Parents of John Edward Phillips Sullivan CO TN

Looking for the parents of John Edward Phillips (ca 1788?). John and Elizabeth with children are found on 1850 census in Sullivan Co., TN. Son Benjamin Phillips (d. Vicksburg, MS) m. Matilda Jane Miller Phillips. Have had no luck locating John's father. Family rumor has that it was a George Washington Phillips and Elizabeth Phillips? May not be accurate. Direction or help would be appreciated.