Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1855-03-30
Death of Hon, Samuel =, Phelps.

The'hcalth of Judge PnELps has been less
firm than usual, for several weeks past. Since
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 cx-
cited, his illness being attributed mainly to
the effects OF cold He had faithful medi-
cal care and attendance, and hopes were en-
tcrtained of his soon recovering his ordinary
degree of health. On Friday and Saturday
his symptoms appeared less favorable, though
without any very marked change. a little
after noon on Sunday, he had a lainting turn,
after which he rested until nearly two
o'clock, when he again complained of FAINT
nest, from which he was relieved by restora-
tivcs. Soon after, however, n few minutes
before two o'clock, he tainted once more,
and was quickly beyond the reach of aid. lie
had convcrsed readily, up to nearly the last
moment of his life, with those who were in
constant attendance upon him. lie died at
last without struggle. There remained on
his countenancc an expression of perfect
serenencss and composure. His disease was
introcession of rheumatism.
Hon. SAMUEL S. PHELPS was horn at Ltch
field, Conn, May ID, 1893. lie died March
%, lS55-and was, consequently, nearly six
ty-two years of age
lie graduated at Yale College. in 1871,
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 profess
sional studies in the Office of Hon. IoratiC
Seymour. lie served in the war Of 1872, il
the ranks, ut Burlington and Pittsburgh
and was subsequently appointed Paymastei
in the service, by President Madison.
At the close Of his term of service, he re
turned to Middlcbury, and was adm tilted t
the bar in 1914. lie continued in the en-
joyment Of an extensive and successful prac
tice until his election as n Judge OF thu
Supreme Court Of this State in 1891. II
had previously served Tin 1920 as membe
Of the Council of Ccnsors--the address pu
forth by this council having been written b.
him. lie was also chosen and served as
member Of the Legislative Council in 1881
As jurst and advocate, it is well known
he had few equals in New England.
lie was continued on the Supreme Bench
by successive reflections, annually, unit
1898, when he was elected a United State
Senator for six years from the 4th of Marc
following. At the close of this term, he wa
reelected for the term ending March 4, 1851
In January. 1858, he was appointed by Coy
Fairbanks to fill the vacancy occasioned b
TIC death OF Senator lpham. and serve
through the remainder OF that session.
We need hardly speak Of the reputation {
Mr.. Phelps both as Senator and Judge. II
decisions are among the richest legal trea
ur,s Of the State. None to be found in OF
REPORTS, are, VIC believe, esteemed moi
highly, both for their clearncss and force
language, and for their through analysis an
scrutiny of the case in all its bearing
As Senator, his influence wa. always grea
and with a single exception, VIC douf
whether New England has ever sent h
, equal in ability and power, to the high'
branch Of Congress.
j. Since the close Of his public career. he hi
sought enjoyment in the quiet Of home, ar
, in the peaceful and hcalthful occupations
Io Gt''.u "iii gtcatiy mourn MS loss. 1
will be lamentcd throughout the nation,
one of its chiei men. Nor will they su #
> his memory to perish, during the years
come. -M'dd'ebury Register.