Thomas Phillips was born in about 1821 to William and Hannah (nee Gregory), the third of their 12 children. He was baptised at Boldre church on 19th March 1826 when he was 6 years old. They lived where the property called the Saeter is now.

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The 1841 census lists Thomas, aged 19, as living in East End with his parents and 7 siblings.

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Thomas was married to Jane Thomas on 8th October 1842 at Boldre church by the Rev Charles Shrubb. Their marriage certificate notes his occupation as a labourer. ​They had two children, George (b 1842) and Louise (b 1844).

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​​Thomas was baptised to become a member of the Baptist church on 9th April 1843.

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The 1861 census describes him as living with Jane and 20 year old son George in Beaulieu Rails and farming 4 acres of land assisted by George.

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Thomas died 3 years later and was buried on the 11th July 1867 by the Rev John Bartlett Burt.

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The epitaph is a quote from the Book of Numbers 23:10.