillis (1884-1961) and Ethel Loy (1879-1975) wre
     married in 1913. Their home joined the Phillips Ranch. He farmed until 
     1920 when they moved to Medicine Lodge. Joe worked with Barber County road
     constuction and engineering department where he had a close relationship
     with Lawrence Tilton.
       Ethel had a special 'touch' with flower growing and many local gardens
     began from her generosity in sharing with others.
       Neither Earle and Minne nor Joe and Ethel had children of their own, but
     nieces, nephews and children of friends considered them 'special people'
     who should be included in this Barber County History. They contributed
     much, Minnie in building character, Earle in building homes, Ethel in
     spreading beauty with her flowers-sharing and Joe in roads and bridges he
     helped to build.
                
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas, pg. 365