"An Illustrated history of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties : with a
brief outline of the early history of the state of Oregon." Chicago?: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1902.  Page 597.  Malheur County.

PERRY E. PHELPS

     This capable and enterprising gentleman, one of Vale's progressive business
men, is at the present time operating a real estate office in the town and does
a good business and is considered as one of the most valuable residents of the
county, being a man of capabilities far above the average, and having the
distinction of making a success in at least two different callings in the walks
of life.  Perry E. was born in Miami county, Kansas, on April 20, 1863, being
the son of Mark Y. and Naomi (McDonald) Phelps.  The father had crossed the
continent from Pennsylvania to California in 1849 to dig gold, and in 1853 he
returned to his native place via the isthmus route.  A few years later he
removed to Kansas and there was married in 1859.  In 1861 he enlisted in Kansas
volunteers and was promoted to captaincy of his company.  He was in many
skirmishes and in 1863, on account of sickness, he was honorably discharged and
shortly after we find him with his wife and two children, our subject being then
but an infant of two months, en route via the isthmus to California.  They
finally located on The San Benito river and the father raised stock there until
1870, when he removed the family back to Kansas, where our subject attended
school, graduating from the graded department.  In 1881, on account of the
father's failing health, they removed to the west again, this time to Boise,
Idaho.  There they farmed and raised stock until 1893, when the father died, but
the mother is still living in Boise.  In 1894 our subject came to Mountain Home,
Idaho, and engaged in the real estate business, where he was blessed with good
success.  In 1896, feeling it an urgent call, he entered the ministry of the
Methodist church, taking charge of the church of that denomination at Salubria,
Idaho.  On March 6, 1897, occurred the happy event of the marriage of Mr. Phelps
and Miss Flora L., daughter of A. J. Gowey, and they have become the parents of
three children.  Mark Y., Timothy G., and the baby.  In September, of the same
year of the wedding, Mr. Phelps came to Vale to assume charge of the Methodist
church there, and for two years he continued in this good work, and then because
of the failure of his voice, he was obliged to retire from the ministry.  He
purchased a farm near town, but soon sold it.  In 1900 he opened a real estate
office in Vale and there we find him at the present time doing a good business
and establishing himself as one of the bright business men of the county.  He
owns a fine seven-room residence, and some other property.  Mr. Phelps is held
in high esteem by all and is worthy of the confidence reposed in him.
     

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.