Phillis

Phillis was born in 1765 and was enslaved in Hadley by the Phelps family. Phillis’ mother was named Peg. Peg was sold away from Phillis and her sister Rose in 1772 to Captain Fay in Bennington, VT, so that she could marry Pomp, who was also being sold to Capt. Fay (Entangled Lives by Marla Miller, p. 58).

Phillis is mentioned as being treated for an illness several times in Elizabeth Porter Phelps’ diary. On January 1, 1775, Phelps wrote, “Wednesday I went down to the Doct. With Phillis our Negro Girl— she poorly. Oh Lord be her Phesician [sic] for soul and body, may she not Die till by faith she has seen the Lords [sic] Christ may her Life be lengthened out if it may be thy Will.” It is not clear if this is the same doctor that is mentioned in February 26 entry: “Monday my husband carried Phillis to Northampton to Docter [sic] Mather—she very much swelled.”

Phillis died on April 16, 1775, likely from tuberculosis. Phelps wrote, “Fryday [sic] Morning a Little after eight our poor little Phillis left this world. O if she is gone to Bliss…pray Father Sanctify it to us all… Satterday [sic] We attended her Funeral.” 

During the time of Phillis’ illness, her sister Rose was pregnant. After Phillis died, Rose named her newborn daughter Phillis (Miller, p. 58).