The record-union., 1894-06-18
WILLIAM WALTER PHELPS.
The EX-Minfster to Germany Dies {
His uonne at CeueYck y. j.

The EX-M1nlSter TO Gefm3uy Dies al
His Home at Teneyck, y. j.
New YORK. June l7.-Ex- Minister
William Walter Phelps died shortly be.
fore clock this morning at his home a.
Teneyck, n. J. He had been i'll "a long
time, and quite recently went South in
the hope that his condition would be inl-
proved. He derived but little benefit
from his Southern trip. however, and but
a short time ago was so Frustrated thai
his physician ordered absolute quiet
Gradually he grew weaker. and for the
past few days his death had been looked
Tor at almost any moment. His physi-
clans paid their last visit al 1918 last
night. He died a few hours. later sur
rounded by his wife and daughter and
his two sons-John j. and Sheffield.
The exact nature of Mr.. Phelps ail-
ment was never definitely stated, but his
illness was primarily from typhoid fever,
which was followed by meningitis and
other complications. He was not natu-
rally of a robust constitution, having in
herited pulmonary troubles.
Mr.. Phelps end was calm, as though
falling into slulnber. Mrs. Phelps is
prostrated, the result of her long watch
by her husbands bedside.
The arrangements for the funeral have
not yet been made. All that has been
decided upon up to the present is that the
services will be held On Wednesday,. 1t
is thought, however, the funeral will be
private. The residence at Teneyck to-
day was closed, and visitors were denied
entrance.
The pastors in the churches at Ten
eyck and vicinity made references to-
day to the death of ex- Minister Phelps.
Among the kilograms of coincidence re-
ceived was one from Mrs. j. q. Blaine,
Governor Werts, Chancellor McGill,
Whitelaw Ried and number of Con-
gressmen and Senators.
The body has been embalmed and ar
rangements begun for the ceremony.
The services will be conducted at 10 A. N.
Wednesday in the Englewood Presby-
terian Church. by Rev. Henry Nj. Booth
of Auburn, lifelong friend of Mr..
Phelps, assisted by Rev. james Ellis.
pastor of the church. The six oldest re-
tainers of the family will bear the casket.
The burial will be in Bushy Hill Gem
etery, near Simsbury, Conn.,, where the
family vault is located.
William Walter Phelps was born in
New York City in 1889. He was gradu-
ated from Yale in 1860 and from Colun bia
Law School in 1863. He soon became at
torney for several railroads and other
corporations.
The death of his father in 1869 and his
inheritance to large estate compelled
him to withdraw from active service and
devote his time TO the management OF his
property. He took up his residence al
Teaneck, and in 1872 was elected to Con-
gress from the Fifth New Jersey Dis
trict. He at once took rank in the House
as "a debater and an able speaker
During the first term he was q mem ber
of the committee sent by the House to
New Orleans TO investigate the outbreak
of the White League against the Louisi-
ana Legislature.
Phelps as United States Minister to Aus
tria. On the change of administration he
at once rendered his resignation and
finally retired i'll August, 1852.
He was Immediately elected to Con-
gress again from his old district and con-
tinued to serve through the Forty eighth,
Forty ninth and Filtieth Congresses.
In the Blaine Presidential campaign
Mr.. Phelps was an active participant, and
the defeat of his candidate was great
blow to him. Mr.. Harrison recognized
very gracefully Mr.. Phelps ability, and
appointed him as Minister to Germany, a
position which he filled with great
dignity and to the satisfaction of his
countrymen, irrespective of party.
On his return from Germany, Phelps
was honored by the appointment as
Judge OF the Court of Appeals, Governor
Wertz appointing him. Soon after his
graduation Phelps married Miss Ellen
Sheffield, daughter OF Joseph Sheffield
of New Haven, Conn. the founder Of the
Sheffield Scientific School of Yale Col
lege. Two children, John Jay Sheffield
aud daughter, the wife of Herr Franz
Won Rottenberg, were the issue OF his
marriage. Phelps leaves a fortune OF
about Sl0,000,0OO.