John S. Phelps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John S. Phelps
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| 23rd Governor of Missouri | |
| In office January 8, 1877 – January 10, 1881 |
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| Lieutenant | Henry C. Brockmeyer |
| Preceded by | Charles Henry Hardin |
| Succeeded by | Thomas T. Crittenden |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 6th district |
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| In office March 4, 1853 – March 3, 1863 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Austin A. King |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's at-large and 5th district |
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| In office March 4, 1845 (at-large) – March 3, 1853 (5th) |
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| Preceded by | James Madison Hughes (at-large) |
| Succeeded by | John G. Miller (5th) |
| Member of the Missouri House of Representatives | |
| In office 1840-1844 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | December 22, 1814 Simsbury, Connecticut |
| Died | November 20, 1886 (aged 71) St. Louis, Missouri |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Mary Whitney |
| Profession | Attorney |
John Smith Phelps (December 22, 1814 – November 20, 1886) was an important American politician and soldier. He served as the 23rd Governor of Missouri. Phelps was also a member of the U.S. Congress for many years. During the American Civil War, he played a role as a Union Army officer.
Early Life and Political Career
John Smith Phelps was born in Simsbury, Connecticut. He studied law at Trinity College and became a lawyer in 1835. After marrying Mary Whitney in 1837, he moved to Springfield, Missouri. There, he quickly became a well-known lawyer in the area.
In 1840, Phelps was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives. Four years later, he was elected to the United States Congress as a Democrat. He served in Congress for 18 years, from 1845 to 1863. During his time in Washington, D.C., he supported government aid for soldiers and railroads. He also helped make postage less expensive.
Phelps was very popular in Missouri. In 1857, a new county was named Phelps County in his honor. He decided not to run for re-election in 1862.
Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Phelps returned to Springfield. He joined the Union Army as a private. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant colonel and then a colonel.
After the Union defeat at the Battle of Wilson's Creek, Phelps retreated with the Union army. His wife, Mary Phelps, bravely cared for the body of General Nathaniel Lyon, who was killed in the battle.
With special permission from President Abraham Lincoln, Phelps organized his own infantry regiment. This unit was called Phelps’s Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Infantry. They spent the winter of 1861 – 62 guarding Fort Wyman in Rolla, Missouri. In March 1862, Phelps led his regiment in fierce fighting at the Battle of Pea Ridge in Arkansas. He left the army in May 1862. Later, President Lincoln appointed him Military Governor of Arkansas, but Phelps resigned due to poor health.
Life After the War
In 1864, Phelps returned to Springfield to continue his law practice. He ran for Governor of Missouri in 1868 but did not win. However, in 1876, he was elected Governor. He was seen as the best candidate to unite different groups in the state after the war.
As governor, Phelps supported changes to currency and pushed for more funding for public education. He retired in 1881. Many people praised him as one of Missouri’s best governors.
John Smith Phelps passed away in St. Louis. He is buried in Hazelwood Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.
