John Smith Phelps (1814–1886) was a prominent Missouri statesman, lawyer, and Civil War veteran. Born on December 22, 1814, in Simsbury, Connecticut, he moved to Springfield, Missouri, in the 1830s, where he established a successful legal practice. Phelps served as a U.S. Congressman from Missouri for 18 years (1845–1863), gaining a reputation as a moderate Democrat who opposed secession during the lead-up to the Civil War.
During the Civil War, Phelps supported the Union cause and briefly served as a colonel in the Union Army, commanding the Phelps Regiment. His military service and strong leadership earned him respect throughout the state.
Elected governor in 1876, Phelps focused on rebuilding Missouri’s economy, improving education, and expanding infrastructure in the post-Reconstruction era. His administration emphasized progress and healing after the divisiveness of the Civil War.
John S. Phelps retired from public life after his governorship and passed away on November 20, 1886, in Springfield, Missouri. He remains a celebrated figure in Missouri history for his dedication to the state and the Union.
