Philips, David M.

Born at Amsterdam, The Netherlands; attended the Dutch school for the deaf at Groningen; emigrated to the U.S. in 1830 and learned English with the help of David G. Seixas (q.v.). Moved to New Orleans in 1839 and became a member of the local fire company; held other municipal jobs such as lamplighter, deputy jailer, and police clerk; served for a time as a lieutenant colonel in the Governor's Horse Guards of Louisiana, filling many offices competently.