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Transcribed from the original by  Sam
Bunn.
In researching for this genealogical study of the Phelps family and its
interweaving with the Ensign family, certain individuals seemed, to the
author, to supply fascinating lives. Among these would be Roswell and
Georgia Phelps: brother and sister. Both died at a young age as did their
other siblings Cornelia and Susan Jane. Since Roswell has traceable descendants,
I will give his background first.
Oliver Roswell Phelps, born in Simsbury Connecticut on August 4, 1830
was exactly 6 years younger than his sister, Cornelia. Several letters
have already been included in Chapter III which give interesting insights
into his early life. As we have previously stated, he was evidently close
to his younger sister Susan Jane and they shared a camaraderie which few
siblings today enjoy. On November 10, 1852 Roswell married Eugenia Campbell
Lanier who was only 16 at the time. Their first three children died either
at birth or shortly thereafter. Their fourth child, Robert Eugene Phelps
lived to be 20 years old but did not marry. The only surviving child was
Sara (Sallie) Ensign Phelps born on January 23, 1862. When Sally was only
six months old, Roswell died of Tuberculosis and left Eugenia a young
widow. His obituary is included as Document #24 and shows the love and
admiration shown for him during his lifetime.
After Roswell's death, his wife and two children moved in with Roswell's
father O. C. Phelps and his stepmother, Louise Peters Phelps whom O. C.
Phelps had married on 1 August 1861. (This was his third wife as his second
wife, Harriet Wilder had died shortly after they were married). On Sallie's
16th birthday she married William Andrew Cooper. Sallie Ensign Phelps
Cooper died on February 15, 1913 of Tuberculosis according to research
by her granddaughter Cornelia Sheppard. This is the same disease that
claimed her father and grandmother and other relatives. Thomas Cooper
married Geneva Elizabeth Winkle and had one child, Cornelia Fedra Cooper
who was born February 21, 1916. The next section was written by Cornelia
Cooper Sheppard at my request.
"Sallie Ensign Phelps was born January 23, 1962 in Forsyth, Georgia,
daughter of Oliver Roswell Phelps and Eugenia Lanier. When she was born
her father was quite ill with Tuberculosis and died in July after her
birth in January. Her mother had contracted the disease and died in the
summer of 1863 leaving her to be raised by her maternal grandmother and
her beloved paternal grandfather, Oliver Cromwell Phelps. Mr. Phelps had
given his son, Roswell, a house directly across the street from his and
the young child ran from house to house. She was sent to a girl's school
in Culloden after being tutored the first few grades at home. Her grandfather
had chosen her husband to be and had set aside the money for her a house
when she was married. Marriages were "arranged" by the Ensigns and PHelps
as they wanted to keep their blood line and their heritage in the immediate
families and often married cousins.
Sallie's grandfather died only five days before her 15th birthday on
January 18, 1977 and she never got over it. This may have been a contributing
factor to her marriage to William Andrew Cooper. She was attending school
in Culloden and at a Christmas dance held at the school she met him and
less than one month later, on her 16th birthday, January 23, 1878 she
married him. A house and lot were purchased for her in Griffin by her
family. The house still stands on the corner of 13th Street and Slaton
Alley. (The alley was not there then and was all her property.) Her Mammy
was sent to Griffin to live with her as she had been with her since her
birth. A cottage was built in the back of the house for the Mammy to live
in. That house still stands and is now facing what is known as Slaton
Avenue. Sallie was given a fine horse and buggy and the lot from 13th
to 14th streets was fenced in for the horse. She immediately became pregnant
and was very unhappy with married life so she and the Mammy hitched up
the horse and buggy and left Griffin for Forsyth where she gave birth
to a baby boy just before she had been married ten months and while she
was only 16 years old. She remained with her people in Forsyth without
seeing her husband for the next seven years. She returned to Griffin,
the reason has never been told, left the young boy in Forsyth, and once
again she became pregnant. Her Mammy died about this time and she was
left in Griffin without her child or her Mammy and gave birth to a second
son on February 20, 1996. From this birth she never really recovered and
she never was able to get her first child back, however, it is very doubtful
that she tried."
