Edward Phelps (mayor)

Edward Phelps
Mayor of Laurel, Maryland, seven terms
In office
1895–1902
Personal details
Born (1861-01-05)January 5, 1861
Laurel, Maryland
Died May 12, 1931(1931-05-12) (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

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]

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

Mayor 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. 1 2 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)
  3. The Clothier and Furnisher 78. New York City: Geo N. Lowrey Co. August 1908. p. 93. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 "Mayor Edward Phelps Re-Elected". The Laurel Leader (Laurel Historical Society #36.1 Phelps). 04-09-1987. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. 1 2 3 Beall, Jr., Norris C.; Jane M. Cole. "Phelps". Laurel Historical Society #36.1 Phelps.
  6. "One of Laurel's first families". The Laurel Leader (Laurel Historical Society #36.1 Phelps). September 27, 1984.
  7. Glaros, Tony (1985-12-12). "Maude Beall: Daughter of Laurel's First Mayor". Laurel Historical Society #36.1 Phelps.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Edward Phelps Dies". The Star (Laurel Historical Society, #36.1 Phelps). 05-12-31. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. "History of Laurel Wreath Lodge No. 149". Laurel Wreath Lodge No. 149. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
  10. 1 2 "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.
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