Philip S. Binkley was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Dec. 23, 1832, the second son of John and Catherine (Shissler) Binkley, who were born, reared and married in Lancaster County, and were of German descent. In the spring of 1835 they moved to Cambridge City, Wayne Co., Ind., where John Binkley worked at the tailor's trade, and was also associated with Benjamin Conklin in the mercantile business in Germantown for some time. His children were---Henry, Philip S., Mary (deceased), Benjamin, Jonathan (deceased), John and Samuel (deceased). Their father died at the age of thirty-five years, and his widow afterward married Charles Morris. She died in February, 1883, aged seventy-two years. Our subject came to Wayne County with his father who died in October, 1842. Philip lived with his Uncle Wilson Jones on a farm, and afterward worked for a time in the store of F. Johnsonbaugh. He attended school winters till he was seventeen years of age, when he learned the trade of wagon-making with his Uncle Samuel Binkley. He soon after went to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, but not liking it he returned to his former trade and became a partner in the firm, doing an extensive business for a number of years, manufacturing wagons and buggies. The firm also manufactured the first wheat drills in the State known as the Lewis Moore patent. He sold his manufacturing interests and purchased an interest in the dry-goods trade of George M. Sowers, of Germantown, the firm name having been Sowers & Shoff; was then changed to Shoff & Binkley, and while in business was Postmaster of Germantown. He was also Justice of the Peace for a time. He entered several hundred acres of land in Iowa, and with two other parties constructed a saw-mill in that State. In July, 1862, he enlisted in Company C., Fifth Indiana Cavalry, and was elected Second Lieutenant of his company. He returned home in 1863, and engaged in the mercantile business, and in 1869 moved to his farm of 160 acres. In 1879 he leased his farm for three years, residing in Germantown till the lease expired, since which he has lived on his farm, engaged in agricultural pursuits. During the war, when Morgan invaded the State, a company was formed for defense, of which Mr. Binkley was chosen Captain. In politics he is a Republican. In 1856 he married Margaret, daughter of Samuel and Mary Binkley. They have had five children, three now living---Mary A., Edwin P. and Robert E. Everett and Philmar are deceased.

History of Wayne County, Indiana;
Volume II, (1884)
Harrison Township
p. 500 & 501