W. H. PHELPS

That the life history of W. H. Phelps is a record of success is due to the persistent effort and intelligently directed industry which he displayed through the many years of his connection with the agricultural interests of Cedar county. One of Ohio’s native sons, he was born in Salem on the 16th of November, 1845, a son of Henry and Phoebe (Knowles) Phelps, the former born in England and the latter in Ohio. They were married in the latter state and came to Iowa in the spring of 1850, the father here engaging in the occupation of farming until the opening of hostilities between the north and south, when he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. It was while on active duty that he met his death in St. Louis in 1862, laying down his life on the altar of his country. His wife passed away in Cedar county. In their family were seven children, who were as follows: W. H., of this review; Rhoda, the deceased wife of Rev. Miller; David, who has also passed away, leaving a family; Sarah, the wife of William Mills, of Ohio; Susan, residing in Chicago; Joseph, making his home in Downey, Cedar county; and Lydia, who passed away in childhood.

A little lad of five years when he came with his parents to Iowa, W. H. Phelps has therefore spent the greater part of his life in this state, and since that time, with the exception of ten years spent in Jones county, he has been a resident of Cedar county, with whose agricultural interests he has been closely identified for many years. In the district schools near his father’s home he acquired his education and in the broader school of experience learned many lessons concerning the value of industry, perseverance and integrity. Reared to farming, he wisely chose that as his occupation when, upon attaining his majority, he entered the business world on his own account. His beginning was a small one but having early learned the lesson that success must be purchased at the price of earnest, well defined labor, he diligently applied himself and with the passing years his efforts have been crowned with substantial success. For about thirty years he has resided upon his present farm, consisting of over three hundred acres located on section 33, Iowa township, all highly cultivated and equipped with the latest improvements for facilitating farm labor, while everything about the place indicates that he is in touch with the modern spirit of progress which is manifest in agricultural lines.

It was in 1865 that Mr. Phelps was united in marriage to Miss Susan Long, a native of Iowa township, where she was born in 1845, and a daughter of W. C. and Elizabeth (Cobert) Long. Unto this union have been born seven children, as follows: Gilbert H., at home; Stewart, a resident of Iowa township; Luther, also making his home with his parents; Augusta, the wife of Foster Maxon, of Iowa township; Alice, who wedded Harvey Horld, residing near Lone Tree, Iowa; and John and Orpha, yet under the parental roof.

Deeply interested in political affairs, Mr. Phelps has for many years been an active worker in the republican ranks, deeming the principles of that organization most conducive to good government. He has represented his party as a delegate at numerous county and state conventions and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various township offices. He has for about fifteen years served as one of the township trustees, is now justice of the peace, which office he has filled for several terms, and is also one of the township committeemen. His appreciation of the responsibilities that have rested upon him in connection with public office and his promptness and faithfulness in the discharge of all duties in connection therewith, have made him a most acceptable incumbent, his services not only bringing credit to himself but honor to his constituents. Ever loyal to the best interests of Cedar county, he has always been found on the side of improvement, advancement, reform and progress, and these qualities have constituted him a most valuable citizen in the community where he has so long resided.