Charles Phelps

Charles Phelps was a U.S. Representative from Maryland's third congressional district, serving from 1865 to 1869. A member of the Conservative Party, he was notable for his military service during the Civil War, where he achieved the rank of colonel and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor. Following his congressional tenure, Phelps pursued a career in law and education, ultimately serving as a judge on the Circuit Court of Baltimore. His contributions to public service extended beyond his time in Congress, reflecting a commitment to both legal and civic responsibilities.

Early life and career

Charles Edward Phelps was born on May 1, 1833, in Guilford, Vermont. He was the son of John Phelps, a lawyer and senator in the Vermont State government, which likely influenced his later pursuits in law and politics. At the age of five, Phelps moved with his family to Pennsylvania, and three years later, they relocated to Maryland. This move was prompted by his mother, Almira Hart Lincoln Phelps, who became the principal of the Patapsco Female Seminary in Ellicott City, a notable educational institution at the time.

Phelps's academic journey began at Princeton University, where he was admitted to the Zeta Psi fraternity and graduated in 1852. He continued his education at Harvard University Law School, completing his studies in 1853. Following his graduation, he was admitted to the Maryland bar in 1855 and subsequently to the Supreme Court of the United States in 1859. His legal career began in earnest when he was elected to the Baltimore City Council in 1860, marking his entry into public service.

House tenure

Phelps's congressional career began in 1865 when he was elected as a representative for Maryland's third district. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives during a tumultuous period in American history, marked by the aftermath of the Civil War and significant political upheaval. His initial election was as an Unconditional Unionist, a faction that supported the Union's war efforts without compromise. He was later reelected to the Fortieth Congress as a member of the Conservative Party, which was often associated with the Democratic Party in various states during that era.

During his time in Congress, Phelps participated in significant legislative discussions, including the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson in 1868. He voted against the impeachment, expressing concerns about the constitutionality of the Tenure of Office Act, which had been a central issue in the impeachment proceedings. Phelps articulated doubts regarding whether Johnson's actions constituted a violation of the law, questioning the legitimacy of the charges against the president. His stance reflected a broader debate within Congress about the limits of presidential power and the grounds for impeachment.

Phelps's congressional service concluded in 1869, after which he continued to engage in various public service roles, including positions related to education and the judiciary.

Legislative focus and committees

During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Phelps's legislative focus was shaped by the political climate of the post-Civil War era. His affiliation with the Conservative Party indicated a preference for more moderate policies and a cautious approach to the Reconstruction efforts that were being implemented across the South. While specific details of his committee assignments during his congressional terms are not documented, it is known that he was involved in discussions that had lasting implications for the nation, particularly regarding civil rights and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

After leaving Congress, Phelps continued to contribute to public life in Maryland. In 1872, he took on the role of state manager for the House of Reformation for Colored Children in Prince George's County, reflecting a commitment to social issues and the welfare of vulnerable populations. His involvement in education continued when he served as a commissioner on the Baltimore Public Schools school board in 1876.

Phelps's legal career flourished after his congressional service. In 1869, he established a legal practice with John Van Lear Findlay, and in 1882, he was appointed as an associate judge of the Circuit Court of Baltimore, a position he held until his death. His contributions to the legal field included teaching at the University of Maryland Law School from 1884 to 1907, where he specialized in equity law. His academic work culminated in the publication of a book titled "Falstaff and Equity," which explored legal arguments through the lens of Shakespearean literature.

In recognition of his military service during the Civil War, Phelps was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1898. His citation highlighted his bravery during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, where he led his troops under fire and was wounded in action. This honor underscored his dual legacy as both a soldier and a public servant.

Phelps's life and career were marked by a dedication to service, both in military and civil capacities. He married Martha Woodward of Baltimore in 1868, and they shared a life in the city where he would later pass away on December 27, 1908. He was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in Baltimore, leaving behind a legacy that intertwined military valor with public service and legal scholarship.