John lived in Cannifton, Ontario. He drove the mail from Montreal to meet the pony express for the West.
Household Record 1881 Canadian Census:
Name; Marital Status; Gender; Ethnic Origin; Age; Birthplace; Occupation; Religion
John Phillips; M; Male; German; 56; Ontario; Teamster; E. Methodist
Elizabeth Phillips; M; Female; Irish; 55; Ireland; E. Methodist
William Phillips; Male; German; 22; Ontario; Laborer; E. Methodist
John Phillips; Male; German; 20; Ontario; Blacksmith; E. Methodist
Frank Phillips; Male; German; 18; Ontario; Laborer; E. Methodist
Source Information: Census Place Thurlow, Hastings East, Ontario