Biographical Sketch of

Luther Phelps

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 732 - 733 


Luther B. Phelps, one of the most extensive farmers and stock-raisers of Green Lake County, Wis., now resides on section 
25, in the town of Green Lake.  He is a native of the Empire State, having been born in St. Lawrence County, June 20, 1818.  
His parents were David and Mary (Woolbridge) Phelps, the former of Irish descent, and the latter of English origin.  The 
paternal great-grandfather and the maternal grandfather of our subject both served in the Revolutionary War.  The father 
of our subject was born in Massachusetts in 1788, the mother was born in 1780, probably in Massachusetts.  In the latter 
state they were married and began their domestic life, but afterward removed to St. Lawrence county, N. Y., whence they 
came to Green Lake County, Wis.  They here spent their last days and were laid to rest in the Grand Prairie Cemetery.  
Mr. Phelps was a soldier in the War of 1812, and participated in the famous battle of Lundy's Lane.  He was a hard 
working man, but owing to reverses never succeeded in accumulating any great property.  In his earlier years he was 
a Whig and like many members of that party joined the ranks of the Republican party on its formation.  His death occurred 
on the 18th of September, 1870, his wife having died Nov. 16, 1857.
 
The subject of this sketch was next to the youngest son and the eighth child in a family of twelve children, composed of 
six sons and six daughters.  His early life was passed in the usual routine of farm labor, being marked with no event of 
great importance.  He received but limited educational advantages and at the early age of nine years was forced to begin 
life for himself.  He hired out as a farm hand and from that time has made his own way in the world.  Not content with the 
limited education which he had acquired, he would work hard all through the summer in order that he might be permitted to 
attend the district school a short time during the winter season.  At the age of twenty-one, he began learning the carpenter's 
trade at which he worked for about three years.  Having saved his earnings, he decided to try his fortune in the West, and 
in 1843, followed the advice of Horace Greeley, settling in Washington County, Wis., where he purchased a tract of timber 
land, cleared and developed a farm of about 100 acres.  In the year of 1844 he returned to his native county and the 
following year, on the 22d of September, further completed his arrangements for a home by choosing as a helpmate Miss 
Wealthy Heaton, who was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., Nov. 24, 1825.  The marriage ceremony being completed, he 
returned with his young bride to Washington County, Wis., where they made their home until 1853, when they came to Green 
Lake County, settling upon the farm where they yet make their home.  Mr. Phelps then purchased 200 acres of land, but to 
that amount he has since added by subsequent purchase until he is now the owner of 1,015 acres in this county, together 
with 240 acres in Marathon County, 320 acres in Minnesota and 160 acres in Iowa.  His home farm is not only one of the 
finest in the township but one of the finest in the county.  The entire surroundings indicate the thrift and enterprise 
of the owner, who may truly be called a self-made man.  The degree of success to which he has attained is indeed wonderful 
when we take into consideration his early disadvantages and the obstacles which have obstructed his path.  Beginning life 
at the tender age of nine years he has steadily worked his way upward to a position of wealth and affluence.  Undaunted by 
the trails which he has met, he has pressed forward with indomitable courage and energy until reaching the goal for which 
he has so long labored.
 
John Heaton, father of Mrs. Phelps was born in New Hampshire, town of Keene, and was married to Dolly Willmarth, a native 
of Addison, Vt.  They settled in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., on a farm where they spent the balance of their lives.  He was 
a soldier in the War of 1812 and participated in the battle of Plattsmouth.  To them were born seven children, viz:  Alma, 
deceased; Ira W., resides in Canton, N. Y.; Wealthy, now Mrs. Phelps; Andrew J., deceased; John W., resides in St. Louis, 
Mo; George S., resides in Washington; Corrinna, deceased.  These latter three are children by the second wife whose name 
was Fanny Seeley, of Hopkington, N. Y., also deceased.
 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Phelps have been born six children, but two of that number died in childhood.  Those yet living are George 
H., an attorney of New York City; Silas W., a farmer of Green Lake Township; Alice E. and Edith A. who are yet at home.  Both 
parents are members of the Universalist Church and in political sentiment Mr. Phelps is a Republican, but has never sought or 
desired public preferment, as his time is fully occupied by his business interests.  The family is well known throughout the 
community and holds a high position in social circles.






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