James Philips Memorial Plaque

JAMES PHILIPS

Born about 1800, Philips settled here in 1825 and soon opened
a store and tavern. He became active in politics and, as a
Reformer, rose to local prominence during the elections in
Leeds between 1834 and 1836. These contests were marked by
clashes between Ogle R. Gowan's Orangemen and the Reformers
and by a level of violence and intimidation unsurpassed in Upper
Canada's electoral history. Philips served on the Reformers'
committee of Vigilance and Management and as Vice-President
of the Johnstown District Reformers' Society. After the col-
lapse of the Rebellion of 1837, Philips and other Reformers
went to the United States. On November 11, 1838, he returned
with an invading force and was killed on November 13 in the
Battle of the Windmill near Prescott.

Erected by the Ontario heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Recreation