Darwin PHELPS, Congress, PA (1807-1879)

PHELPS, Darwin, a Representative from Pennsylvania; born in East Granby, Conn., April 17, 1807; was left an orphan at an early age and went to live with his grandparents in Portage, Ohio, where he completed preparatory studies; attended Western University, Pittsburgh, Pa.; studied law in Pittsburgh, Pa.; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Kittanning, Pa., in 1835; member of the board of trustees of Kittanning Academy; member of the town council in 1841 and 1848; burgess in 1844, 1845, 1849, 1852, 1855, 1858, 1859, and 1861; unsuccessful Republican candidate for auditor general in 1856; delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1860; major of the Twenty-second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, in 1862; member of the State house of representatives in 1865; elected as a Republican to the Forty-first Congress (March 4, 1869-March 3, 1871); was not a candidate for renomination in 1870; died in Kittanning, Pa., on December 14, 1879; interment in Kittanning Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present