Phillips County KS Genealogy and Family History

Phillips County KSGenWeb is a free genealogical site about the history of the county. It is a member of KSGenWeb, which is a member of USGenWeb®. We hope you find helpful clues for your research of Phillips County ancestors.

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COUNTY FORMATION

The land that is Phillips County was created in 1867 by the Kansas Legislature in regular session. It was one of thirty-six counties divided from the unorganized territory and is bounded on the west by Norton County, on the south by Rooks County, on the east by Smith County, and on the north by the Nebraska state line. It measures thirty miles by thirty miles.

First permanent settlers in the county arrived in December 1869. They were C.J. Van Allen in the southeastern part of the county and Amos Cole in the northwestern part. By 1872, the resident population had grown to 681, and the county was organized for local government. The county was named after William Phillips, a Free-State supporter, who was murdered on September 1, 1856. A different William Phillips is the namesake for the town of Phillipsburg.

People of German ancestry settled in and around Stuttgart. People of Scottish and Irish ancestry settled in Agra.

The railroads brought growth and prosperity to the county. Men came to survey, build the road, and lay the track. They contributed to the economy, and some stayed, bringing their families to make a permanent home. When the trains came, the markets improved. Grain, livestock, and produce moved out while eastern goods moved in. But most importantly, the trains brought more settlers to this rich land.

Phillips County continues to prosper and flourish today. The communities hold fast in their hearts the history of our ancestors and settlers, keeping northwestern Kansas heritage and hospitality alive. The hard work and success of our ancestors will continue, sustaining the happy place many call home.