Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-03-31
DEATH OF Hon. SAMUEL S. PHELPS.

Judge PHELPS is no more. Words are in
adequate to express the emotions excited by this
most sudden and painful announcement, when
it first rapidly spread through our community
1t was day of profound sadness and sorrow,
nor has the veil of gloom yet been raised from
our hearts. A great man has lallen-a noble
man of whom his fellow citizens were proud,
whom they admired and honored "'Tis meet
that we should mourn.'
The heaith Of Judge Phelps had been less
firm than usual, for several weeks past Since
a week ago last Saturday, when he returned
from attending court at Rutland, he had been
confined to his room, and mostly to his bed
Serious alarm, however, was not excited his
illness being attributed mainly to the effects of
cold. He had faithful medical care and at
tendance, and hopes were entertained of his
soon recovering his ordinary degree of health.
On Friday and Saturday, his symptoms appear
ed less favorable, though without any very
marked change. A little after noon GU Sun
day, he had a fainting turn, after which he rest
ed until nearly two O'Clock, when he again
complained of faintness, from which he was
relieved by restoraiives. Soon ailer, however,
few minutes before two o'clock, he tainted once
more, and was quickly beyond the reach of aid
He had conversed readily, up to nearly the last
moment Of bis life, with those who were in
constant attendance upon him. He died at last
without struggle There remained on his
couDtenance an expression Of perfect sereneness
and composure. His disease was inirocession
of rheumatism.
Hon. SAMUEL s. PHELPS was born at Litch-
field, Conn, May l2, 1893. He died March 25,
is55-and was, consequently, nearly sixty-two
years of age.
He graduated at Yale College, in 1911, and
in the ensuing winter commenced the study Of
Law at the Litchfeld Law School, under the
tuition of Hon. Tapping Reeve and Judge
Gould. In the following spring he removed to
this place, continuing his professional studies
in the office Of Hon. Horaiio Seymour. He
served in the war Of 1919, in the ranks, at
burlington and Plattsburg, and was subsequent
ly appointed Paymas,er in the Service, by Pres
ident Madison.
AT the close Of his term of service, he re-
turned to Middlebury, and was admitted 10 the
bar in 1914. He continued in the enjoyment
of an extensive and successful practice until his
election as Judge of the Supreme Court OF
this State, in 1891. He had previously served
lin 1927 as a member of the Council of Cen
sors-the address put forth by this council hav-
ing been written by him. He was also chosen
and served as a member of the Legislative
Council in 1891. aaaE
AS jurist and advocate, il is well known, he
hal few equals in New England.
He was continued on the Supreme Bench
by successive reflections, annually, until 1888,
when he was elected United States Senator
for six years from the 9TH Of March following,
At the close of this term, he was reelected fol
the term ending March A, 1851, Ia January
1853, he was appointed by Gov. Fairbanks tc
fill The vacancy occasioned by the death of Sen
aior uPham, and served through the remainder
Of that session.
We need hardly speak Of the reputation o