James Phillis 1838-1914

James Phillis jun.

was born 1838, and came to South Australia with his parents and siblings, arriving on ship Duchess of Northumberland in December 1839. A few days after their arrival, his mother Susanna, died. His father James, joined forces with his aunt and uncle, Charlotte (nee Phillis, sister) and Henry Bushell, at Alberton, before moving to the Mount Pleasant District in 1843. James jnr. joined his father on horseback and ‘batched’ in a hut at Mount Pleasant whilst getting the property ready for the family. 

A piece of malachite which was discovered on one of these journeys remains in the family today. 

James married Mary Loask McBeath in 1857 and they lived at Updown Park, opposite his father and step-mother at Ashley. Mary’s father was the innkeeper William McBeath, who had held the licence for the first hotel, Mount Pleasant Inn, in 1853. 

James Phillis moved to Oladdie in late 1878-79, and James Phillis snr, recently widowed, moved into Updown Park, with his widowed sister, Frances Dixon as housekeeper. 

The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 - 1889) Friday 13 July 1877 p 7 Article

AGRICULTURAL LAND SELECTIONS.

The following land selections were made at the land Office during the week ending Thursday, July 12, inclusive, with a 10 percent deposit:—

At £1 per Acre. Hundred Oladdie, County Newcastle—Sections 64N, 65, 640 acres, E. Phillis, Mount Pleasant, spinster; Section 82, 595 acres, J. Phillis, sen Mount Pleasant, farmer.

... Hundred Oladdie, County Dalhousie— Sec. 70, 634 acres, J. Phillis, jun., Mount Pleasant, farmer ... 

James and wife Mary are buried at the Johnberg Cemetery. 

The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929) Monday 5 October 1914 p 4 Article

Probate

... James Phillis, Oladdie, £1,000;...