Born in Walkerton Indiana, after his parents had left the family farm in Wolf Lake. It is not known why GWI sold the farm and began to move the family west.

Pha attended school in Chicago, how often or for how long is not known, the family records to not have any graduation records for Pha.

One of the schools Pha will attend is Sheridan Elementary16

Phil Sheridan was erected in 1888. There is no written history so information is sketchy of its early years. Phil Sheridan is located on 9000 S. Exchange Ave. Phil Sheridan was originally called the 93rd St. School when moved from Hyde Park on Sept. 17, 1890. It was officially named after General Philip Henry Sheridan on Jan. 24, 1912. Like all the other schools in South Chicago, Sheridan grew and taught immigrant children during the early 1900's. And like the others, over-crowding was always a problem. Additions had to be added in 1896, 1925, and 1961. In 1998 the school was renamed to the Arnold Mireles Academy. 37

Came west with GWI and family about 1901. Was in Spokane for a while and worked for the Gas Company and played baseball.9

Pha does not appear to have a stable career throughout his life. His work history is documented in an job application for Pipe coverer and Insulator in 1939 with 11th Civil Service District.16

1900 Census - Chicago Ward 33, Cook County, Street 77th, House Number 59. Single age 15, Clerk Grocery.

Job list:16
1900 - 1902 Marshall ?
1902 - 1905 Seattle Gas
1906 - 1907 Nelson Gas Company (Nelson BC?)

1907 Spent a number of months in California - LA area.

1907 - 1909 D. Wright (Huetter Idaho) - Mill Maintenance
Marcus D. Wright was married to Bertie Piper (daughter of John J. Piper) Owned Lumber, Railroad Ties and Mills

May 1908 - Pha working in Seattle, locaton referred to as “the store” It is Sherman and Clay and Pha is selling Victrola’s. GWI Diary

June 1908 “Pha is home tonight, developing pictures” GWI Diary

Oct 4 1908 Pha arrives in Portland, no work with Sherman Clay, works with GWI for a while.

Oct 17 1908 Takes a job at Portland Gas.

1908 Nov 30 - Pha quits Gas Company to work with CV in Vancouver (Mason Risch). Has been in Portland since Oct 4 and has been dating Bess

1909 - 1914 Mason Risch (Piano Company-Sales, his brother CV worked for Mason Risch for years)

Also spent some time in Portland with the family, this time period is undocumented. His wedding to Bessie Yeo is in Portland. An interesting note is that GWI, his father, does not attend Pha’s wedding in 1910 but notes it in his diary.5

Worked for CV in Vancouver BC for a while at the Mason Risch store. Then will move to Regina, SK
Was in Regina Saskatchewan Canada working for Mason Riech during the great tornado of 191216

Land certificate from October 1912 records Pha's purchase of two lots in the Mount Royal addition to the city of Regina, Saskatchewan. Address is listed as Regina, Saskatchewan, job listed as Salesman.

June 12, 1913 Infant son dies and is buried in Winnipeg.

In 1914 the contract is paid off and he receives the land title free and clear. His address at this time is listed as Winnipeg in Manitoba and his job is listed as Salesman with Mason & Risch Limited.

Lived at the Lothian Apartments, Winnipeg, Canada

There is a tax receipts for 1917 on the Regina Property.

Did some selling and traveling in Washington state during the period 1916-191910

1916 - 1918 Grote Ranskin Co. Furniture stores in Seattle and Spokane.

1919 Living at 964 Garfield Ave, Portland OR

1918 -1919 Standifer Pipe (Shipyards)

Dec 11, 1918 Pha joins the United Association of Plumbers and Steam Fitters as a Marine Helper in Vancouver WA. Card No. 176810 Local 746

Pha had a Withdrawal Card from the United Associates of Plumbers and Steam Fitters Union dated May 1919 from Vancouver WA.

1920 Census shows Pha employed as a Dealer in Auto Accecories. 476 Jarrett Street. Portland Oregon

1920 - 1924 F. S. Hamon - Furniture Company Portland and Tacoma
Marcia Aurelius quote “Had a big family, sold furniture."8

1921 Infant son dies in Portland Oregon. Address is given as 1039 Garfield Ave, Portland OR

Returns to Seattle area some time around 1924

1924 - 1932 J. F Preston Used Car Company Seattle. Westlake Ave.

1926 Rita, Elizabeth, and LaDora are attending Lafayette School in Seattle. Address for the family is 3027 38th Ave SW Seattle. This address no longer exists, 3017 is now a double lot in West Seattle.

Starting in 1928 Pha begins to borrow against and cash in Life Insurance Policies purchased in the early 1920s.

1928 Living at 5443 45th Ave SW Seattle

1929 Living at 5443 45th Ave SW Seattle

1930 Census - 5443 45th Ave SW Seattle - Renting $20 a month, Bessie and children listed, occupation Salesman, Automobile.

1931 -Living at 5443 45th Ave SW Seattle

1933 - 1934 Employed with CWA16

1935 - 1939 WPA16
Family reports have him working for the WPA during the depression. (West Seattle Golf Course and Lincoln Park, both in West Seattle.)38

1939 - 1940 ERN
7154 32nd S.W. Seattle (1939)

1940 Census - 7154 32nd S.W. Seattle (Census says they were living at this address in 1935.

7014 2nd Ave Seattle (Ballard)(1940)

October 1941 At the above address. Pha is working at the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton WA. Will spend a number of years in the Bremerton Naval Ship yard as a pipe fitter.

Pha and family will be evicted from the home at 7014 2nd Ave Seattle (Ballard) in October of 1944

By January 1945 Pha and family are listed at 1404 W 61st Street Seattle.

Starting in 1951, will be living at 3025 W. Graham St Seattle (Housing Authority of the City of Seattle, West Seattle, Hi Point Units 400, 133 and 525)


Pha and family will live in a variety of locations and homes over the years. The family will always be renters.

Addresses of residence (year)
655 Granville St Vancouver Canada
659 Granville St Vancouver Canada

5343 44th Seattle (West Seattle)
6753 32nd Seattle (West Seattle)
704 31st Seattle

5100 61st Seattle (Ballard)