Born in Montgomery County, Illinois, Phillips served in the 9th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War and was brevetted brigadier general.

In 1879, Phillips was elected an Illinois circuit court judge.

He served on the Illinois Supreme Court from 1893 until his death in 1901 and was chief justice in 1897.

Phillips died at his home in Hillsboro, Illinois.

[1][2] This article about an Illinois politician is a stub.