Amos Phillips

Phillips was born in 1833 in New York.  He joined the 44th New York Regiment on September 10, 1861 went off to fight for his country. His motives can not be accurately stated as no known letters exist from his pen.  

Like most Union soldiers, Amos came from a relativley poor economic circumstances. His records indicate he deserted on at least one occasion, perhaps because he felt he had earned enough money to pay for his family's needs.  His record could shed light on the individual motivations for joining the fight.  Amos lived 40 miles from Syracuse, a hotbed for Underground railroad activity.  But in an age when most Americans rarely traveled 10 miles from home, it is doubtful he would have much contact with broader political changes going on in the country. In all likelihood, Amos simply needed steady work.  Once he had made enough money to suit his needs, he probably went home.

Included in this collection are samples of his service records and his pension requests. They tell the story better than a wall of text can. After his death, his pension requests are taken over by his wife, Phebe, who continued to seek her widow's pension until her death a decade and a half later.