From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, 
publ. 1912, Page 1465-1466
 
SHERMAN ULYSSES PHELPS.  One of the progressive and public-spirited citizens 
of the village of Walworth, who has been content to spend his life in his 
native county, is Sherman Ulysses PHELPS, a man who would have, no doubt, 
succeeded wherever he chose to cast his lot, for he has many innate 
characteristics that never fail to win in the battle of life, such as courage, 
fortitude and persistence in the face of adversity and inauspicious 
environment.
 
Mr. PHELPS was born in Sharon township, Walworth county, June 25, 1867.  He is 
the son of David and Mary (AUCHAMPAUGH) PHELPS.  The father was born at Sharon 
Springs, Canajoharie county, New York, and was the son of George and Catherine 
(ECKERSON) PHELPS.  He came to this county with his parents some time prior to 
1850, the family locating on a farm in Sharon township and there they lived 
until old age rendered it necessary for them to retire from the farm and move 
to the village of Sharon, where they died.
 
David PHELPS lived on his father's farm until the commencement of the Civil 
war, early in which he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Volunteer 
Infantry, and remained in the service three years, gallantly taking part in 
many battles and campaigns.  After the war he returned to Sharon township and 
resumed farming.  Before beginning his military career he had married a 
daughter of Myron and Christina AUCHAMPAUGH.  She was born at Sharon, this 
state, where her parents had located upon their arrival from the East, on a 
farm in the early days, and here they spent the rest of their lives.  The 
daughter grew up amid pioneer conditions and later in life related how when a 
child she frequently heard the wolves howl about the farm.
 
After the war David PHELPS continued farming near Sharon about ten years, then 
bought what was called the STAFFORD farm at Delavan lake and that has been his 
home ever since, with the exception of the year 1890, when he went to the 
village of Howard and opened a restaurant which he ran for about two years; 
however, he even then spent most of his time on the farm.
 
Four children were born to David PHELPS and wife, namely: Carrie, who is 
living at Rockford, married Joseph HATCH and they have two children, Bessie 
and Arthur, both now living at Delavan; Sherman U., the immediate subject of 
this sketch; George lived at Melvina, Wisconsin, on a farm until his death, on 
December 19, 1911; he had married [Libby CASPER], but had no children; Edward 
lives on the home farm; he married Abbie HUNT, who died in 1904 
[Abbie's actual death date 13 Aug 1903], leaving one son, Evolyn [sic - Evalyn].
David PHELPS still lives at Delavan, having been very successful in his life 
work and is spending his declining years in quiet.
 
Sherman U. PHELPS, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the farm at Delavan 
lake, and after attending the public schools there he entered the normal 
school at Whitewater where he spent some time, after which he resumed farming, 
working different place near his home.  About 1903 he bought a farm of eighty 
acres near the PHELPS homestead.  In 1904 he removed to the village of 
Walworth.  The year previously he had begun carrying the mail on the rural 
route from Walworth, Route No. 2, and he has continued in this capacity ever 
since, giving entire satisfaction to the people and the department.  In 
September 1905, he moved into his present home, a good residence which he had 
just completed.  He also owns other property in the village.
 
Mr. PHELPS was married on August 2, 1893, to Myrtle HOLSTON, daughter of Henry 
and Alice (BUNNELL) HOLSTON.  She was born at Covert, Michigan, and she came 
here with her parents in 1880, the family settling south of Delavan lake.  Her 
father died in November 1902.  He was a carpenter and builder.  He was a 
soldier in the Civil war for four years, during which he saw much hard 
service.  He was promoted to captain of a company of Michigan volunteers for 
gallant service.  His widow is still living near Walworth.  One son has been 
born to Sherman U. PHELPS, William Emmons PHELPS, whose birth occurred on 
September 3, 1901.
 
Mr. and Mrs. PHELPS are members of the Congregational church.  He is a member 
of the board of directors of the Howard Lincoln Chautauqua, and he is active 
in promoting the public welfare.
 
Submitted by Carol

[Notes from the Daughter of Evalyn PHELPS:  Evalyn is the correct spelling.  
Evalyn Hunt PHELPS was the son of Sherman's brother, Edward PHELPS and 
Evalyn's wife Abbie Hunt died 12 Aug 1903 which was two days after Evalyn 
was born.  it is understood that Abby HUNT and Libby CASPER, lived in he 
same home when Libby's mother "Mary" CASPER married Mr. Charles HUNT as 
his third wife.]