Wilbur Leete Phelps Obituary

New Ipswich Historical Society

March 3, 1920

Wilbur Leete Phelps died the evening of March 3 after a brief Illness, although he had been feeble from two to three years. Yet his indomitable willpower and perseverance kept him in active business until the past summer. Then he accepted the advice of friends and resolved to sell out his grocery business about Oct. 1 and retire.

Mr. Phelps was born in New Ipswich, Aug. 28, 1867. He was the son of Lorenzo Corydon Beman and Helen M. (Judkins) Phelps, He was educated in the public schools of New Ipswich, including Appleton academy. Nature endowed him with many commendable qualities which warranted success and his career was begun under most favorable auspices.

Wilbur L Phelps and Miss Abbie Louise Balch were married April 26, 1892, and have since continued their residence uninterruptedly in town.

The Old Corner Store grосеrу department was opened by him and continued upwards of 30 years. Charles A. Whitney was the next longest merchant in this block as regards time of service At the time of his death he was town clerk, a position held for 27 years and Also town treasurer, being the immediate successor of Frank W. Preston, who resigned April 16, 1895. He was also treasurer of the board of education.

Mr. Phelps attended as delegate the last state constitutional convention. held in Concord, N. H. and renewed his acquaintances at the capital, as he had previously served one term in the state legislature, being the choice of both the Republicans and Democrats. He was a trustee of the Savings bank until it was voted to close bank and liquidate the interests. He was one of the most popular as well as the most dependable business men in town, and ever ready to евроusе any cause for the general welfare of his birthplace. His honesty and integrity were unimpeachable: his word was his bond and be held the respect of his fellow men unqualifiedly. He was a prominent member of Bethel lodge of Masons for many years and was in office at the time of his death. Mr. Phelps enjoyed camp life and his vacations were passed with his wife, also a great nature lover, at Contoocook lake, after the busy summer season was over and they could enjoy automobiling to and from camp.

His funeral was held at his residence Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The services were in charge of Rev. John Elliott Bowman, who mentioned the modesty and quietness of the deceased, and said at the example of such person would continue to live. The funeral had been appointed for for Saturday afternoon, but the blizzard caused a postponement. Henry S. Farrar was conductor, The beautiful flowers voiced the tender sentiments of the relatives and friends.

The body was placed in the central tomb and will be eventually buried in the Moses M. Balch and Phelps lot, Central cemetery.

Photo Archives

Church Fire - July 15, 1902 (same location as new Congregational Church)

another view than yesterday

James Roger diary entry

24^th February 1913

Hard frost; wind west; fine day. David and Daniel fixing horse stall in forenoon. I went for grain in afternoon, bought Finnan Haddies, also a cobbler’s outfit for 60 cents. I broke up some old wood and lit Church fire for Finn Mission meeting tonight; only 3 Finn girls and one man from Highbridge attended. Mrs. McKown & Thayer, Mr. Lord, and I were the others present.

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