We have two more letters written to Roswell Phelps and these are included
as Letter #22 and #23.
Another of the Fascinating Phelps family would have to be Abigail Georgia
Phelps. Georgia was the youngest child of O.C. and Sarah Phelps and was
the only one born after they moved to Georgia (thence her name "Georgia").
She was born either in Macon or Bolingbroke Georgia on May 17, 1840. I
do not have her picture, but there is one of her daughter when she was
2 years old. Georgia married Fred Ellsworth of Simsbury Connecticut on
October 28, 1860. Though born in Georgia, she spent considerable time
in Connecticut with her grandparents and must have met Ellsworth while
there. They had only one child, Susan Georgia Phelps Ellsworth born on
June 28, 1864. When Susan Georgia was only 21 months old, her mother died.
One day while doing research in the Forsyth Georgia cemetery, I ran across
Georgia Ellsworth's grave. It is an obelisk and is not located near any
other Phelps or Ensign graves. Evidently, Fred and his daughter remained
in Connecticut as the family was very prominent in Hartford County. I
have tried unsuccessfully up until this writing to research what happened
to Susan Georgia Ellsworth but can find no records of her after her mother
died. Perhaps some other person reading this can offer assistance.
Two letters survive written by Georgia and Fred Ellsworth These are Letters
25 and 26 and complete this chapter.
Letter #22
From: S E Hough, Bristol August 9th 1849
To: Oliver R. Phelps (Probably at Forsyth)
Dear Oliver
I have just returned from church and not having much else to occupy my
time I thought that I would occupy it in writing. It has been a beautiful
day thus far and will continue to be so I think. I have attended divine
service all day while Orlinda has whiled away her time in bed. What a
girl she pretends that she is sick but I guess that it is the "Sunday
Fever" if anything that ails her. She and I think of going up to Sarah
Barnes's after tea to carry up something for the family as we understood
for days since that Mrs. B is sick and nothing to eat and not much of
anything else of the comforts of this life. Sarah has not been home till
last Friday sometime and then she came down to see us of course and said
that her mother was better. I asked her what had been the matter. O said
she, she has a shock of the cholera. Sal wanted to know if I had heard
from O. C. yet. At first I would not comprehend what she meant. Finally
she came to an explanation and I found that it was you. O yes! I said
Maria has seen him then she asked Maria about you and she told her that
you sent your best respects and she was so tickled that I did not know
but what she would _ _ _ _ _ _. Well I cannot say what then she whispered
to me and asked I should write to you and give you her love (but don't
tell anyone of it) said she just tell him that I am up to "Wolcott doing
well" and says we have been looking for you and Len and Oliver up there.
This while I've got the front room all cleaned out and have got so that
I can make cheese all alone. Well said of you are indeed doing well. You
will in all probability make some "smart man a wife" that is if you don't
miss of it. I work in the factory now. Sal went up stairs to see Edmund
and could not find him so she asked the overseer where he was and they
had quite a chat. I should think by the tell. Now let me tell you that
Sal is "decidedly one on " and no mistake but you know that Sal always
tells me all her sorrows as well as joys. She told me that she met Eliza
on her way to our house and she would not speak to her. And now says she
intends to tell you and thinks she has got a beau and that is all she
cries for. Enough about Sal_________. I do not know but we shall have
to forgive you this one time for not calling ____ "seeing that it is you".
We were all very much [large corner missing]
here again we will take another walk or another snow ball fight as you
will have it. And tell him that I say that he shall never come to Bristol
without going up to see Sal Barnes to then he can hear news from her and
have interest in them and we will have Sal come down and wash dishes for
us so that we shall not turn the table over. I think that she will agree
to that don't you. I have not been up to the mines since you was here.
There happened quite an accident up there a few weeks ago. One of their
Irish laborers fell into one of those holes under ground or was in one
of them rather and a large rock fell in onto him and killed him instantly.
He left a wife and 2 children.
