Phelps, John, 1796-1874.

Virginia born early settler of Illinois, who fought in the War of 1812 and at the Battle of New Orleans, made and lost large amounts of money in Arkansas, Tennessee and Illinois as a merchant and lead smelter owner before settling in Oregon, Illinois and building the town up to become the county seat of Ogle County. Served in the state legislature. When a law suit occurred over property in the town Francis S. Key acted as his lawyer. Owned a store in Austin, Texas and moved his family there, but they did not like it and returned to Oregon, Ill. After visiting, with his daughter Sarah L. Johnston, his old homes in Virginia and Tennessee he returned to Illinois and died several weeks later.

From the description of Reminiscences, 1874. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 53791419