Edward Phelps (mayor)

Edward Phelps (January 5, 1861 – May 12, 1931), son of Edward J. Phelps, was a seven-term mayor of Laurel, Maryland, from 1895 to 1902.[1]

Edward Phelps
Mayor of Laurel, Maryland, seven terms
In office 1895–1902
Preceded by	Gustavus B. Timanus
Succeeded by	Gustavus Timanus
Personal details
Born	January 5, 1861 Laurel, Maryland
Died	May 12, 1931 (aged 70) Annapolis, Maryland
Spouse(s)	Sivilla Sewall, Helen Shaughnessy
Children	Four surviving daughters: Eva Dean, Edna Phelps, Maude Beall, Lillian Phelps; five surviving sons, Harry S., Arthur P., Charles E., Alan, and William.
Parents	Edward J. Phelps
Profession	Businessman, The Phelps & Shaffer Co.
Accomplishments	Civic improvements including electricity, a water works, three bridges, train and telephone service; built Phelps Mansion

He brought to Laurel "electric lights, water works, improved streets, brick pavements, [an] electric railroad between Laurel and Washington, improved train service, free express delivery, telephone exchange system, three steel bridges over the Patuxent River and [a] night robe factory".[2] As of 1908, the night robe factory was run by E. Rosenfeld & Co.[3]

Life and family

Phelps was born in Laurel on January 5, 1861.[4] He married Sevilla Sewall, and they had eleven children, two of whom died in infancy[5] – Mable and Robert.[6] His four surviving daughters were Eva Dean[5] (married George Dean), Edna Phelps, Maude Beall[7] (married Norris Beall), and Lillian Phelps,[8] and his five surviving sons were Harry S., Arthur P., Charles E., Alan, and William.[8] After Sewall died, Phelps married Helen Shaughnessy of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.[8] They had no children.[5]

Phelps died in Annapolis on May 12, 1931.[8]

The Phelps & Shaffer Co.

Phelps formed a partnership with Charles F. Shaffer, Jr.,[4] and together they founded The Phelps & Shaffer Co.[4] The store sold everything from clothespins to pianos. At 9th and Montgomery Streets, its building later housed the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, Laurel City Hall and Police Department, and currently the Harrison-Beard Community Center.[9]

Laurel High School

Phelps was instrumental in the 1899 founding of Laurel High School, the first high school in Prince George's County. When the project's low bidder failed to give bond and didn't continue with the contract, Phelps assumed the risk for completion of the work at that price (ultimately losing $1000 of his own money).[1]

Phelps Mansion

Phelps built the house at 1110 Montgomery Street in 1888,[10] and his family lived there until March 4, 1915.[10]

References

1. Wilfong Jr., James C. "History of Laurel". City of Laurel, Maryland. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
2. Phelps, Edward (September 25, 1947). The News Leader (The Laurel Leader). Laurel Historical Society #36.1 Phelps. Missing or empty |title= (help)CS1 maint: location (link)
3. The Clothier and Furnisher. 78. New York City: Geo N. Lowrey Co. August 1908. p. 93. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
4. "Mayor Edward Phelps Re-Elected". The Laurel Leader. Laurel Historical Society #36.1 Phelps. April 9, 1987.CS1 maint: location (link)
5. Beall Jr., Norris C.; Jane M. Cole. "Phelps". Laurel Historical Society #36.1 Phelps. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)CS1 maint: location (link)
6. "One of Laurel's first families". The Laurel Leader. Laurel Historical Society #36.1 Phelps. September 27, 1984.CS1 maint: location (link)
7. Glaros, Tony (December 12, 1985). "Maude Beall: Daughter of Laurel's First Mayor". Laurel Historical Society #36.1 Phelps.CS1 maint: location (link)
8. "Edward Phelps Dies". The Star. Laurel Historical Society, #36.1 Phelps. May 12, 1931.CS1 maint: location (link)
9. "History of Laurel Wreath Lodge No. 149". Laurel Wreath Lodge No. 149. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
10. "Shades of the Centennial: Pages From An Old Album". The News Leader (The Laurel Leader). Laurel Historical Society #36.1 Phelps. March 4, 1971. p. B-2.CS1 maint: location (link)