Phillis was born around 1775-1790. She joined the First Congregational Church in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1804, and was described in the church record as "Phillis, Mr. Strong's Negro Woman." This might have been Judge Simeon Strong. Phillis married Zacheus Fenimore and they had one child, Augustus Caesar, born around 1800. By 1820, they were living in their own home in Amherst. At some point, perhaps after Zacheus died, Phillis lived in Judge Strong's home in Amherst. She left a will dated September 25, 1833:
To my son Caesar Augustus Finnimore I give my bed bedding and bed-stead- all the residue of my property of every description." I give and bequeath to my Grand-children Harriet Lucinda and Samuel Augustus children of my son Caesar Augustus. To have and to hold the same to them the said Harriet Lucinda and Samuel Augustus to them and their heirs forever.
Sources Consulted
History of the Black Population of Amherst, Massachusetts, pp. 11, 70
Massachusetts Wills & Probate Records 1635-1991 (Ancestry)