The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1886-07-17
CHARGED wfr1I BIGAslY.
A Worry Much Mixed up Case in Which DI-
VOrccS Figure.

VOrccs Figure.
PouoHKEEPsER, N, Y, July 16.-Detsc-
tive Hartmsn, Of Chicago, yesterday en-
tered the oiIlce of John W. Phelps,
Superintendent Of the Fishkill Landing
and Mattewan Water Works, at Fishkill
Landing, and arrested him on charge OF
bigamy. The detective says that in 1876
John W, Phelps was resident OF Spring.
field, Mass, and President Of a railroad
through that place. In 1865 he married.
Helen L. CLARK. Of Northampton, and in
1876 they were living in one OF the finest
places in Springfield, worth $4,000 or
100000. They had a sewing girl named
Fanny Thayer, aud Phelps, becoming in
tatuated with her, went away with her to
Paris, remaining there two years. While
there he sent for his wife, TO effect, if
possible, reconciliation. They met In
Liverpool. Sho returned to America
without him, but he followed soon after
and went to Springfield. In tho mean
time child had been born to him by
Fanno Thayer in Paris,
Phelps lived with his wiie long enough
to get her to sign away the Springfield
home, and then went oil again and joined
Miss Thayer, the two going to Maryland,
where Phelps and his father, Willis
Phelps, were building q railroad. I'm
known to his vile h0 brought divorce
suit, and was given decree. His wife,
learning the TACT, procured counsel, and in
January, 1882, the divorce obtained was
set aside on the ground Of perjury, con-
spirsGy aud fraud. Phelps had gone to
St. Paul, Mimi, with Fanny Thayer,
where he married her, and then went
with her to Washington, whore they
learned that the divorce had been set
aside. They at once started for Canton,
Dakota, and Phelps there started another
divorce proceeding. The suit came up, no
defense being expected. At the opening
OF the court, however, Judge Mart Bangs,
formerly United States District Attorney,
got up and told the Court that he repre-.
sented Helen L. Phelps, and was ready for
the trial. This WAS bomb-shell, and at
once the case on the part OF Phelps Was
adjourned and has not come up since.
Two months ago the legal vile OF Phelpa
accidentally met him in Fourteenth street,
New York, and attempted 10 follow him,
but losing track OF him, she sent for De-
teCtive Hartman. The detective learned
that he was Superintendent of tue Matte
wan and Fishklll Landing Water Works,
and tho arrest followed.
Mr.. Phelps is quiet gentlemanly man
aud very attentive to business. Lis al.
legged wife, Fanny Thayer, ls young and
handsome woman. Phelps has a son by
wife No. l, who has Just been graduated
from Yale College anu is now boarding al
the Mount Guilian House, Fishkill Land.
ing. The father Of the accused man died
at Springfield, Mass, two years ago and
left q will giving his son Henry, who Is q
wealthy resident OF Minnesota, $3.50, 900
out and out, and to John W. the same
amount in trlst-the estate being valued
at $500, ,00O-and the will further states
that under no consideration shall any part
oil the money 10 to Fanny Thayer, The
document Ia now being contested In the
Massachusetts, courts.
The prisoner was taken to the Sheriff's
Office IN Poughkeepsie, and Judge Guern-
sey, OF the County Court, was pent for, to
whom the detective showed requisition
from Governor L. Z. Hubbard, Of Mime
sofa. Then Phelps showed a certificate Of
his marriage with Fanny Thaysr in Jersey
City, on juno 3, 1855, and paper certify.
ing that on July 20, 1881, he was granted
a decree Of divoICs from his wife, Helen
Il. Phelps, In OasI county, Dakota. He
was willing 10 acknowledge his identity as
the man wanted. After Judge Guernsey
decided to deliver Phelps 10 the detective,
Phelps aud the latter had q talk in which
tho prisoner hoped he would not be hand.
CuGed. Tho officer told him he would ex.
tend any reasonable kindness II be would
not abuse the lonienCy shown. Officer
and prisoner started for the West on sn
evening train. -