Phillip Stansfield was born on October 23, 1836 at Oldham, Lancashire County, England, and emigrated to the United States. He was 25 years old when he enlisted for three years of military service at Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio. Phillip mustered into service officially on June 11, 1861, at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio. Just two weeks after arriving at Camp Chase, Phillip approached Captain Albert S. Hall, and asked for paper, pen, and ink so that he could write his friends and family back in Trumbull County. Enrolled as Private "Philip" Stansfield, he served in Companies F and H of the 24th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment. At the end of his three years of service, Phillip mustered out of service honorably with Company F on June 17, 1864.

After mustering out of the army, Phillip returned to his home in Trumbull County, Ohio. Like many young men, he headed west where he met his future wife. On March 3, 1867, Phillip married Martha Reynolds-Taylor at Battle Rock, Illinois. Richard McConnell officiated during the ceremony.

Phillip preferred coal mining as an occupation. Though, he moved several times during his lifetime, he always preferred the mining districts of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania because it provided him with steady work.

On October 31, 1868, at Lisbon, Ohio, Phillip proudly recorded his Civil War service information at the Columbiana County Courthouse and was awarded status as a naturalized U. S. citizen.

Phillip and Martha had eight children, but mortality took an early toll on four of the children: James, Phillip, Jr., Elizabeth, and Mary. Four other children survived to live long lives. John was born May 21, 1873; Mariah (Molly) was born in Weatherfield Township, Trumbull County, Ohio, on June 21, 1875; Joseph was born near Akron in Norton Township, Summit County, Ohio, January 1, 1880; and Veda was born at Beaver Falls, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, on June 10, 1885.

The hard life as a coal miner wore down Phillip, so on May 16, 1888, he was accepted into the National Military Home at Dayton, Ohio. While visiting his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Stansfield Williams, at Mineral Ridge, Trumbull County, Ohio, on July 27, 1891, Phillip died. He is buried at the Kerr Cemetery, Mineral Ridge, Trumbull County, Ohio. His mother is interred alongside him.

Sources: "Official Roster of Ohio Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion and 24th O.V.I. pension index."

Ida Kirkwood of Ellwood City, Pennyslvania, also provided excellent biographical information. Email Ida at xerxes@fyi.net .

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