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Jesse L. Phelps
Jesse L. Phelps, farmer of Ripley Township,
is a native of the township in which he resides, born March 31, 1835. He was the son of Jonathan and
Susannah (Henley) Phelps, both of whom were natives of Randolph County, North Carolina. He was reared upon
his father's farm in his native township. He continued with his father until he reached the age of twenty-one,
after which, for about four years he was employed upon a farm by the month. At the age of twenty-five, or October
25, 1860, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ann Junken, who was born in Posey Township, this county, June
26, 1832, being the daughter of Noble and Ellen (Wilson) Junken, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. Ever since their marriage, Mr. And Mrs. Phelps have resided in Ripley Township. They first settled upon a farm
in the southeast part of the township, in section 28. A year and a half later they removed to Section 15, where
they resided from the spring of 1862 to the fall of 1867. They then removed to Section 17, and there resided upon a farm for a period of sixteen years. During all this time, Mr. Phelps was a renter, and the fat that he was continued so long upon the same farm is evidence, of the proper manner in which he conducted it. After a brief residence in Section 25, he removed to his present handsome farm in Section 24. It contains 188 acres of first-class land, about 160 of which are in cultivation. Its good barn and elegant residence make it a most desirable location.
When Mr. Phelps began life for himself, his only capital was willing hands; and the present state of circumstances
reflects very creditably upon his industry and good management. He and wife have had eight children as follows:
Henry B, Sadie E, Amos O, Jonathan E, Gurney O, Susannah M, Lenora B, and Mary C, all of whom are living except
Jonathan, who died in childhood. In politics, Mr. Phelps is a Republican.
History of Rush County, Indiana, Chicago: Brant & Fuller, 1888.
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Biography Index Main Page