PHELPS, Barna / Barney W. 1822-1901

PHELPS

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 11/13/2012 at 18:07:57

The remains of Barney Phelps, one of our former citizens, was brought here for burial Saturday morning. He leaves several children to mourn his loss. The funeral services were held in the M.E. church conducted by Rev. Gibbons.
~Elkader Register, Thursday, February 14, 1901 (Strawberry Point column)

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Barna W. Phelps was born in Chautauqua county, New York, Oct. 5, 1822 and died at Chatsworth, Iowa Feb 7, 1901, aged 78 years.

In 1855 he came to Iowa, crossing the Mississippi river to Dubuque in a row boat. There being no railroad west of Dubuque he walked from that place to Strawberry Point where he located.

In 1862 he enlisted in Co. B, 21st Iowa Vol. Infantry and early in 1863 was commissioned 2d Lieutenant. He served in a number of engagements. Was at the siege of Vicksburg and just before the fall of that place was sent home broken in health.

He cast his first ballot for Henry Clay walking five hundred miles from Philadelphia to his home in New York for that purpose.

Mr. Phelps was a resident of Waucoma for nine years and was a kindly, courteous gentleman, respected by all. He was also an honored member of Sutherland Post G.A.R.

There is left to mourn the loss of a kind father, five children, four sons and one daughter.

The funeral services were held at Strawberry Point Saturday, conducted by the G.A.R. Posts of that place and Arlington.

~Waucome Sentinel, reprinted in the Arlington News, February 21, 1901