Philena was born in Catharonga County, New York. She married Justus Rhodes Arms March 1, 1839 in Indiana. They were the parents of John, William, Dewitt, Martha, Albert, Louisiana, Sarah, Richard, Horace, Ellen, and Jessie Arms. Philena died at her home in Bridgeport Thursday, aged 65 years, 1 month, and 27 days. There has passed away another of the pioneers of Crawford County and one who leaves behind her many friends to mourn her departure.

Philena was born in New York the 5th day of Dec 1822, where she grew to womanhood. She united with the Free Will Baptist church when she was 14. Soon after her conversion, her parents (Isaac and Persia Latham Scott) moved to Switzerland County, Indiana. That is where she married Justus Arms in 1839. Here one child was born to them, John Riley Arms.

In 1841 she and her husband moved to Freeport, Illinois. Three more children were born to them: William Henry, Clinton D, and Martha Jane Arms.

They remained in Freeport until 1849 when they went to Bridgeport, Crawford Co., Wisconsin. Here were born 2 sons and 4 daughters: Albert Alonzo, Louisian Melissa, Sarah Emeline, Roy R, Ellen Eveline, and Jessie J Arms.

Coming when the county was new, they were used to hardships and the tools of the frontier life. They established themselves a home near the Wisconsin River. Her husband taught school in the old log school house near the brick school house from which he was buried in 1876.

Since his death, Mrs Arms has remained in their home with some of their children. For the past 5 years her son, Roy, and daughter, Jessie, the only 2 unmarried living children, have lived with her. They carry on the farm work and help sweeten the cup of life with their love and devotion.

Four of her children have preceded her to the other shore: John Riley in January 1886, Martha Jane, Sarah Emeline, and Ellen Eveline. Her daughters lie in the cemetery at the back of the school from which she was carried to lie by their sides and that of her husband, Sunday last.

She was taken ill Wednesday January 25 with pneumonia and medical aid was at once summoned. It was soon seen that her lifes work was at a close. It was a matter of but a short time when she would part with those she loved and enter into the rest for which she was prepared. Her children were summoned to her side and farewells spoken.

The ceremony was attended by a very large number of family and friends, many of them unable to find even standing room. Although she had passed from earth, her memory still lives.