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BATTLE CREEK BY A. D. P. VAN BUREN
But a day of reverse came, and all was swept away; with his wife and four children he was turned out to begin life anew. After struggling for several years, to regain what he had lost, with little success beyond bare livelihood, he determined to emigrate to
These notices, like the preceding, relative to Mrs. John Beach, were furnished for the compiler by slips cut from the paper, with no clew to their date or authorship.
Michigan, which he did in 1834, settling at Bellevue, Eaton county. Here he was called to part with the companion of his youth, who died on the 3d of December, A. D. 1835. In February, 1836, he left Bellevue and located in the township of Emmett, Calhoun county, which was the place of his residence until his decease. In the autumn of 1836 he contracted a second marriage, being united to Miss Rachel Shaw, of the town of Edwards, St. Lawrence county, New York, who nobly shared his sorrows as well as his joys during the remainder of his life. He was the father of thirteen children, of whom nine survived, two died in infancy, one in early youth, and one for his country in her sore need.
Mr. Phelps's religious life dates from the year 1820, when he was converted and joined the M. E. church. He was soon after licensed as an exhorter, and entered with zeal upon the duties imposed upon him, often filling with acceptance, the place of more experienced laborers. In 1834 he received ordination at the hand of Bishop Elijah Harding. On his arrival in Michigan, he did not hide his commission or talents, but was instant, in season and out of season, searching for the stray lambs of his Master's flock; warning and exhorting others. He preached the first sermon preached by a Methodist minister in Battle Creek. He also formed the first Methodist society in that place, which consisted of seven members, namely: Daniel Clark and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hickman, himself, and two others, whose names are not recalled.
Michigan
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