Elridge Newson Phipps was born in Nashville, Tenn., April 4, 1831, and is
one of twelve children born to Elridge W. and Sina (Castleman)
Phipps. The father was born in 1801, and died in September, 1863. The mother
was born about 1801, and died in August, 1846. Our subject engaged in farming
for himself at the age of eighteen years, and continued at that occupation for
eleven years. He then engaged in distilling for eight years, after which he
began milling and general merchandising, which business he still follows at
Shady Grove Mills, Dickson Co., Tenn. August 17, 1851, he was united in marriage
to Cynthia H. Matlock, who was born July 25, 1824. She was the daughter
of James and Sallie (Leesh) Matlock. Mr. and Mrs. Phipps
are the parents of two daughters: Milbery, born June 6, 1852, and Mary
J., born November 21, 1855; both of them are now married. Our subject is a
self-made man, and has considerable influence in his community, and is worth at
the present time about $13,000, all made by his own exertions. He is a
Republican.