Person:Martha Phelps (9)

In England the Phelps family early became possessors of property and landed estates. The first bearers of the name to emigrate to America were William and George Phelps. Some early researchers thought them to be brothers from Tewkesbury, but this has since been disproven. It is generally accepted that William and George were from Crewkerne, Somerset, and not Tewkesbury.

William sailed on the Mary & John from Plymouth, England and arrived in America in May, 1630. George is believed to have arrived on the Recovery of London in 1635. William and George were among the first settlers of Dorchester, Massachusetts, where they lived until 1635, when they moved with a group of breakaway church members to Windsor, Connecticut, and were among the founders of Windsor. That place has remained a family center to the present day.

Several years later William and George were followed by Henry, Nicholas and Edward Phelps who settled in Salem, Massachusetts. "Decendants of this old family can be justly proud of their heritage for their many contributions in the development of the young nation. Persons bearing this name can be found throughout the United States and are well represented in the arts and professions as well as in the world of business." (P&S)

"In discussing the general traits and characteristics of Phelpses of past generations, writers have described them as quickwitted, energetic, a courageous race, possessing high intellectual power, including tact and kindliness which have made them beloved as well as respected by their fellow men. Their achievements have been high in fields of public service, education, literature and business."

Since the beginning of the American Government under the Constitution, eleven Phelpses have served in Congress.

Probably the best known coat-of-arms of the family is that of the line of Phelps of Dursley, Gloucestershire, England, having a crest — a wolf's head azure, langued and erased gules, gorged with a collar or thereon a martlet sable. The motto, "Nil Nisi Honestum" - (Nothing unless honorable).

A number of Phelpses have made significant contributions in many arenas. Here are a few that have come to our attention. (Your contributions of articles are welcome and invited. Please contact the webmaster. )

Anson Green Phelps (1781-1853) of Suffield, Connecticut, merchant and philanthropist.

Austin Phelps (1820-1890) of Massachusetts, Congregational clergyman, theologian and author.

Charles Edward Phelps (1833-1908) of Vermont, lawyer, educator, Brigadier General of the Union Army, member of Congress and author.

Dr. Francis Phelps Representative and Senator.

George M. Phelps Master telegraph instrument maker and inventor.

Dr. Guy Rowland Phelps Physician, druggist, and founder, Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance.

John Phelps Clerk of the Court at the trial of King Charles I.

Judge James Phelps (1822-abt 1708) Judge and Congressman from Connecticut.

Judge John Jay Phelps (1810-1869) Judge, Merchant, and Entrepreneur.

Judge John Phelps (1736 - 1808) of Suffield, Connecticut. Was a delegate to the Convention to Ratify the Cnstitution of the United States.

Mary Ann Phelps Rich (1829-1912) Pioneer in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mary Phelps Jacob (1891-1970) Inventor of the Brassiere

Noah Phelps (1743-1809) A Patriot of 1776 and Revolutionary War Spy.

Oliver Phelps (1749-1809) of Connecticut, merchant, veteran of the Revolution, member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate; land promoter.

Rev. Philip Phelps First President, Western Theological Seminary.

John Smith Phelps (1814-1886) of Connecticut, lawyer, member of the Missouri State Legislature for 18 years and later Governor of Missouri.

Stephen Sumner Phelps (1805-1886) Illinois Pioneer and Origin of the Hawk Eye State nickname.

Thomas Stowell Phelps (1822-1901) Maine Naval officer and Union veteran of the Civil War; father of Rear Admiral Thomas Stowell Phelps, Jr.

William Walter Phelps (1839-1894) Pennsylvania State Representative from New Jersey, and United States Minister to Austria-Hungary and Germany.

William Wines Phelps (1792-1874) Judge, Latter-day Saint, Publisher and Writer.

William Lyon Phelps (1865-1943) American educator, author and critic.

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 Simsbury Vital Records [NEHGS], in Connecticut, United States. The Barbour Collection of Connecticut Town Vital Records
   125.

   "Phelps, … Martha, d. John, b. Aug. 14, 1747 [TM3:193]"