Biographical Sketch of
Willis Phelps
Transcribed by Sandy Boudrou Source: Memorial and Biographical Record and Illustrated Compendium of Biography of Citizens of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, Wisconsin, published 1901 by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1901, Pages 442 - 443 Willis Phelps, a well-known farmer residing on section 21, Lincoln township, Adams county, is one of the heroes of the War of the Rebellion, and is deserving of special mention in the annals of his county, state and nation, for the part he has played as a patriotic citizen. A native of New York, he was born in Hastings, Oswego county, December 3, 1842, and is a son of Edwin D. and Sally A. (Keeler) Phelps, the former born in Vermont in 1818, the latter in New York in 1820. The father, who was a cooper by trade, came to Adams county, Wisconsin, in 1851, and throughout the remainder of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. Fraternally he was a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and politically was a supporter of the Republican party. He was a recognized leader in his town, took an active and prominent part in public affairs and filled serveral local offices, including that of chairman. The subject of this sketch still resides on the homestead of thirty-five acres, being a part of the farm patented to his father by the government, of which most is now under cultivation, and as a systematic and thorough agriculurist he is meeting with well-deserved success in the operation of the farm. On the 8th of February, 1864, he laid aside all personal interests to enter the service of his country, enlisting in the Eighth Wisconsin Light Artillery, under Captain H. E. Stiles. He was honorably discharged August 1, 1865, and is now an active member of Badger Post, No. 122, G.A.R., of Friendship. In connection with farming he now carries on blacksmithing and does general repair work. In politics he is an ardent Republican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Phelps was married April 12, 1894, in Lincoln township, to Mrs. Nannie M. Jackson, formerly Miss Hartson, and to them have been born three children: Willis E., Rudolph H. and Edward C. Mrs. Phelps was born in New Chester township, Adams county, December 15, 1862, and here she has spent almost her entire life, though in 1870 she removed with her parents, Orrin J. and Minerva (Stevens) Hartson, to Walworth county, this state, and remained there ten years. Subsequently she spent some time in Hebron, McHenry county, Illinois, but in 1893 she returned to Adams county, Wisconsin, where she has since made her home. Orrin J. Hartson, the father of Mrs. Phelps, was born in the town of Howland, Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1832. During the dark days of the Civil war he enlisted February 29, 1864, as a private in Company C, Thirty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the First Brigade, Second Division, Second Army Corps, and he was discharged at Jeffersonville, Ind., July 12, 1865. He participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, North Anna, Shell Hollow, Boydton Road, Hatchie's Run and Petersburg. During the last named engagement he was wounded, and at Ream's Station he was taken prisoner, but managed to escape and returned to his regiment in a suit of rebel clothes. His companions then gave him the nickname of Johnny. He was present at the surrender of Lee at Appomattox Court House, and is now an honored member of G. J. Miller Post, No. 145 G.A.R., of Oxford, Marquette county, Wisconsin. His wife was born in Ogdensburg, New York, September 22, 1842, and with her grandfather came to Adams county, Wisconsin, at the age of nine years, remaining here until 1870, when the family moved to Walworth county, where she died April 15, 1880. By his first marriage, Mr. Phelps had five children, two now living, Ellen M. and Emma. By Mrs. Phelps' first marriage she has two children living: Florence M., born February 12, 1882, now the wife of Jerome Paddock, a farmer of Adams Center; and Garner A., born August 10, 1887.Transcribed by Sandy Boudrou
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