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John Phelps is a native of Greenfield, Franklin County Mass. and at the age of 17 went to Hartford CT where he remained for 8 years as clerk in a store, and in 1844 came to Whiteside County and settled in Fulton. He at first entered the store of Augustine Phelps as a clerk, and afterwards became a partner, the firm name being A & J Phelps. The firm continued to do business until the death of the senior partner, when Mr. Phelps commenced as a merchant upon his own account. In 1855 he disposed of his store to Patrick & Hollinshead, and since that time has not engaged in business. Mr. Phelps at an early day took an active part in behalf of the interest of Fulton, and has been frequently called upon by his fellow citizens to hold public positions, having been School Director, Township School Treasurer, Supervisor and Assessor of the town, Alderman of the city, etc. He still resides on his old homestead near the river.
Pg 189-190 Bent-Wilson 1877
John Phelps, deceased, an early pioneer merchant of Fulton and one of the 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 drygoods 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 Collinsville, 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.
Portraits and Biographical 1895 - Pg 300
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