Phillip is originally from Ferguson, Missouri and grew up in Staunton, Illinois. He remained in Staunton, living in the home built by his 2nd great-grandparents, until graduating from high school in 2000.

After earning a degree in special education from WIU in 2004, he began his teaching career working for SEAPCO at Farmington and then later transferring to Peoria Heights.  He now lives in Hanna City with his wife Allison and two children, Eliza and Leo.

He began researching his family’s history while growing up in his family home; later developing a taste for local history after meeting his wife.

In his spare time he researches and shares some local history findings on:   www.peoriahistory.com

Phil can be contacted at: pcgsarchives@gmail.com