Background
Phifer, Robert Smith was born on August 5, 1882 in “Burleigh,” Person Company, North Carolina, United States. Son of Professor Robert Smith and Isabella Hunt (McGehee) Phifer.
Phifer, Robert Smith was born on August 5, 1882 in “Burleigh,” Person Company, North Carolina, United States. Son of Professor Robert Smith and Isabella Hunt (McGehee) Phifer.
Educated under father (a classical scholar), and at Hampden-Sidney College, class of 1903.
Various lines of business until 1907. City editor Danville (Virginia) Daily Register. Manager “Burleigh,” 1911, 12.
Began practice of law at Jackson, Mississippi, 1913.
Counselor State Tax Commission of Mississippi, 1921-1923. Appointed attorney for state revenue department of Mississippi, 1924.
Counselor of the attorney general’s office, Mississippi, 1925-1927. Counselor, governor’s office, 1928-1933.
Assisted attorney general in defending initiative and referendum amendment to Constitution of Mississippi.
Defended (without pay) Charles Keller who killed 4 men in one day—now in State Insane Asylum. Attorney for Hinds Company (Mississippi) Draft Board, World War.
Served as private, 2d and First lieutenant, Virginia Volumes, and aide-de-camp to General Vaughan. Member American, Mississippi and Hinds Company bar associations, Mississippi History Society, Swedenburg Scientific Association, National Single Tax League, National Popular Government League, Society Colonial Wars, Society of the Cincinnati, South.R., Sons of the American Revolution, Order of Washington, Order of LaFayette, Society War of 1812, Sons of Confederate Veterans (associate), Huguenot Society of South Carolina., et cetera Mason (32deg.).
Married Corinne Elise Williamson, of Jackson, Mississippi, January 15, 1913. Children: Isabella Glenn, Calhoun Williamson.