Bobby Phillips

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	Bobby Phillips


	by Jim Cummings

What can be said about Bobby Phillips that has not been said around campfires for years. Bob has been a re-enactor since the 1970’s around the bicentennial in 1976. He began as a mountain man but changed over to a continental re-enactor.

Bobby states that the Revolutionary War period is the time frame he likes best. And 1780 when the war was coming to a close and Kentucky was starting to take shape is his second choice.

Bobby is an avid history nut, he reads constantly. He says the more he reads the more he wants to read. “I’m very outspoken when it comes to history. If a question is asked and answered wrong, I butt right in and voice my opinion. Then I let the chips fall where they may. It gets me into a lot of heated arguments, but it’s all in fun.

Mary Ann (Bobby’s wife and life long companion) is a re-enactor also. And by the way if there is ever a re-enactor saint - it would have to be Mary Ann. She admits Bobby can be a challenge.


	Two of Bobby’s grandchildren are also into re-enacting along with their mother (Bobby’s daughter-in-law) Debbie. The Phillips try to make it a family affair.

Bobby is also an accomplished gun maker and gun smith. He likes to black powder hunt. “I love the outdoors, and I like doing outdoor things. “

I’ve been in this hobby a long time and I’ve met a lot of people I can call my friends. Some are gone now, and I’m meeting the younger generation of re-enactors and helping them get started in the right direction. This hobby can get quite expensive and you don’t want to get something that you don’t need.

At Painted Stone Settlers we have a mentoring program for new members. We pair them with a more experienced member that can guide them. paintedstonesettlers.org

“Our history is one of the greatest assets we have. “ says Bobby Phillips.


	AN INTERVIEW WITH BOBBY PHILLIPS

JIM: How long has your family been in Shelby County.

BOBBY: My family has been here since the early 1800’s.

JIM: What made you get into re-enacting and how many people have you tuned in to re-enacting?

BOBBY: I like guns and history. And both of them go together in re-enacting. And there have been several people I’ve brought into this hobby.

JIM: Tell us one of the funniest things that has happened to you in re-enacting.

BOBBY: There have been so many. And they have always been alcohol related.

JIM: You have an extensive library and I know you read extensively. About how many books are in your library?

BOBBY: I have over 200 books ranging from the Colonial Period through early Kentucky, to out West and also the Civil War. It all fascinates me.

JIM: What books would you recommend for someone just starting out in Re-enacting?

Bobby: I would highly recommend Muzzle Loading magazine. It has short stories and guns and ammo info. It just covers everything. And one of my favorite books is The Spirit of ‘76.

JIM: Tell us your favorite historical figure.

BOBBY: Well that’s a hard one. Most people automatically say Daniel Boone or Simon Kenton but to me George Washington was one of the greatest. He did it all. He was a surveyor, explorer, soldier, General, statesman and of course President. He did it all.

JIM: Who do you portray when you step into your re-enacting persona?

BOBBY: Well I really don’t have a specific person. I guess I portray just one of the hunter pioneer types. If I was to pick out a type it would have to be a craftsman of some sort. Maybe a gunsmith or a blacksmith. History is full of everyday people - not just the leaders

JIM: Bobby, about how many guns have you made over the last four or five years?

BOBBY: Eight rifles, eight pistols and a pocket pistol. I carve the stocks of each one out of blocks of wood, then I also do the decorative carving on them.

JIM: How long have you been a barber in Shelbyville?

BOBBY: Since 1972.

JIM: How much longer do you plan to pursue this hobby?

BOBBY: I’ve been at it so long that I can’t even imagine not doing it. But I admit that some of the luster has gone out of it. But my grandchildren always rekindle my spirit.

JIM: How many organizations do you belong to?

BOBBY: Well - Shelby County Historical Society, The Painted Stone Settlers, American Mountain Men, The 2nd North Carolina Regiment and also belongs to The Butlers Rangers a British regiment formed within The Painted Stone Settlers.


	AUTHOR’S NOTE: Bobby also contributed an article to the new Shelby County History book that is currently on sale. I’ve known Bob for four years now and there’s no doubt about it - he is an original. Just like a Radio Shack salesman - you’ve got questions - Bobby has answers. I’m proud to call him a friend.