Every early settler in this county doubtless well remember Col. Dick Phillips, who lived here for several years both before and after the organization of the county thirty one years ago. A few weeks ago, Col. Phillips died at his home in Chicago, after a brief illness. He was not far from 72 years of age at the time of his death.Col. Phillips, while a resident of this county was interested in stock raising on an extensive scale. He, backed by his father, Henry W. Phillips, a prominent business man of Chicago, was one of the organizers of the Comanche Pool, at that time one of the big cattle companies of the southwest. The company fenced in several hundred thousand acres in this county and in Barber-co., and kept the big pasture stocked with cattle from the range country of the great Southwest. Coldwater constituted the "beef pasture." It is said that the wire fence which enclosed the pasture was 185 miles in length and built of the best 7 pound wire, which was hauled from Harper. It was about the year 1879 when the "pool" was formed. As the county began to be settled up, the company's operations on free range began to be interfered with somewhat and it was not long until the "pool" went out of business.
Later Mr. Phillips engaged in the stock business in Montana, but finally settled in Chicago, where he continued to make his home. For several years Mr. Phillips had been ranked as a millionaire.
21 October 1887
R.W. Phillips and family, who have been spending seven weeks on their Comanche county farm, were here yesterday on their way to Chicago, where they will winter. -- The Union, October 21, 1887. (Contributed by Kim Fowles.)4 May 1888
The following items remain uncalled for in the post office at Sun City Kansas, May 1, 1888. Parties calling for same, please say advertised. R.W. Phillips, Mr. H.S. Burdick 2, Tho�s Callison.P.M. -- Medicine Lodge Index, May 4, 1888. (Contributed by Kim Fowles.)11 May 1888
Mr. John Bullock was unfortunate enough to fall through the ladder-hole in the barn at the Evans ranch, and cripple himself last Saturday night, while moving so as to be out of the way of high water. -- Medicine Lodge Index, May 11, 1888. (Contributed by Kim Fowles.)
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article from The Western Star to this web site!
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