Whiteside County IL Archives Biographies.....Phelps, John ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00003.html#0000719 January 31, 2008, 1:10 am Author: Portrait/Bio Album, Whiteside County IL 1885 John Phelps, deceased, an early pioneer merchant of Fulton and one of Her most enterprising and respected citizens, was born in Greenfield, Franklin Co., Mass., April 8, 1819. His parents were John and Almeda (Newton) Phelps, of English descent. When 16 years of age John went to Hartford, Conn., where he was employed as a clerk in a dry-goods store nine years. In 1844 he came to Fulton, Ill., where he formed a partnership with an elder brother, Augustine Phelps, under the firm name of A. and J. Phelps, dealers in general merchandise. The firm continued to do business until the death of Mr. Augustine Phelps, after which Mr. John Phelps carried on the business alone till 1855, when he sold out to Patrick & Hollinshead. He then built the stone warehouse on the levee, and was engaged in warehouse business for some years. He was married at Fulton, in June, 1848, to Miss Ellen Humphries, daughter of C. and Almira Humphries, and step-daughter of John Baker, the first white settler at Fulton. Mrs. Phelps was born at Collinsviile, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps had two children, a daughter and son: Hattie N. is the widow of Robert Robinson; the son, Dwight, married Louise C. Stetler, and is a resident of Iowa. In the fall of 1853 Mr. Phelps and Judge James McCoy purchased a printing-press and office outfit in St. Louis; but as the steamer having the press on board was caught in the ice at Rock Island, it was not until the following spring that it reached its destination. The first paper was issued in May, 1854, and was called the Whiteside Investigator. This was the first paper published at Fulton. Mr. Phelps took an active part in the early railroad projects, and was chosen a member of the first Board of Directors of the Mississippi & Rock River Junction Railroad, and aided materially in securing the construction of the first railroad to Fulton. He was frequently chosen to fill public positions, and served as School Director, Assessor, Township School Treasurer, Supervisor of the town, Alderman of the city and Township Clerk. He was a prominent Freemason, having taken the highest degree in that order, being a member of Fulton City Lodge, No. 189, A. F. & A. M., of which he was an officer many years. He was also a member and officer of Fulton Chapter, No. 108, R. A. M., and of the Dixon Commandery and Freeport Consistory. In politics he was Republican. Mr. Phelps was a man of many noble qualities, and remarkable for a keen sense of honor and the strictest integrity. His word was considered as good as his bond. While among his fellow citizens he was known as "Honest John Phelps." He lost his wife, an estimable lady, Oct. 10, 1877, and for several years prior to his death he was not in business, but lived quietly at his old homestead in the company of his only daughter, Mrs. Robinson. His death occurred Feb. 5, 1884. Additional Comments: Portrait and Biographical Album of Whiteside County, Illinois, Containing Full- page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1885. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/whiteside/bios/phelps2116nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 3.7 Kb