Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1864-05-11
[For the Leader.l
NJ. are-.5 NIL

I
that surround US, to say one word in me-
morium Of one so long known and so high
ly valued. The father Of the deceased was
one Of the most daring Of the young off,
GERS Of the Revolution. He himself, sus-
tanned that fathers name in the war Of
1912, while two gallant sons, Lieutenant
Commander s. L. Phelps, the second Off
Ger Of the Mississippi Flotilla, one Of the
most accomplished officers of the navy,
and Alfred Phelps, Jr, who commsnds
one Of the boats in the same waters, were
at their posts OF danger on the days Of
their fathers decesse and funeral
Thus three generations Of noble and
fortunate men have illustrated their devo-
ton to their country by fighting her bat
ties in every national war since the day Of
her birth. The subject Of this notice was
a son Of tie late Judge Seth Phelps, and
was born at Aurora, New York, in 1892
Sixty years ago he was present at the
erection Of the first dwelling in Psrkman,
Gesuga county. What a troop Of vivid
and cherished memories spring out Of the
graves Of thefburied years at sush state
ment; carrying one back to the early
time to within two years Of the formation
Of the State Government. The days Of
scattered cabins in interminsble woods,
Of pioneer life and simple habits; Of warm
hearts and strong willing hands, away
back to the early days Of Teeumseh, before
the fierce Indian battles that were to re-
deem the forests; before the old time sea
fight of Perry Of the lovely Lake l be-
lieve the building referred to was the resi-
dence Of the late Judge Parkman, a broth
erin law Of Mr.. Phelps, and the laborers
Of that memorable occasion we're gathered
from an extent Of country that has since
furnished two or three regiments for this
var For that band Of weather tanned
workers Phelps was cock, and was for
many years the single survivor.
He remained with his broiher-in- law
many years, and took charge of the com
misssrist. He often, when but twelve
and fourteen years Of age, traversed alone
the thirty miles Of wilderness of swamp,
woods and unbridged rivers between Park
man and .Psinsville He took naturally to
wood craft; was an expert fisherman,
bold and skillful hunter, and his chivsl,
rous and romantic temperament found an
ample field in the stirring scenes Of pio-
neer life.
On the breaking out Of the war Of 1872,
he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the
regular service by Mr.. Madison, and ss-
signed to duty on the Nisgars frontier.
He took an active part in all the early and
unfortunate affairs that marked the open
ing campaigns of that struggle. BE was
with Scott st QueeDston. In crossing the
river on that expedition Of disaster, his
boat was driven by the current below the
point Of debsrkstion, and stranded at a
place where the bank was very preeipit-
GUS. Exposed as his party Was, to storm
Of musketry from above, young Phelps
instantly formed his fraction Of a oompa.
ny, and with fixed bsyonets dsringly
charged up the heights. he had an eye
brow shot away, and, covered with blood,
be with half dozen, gained the summit,
when, after hand to handI struggle, they
we're oyerpowered and made prisoners.
he was for many months prisoner on
parole at Albany, where he met aud was
known TO many OF the leading men of that
time. He Wss present much Of the time
during the celebrated trial Of General
Hull before a court marital. 1 do not
know at what time he left the army. he
has since met his old commander Of
Queension, BY whom he was known and
esteemed
After be left the army Mr.. Phelps re-
turned to Ohio, where he studied Law with |
his brother in-law, Judge Parkmsn, and |
commenced its practice when Pease, the |
elder Tod, the senior Hitchcock, Alfred |
Kelly, Reubin Wood, Ssmuel Wheeler.
sViiii,.la Z. Perkins, snd the men Of that
,lass were IN their prime.
He had received a thorough academic
course, as believe, at his native sDd dear
y loved village Of Aurora.
In 1920 he was married to Carrie Tows-
y. The union was one OF rare felicity.
They became the parents of six children,
i've Of whom, with the mother, survive
aim. In 1924 Mr. Phelps, as Prosecuting
of Gesuga county, convicted the
,nly man ever executed in thst county.
IN 1884 he established the first paper at
Jhsrdon, the Spectator and Gazette, which
ie conducted with marked ability for four
7ears. In 1913 he was elected TO the Leg
stature, and subsequently reelected.
iAfter the formation Of the present State
Constitution he was three times elected
'robste Judge Of Geaugs county. For the
sst few years be had in measure retired
rom active life, and had recently before
lis death, arranged to remove to Cleveland.
o reside with his son, s. H. Phelps. Mr., |
Phelps was in many respects q very su- {
'erior man. An intellect of high osps-
'ility, had been enlarged and developed
y early thorough culture 3 person of
me natural advantages, inyigorsted by
'iones9 life, and improved by military
upon which the ease and grace Of ]
olished life sat naturally, united 10 pro- ,
uce in him sn accomplished gentleman,
nth the dignity Of the old school, and the
reedom Of manners Of the man. Socially l
% man was more loved by those admitted 1
0 his intimacy, and universally no enc /
Tas more respected and trusted. With an
Intensity Of love that would tolerate no
slsehood or stain, his life has been one Of
smsrksble purity. a
Amorbid difidence prevented his aohiev-
lg the first honors Of his profession,
lough possessing a mind Of great vigor
nd clesrness. In legislation hisintimate s
nowledge Of the wants Of the State, cul. d
Ire and industry, made him most valua-
Le. The structure and habit Of his mind,
fined tastes, elevated sentiments and ?
,urse Of reading fitted him well for sue a
'ssful literary career, but he Wus singu- g
'rly unsmbitious, alike at the bar, in =
olitics and private life.
The surviving fragments of the broken P
relies, in which he longest moved, will o
,gretfully remember him as the spirited, n
gh-souled boy, the generous and prom
ing youth, the daring soldier, the ripen- L
man Of various attainment, and the n
al gent emsn. They will cherish him Il
! memory ss the wise and trusted coun- /,
llor, the steady friend, the true neigh >
II, and good man. &
The most afflicted group, are sacred P
ON reference e,
Though ripe in years, we cannot but re- d
'et that Mr. Phelns oould mt bova hao,