I was very much surprised to hear that Cornelia had gone home as well
as the rest. I do not think that gent was much out of the way when he
advised you not to get married more than all that. It would have been
very wicked for him to have advised any different. O I have got a compliment
for you but will not tell you now for fear of making you vain. Say I think
you are quite a smart boy for one 15 or 16 don't you. [Oliver was 19 at
the time].Well, I must stop because it is Sunday, so good night.
S E Hough
_________________________________________________
The reference to Cornelia going home. Another letter indicated that Cornelia
(Phelps Ensign) was in Simsbury about the time of this writing along with
her baby Amelia. She must have gone up for a summer visit with her grandparents
and friends in Simsbury. Not sure just who S E Hough was, probably a good
friend from his earlier days in Simsbury.
From: Sally LETTER #23
To: Oliver Roswell Phelps, East Hampton, Mass
Bristol Conn Oct 1st 1849
Dear Oliver
It is Sabbath morning and a cloudy one too and as I don't attend "Divine
Service" this morning I will have a little conversation with you that
is if you have no objections. I have not been to work in the shop at all
this week but have been out taking care of the sick. A week ago Thursday
little Augusta was taken sick with the fever and has a been very sick
since. Last Wednesday and Thursday we most despaired of her ever being
better but she is now a good deal better. She is so that she sits up and
now I think that if nothing more befalls her she will get well. Father
has also been sick meanwhile but is now so as to attend to his business.
It has been and still remains to be very sickly in this town. One of fathers
workmen was called away very suddenly he was confined to his bed just
a week before he died. He had the Typhus fever. He left a wife and one
child.
Two weeks ago Monday we were called to follow the remains of one of our
factory girls to their last resting place. She left the shop 3 weeks ago
last night expecting to return again on Monday morning but this she was
never permitted to do. She was suddenly and unexpectedly called to close
her eyes on the thing of time and sense just 2 weeks ago today about half
past 4 in the afternoon. One thing is very striking concerning her death,
the day she died if in health she was intending to have been "published"
and married this evening. Her name was Adelia Todd. You have often times
seen her. She used to work next to Murra. Perhaps you recollect her I
have heard her speak of you. Her sisters and friends mourn her loss but
not as those without hope for we have great reasons to believe that she
is now in the "mansions of the Blessed."
I had most forgotten to tell you that I had the pleasure last Sabbath
evening of seeing a couple while the knot was tied in the Baptist Church.
One of the party, Harriet Church, from the Factory. The gent that she
married was a Jackson from the "Screen Shop". I have been in company with
him lots of times and was some acquainted with her. It is most noon and
I must leave my writing and prepare both mind and body for church.
Having just returned from church I will set down again to my task. I
listened to a man this afternoon that I never had before. A very young
also a very sincere speaker. This eve if the weather permits I expect
to go up on the hill (to the same place where we went when you were here)
to hear a Mr. Marsh from New York that will lecture on Temperance this
evening. If I go I shall want to hear as good a lecture as I heard then.
Father has got an apprentice boy in his employ. He lives with us. He came
last Wednesday and went home last night to spend the Sabbath. I reckon
that he is of the "Bohor's". I have not got much acquainted with him yet.
He is a lad of about "17 Summers". His father is brother to the one that
Sarah Barnes lives with. The name is Burret Bucher. Orlinda Rotumner and
myself gave him a name before we knew his given name and what do you think
it was? It was this Brother NeverTheLess. It may be "very wicked" for
us to call him such an awful name but howsomever we cannot help it. Don't
think that by my description of the chap that I mean to insinuate that
he is green or anything of the like for he is far from that. He is a real
fellow to work and try to set him some about, but he can't make out much.
I told him last thing when he went out to give my love to Sal should he
see her. He lives a mile or more above Sallys. The last I heard from her
was this. She and Elvya Nortlock can ride around in a carriage with her
fellar but she is up to Wolcott and Orlinda and I am down to the Factory
to work as hard as we can but after all says she I guess she shall have
the best Ends. Now you shall not laugh for the girl means well enough.
My best respects to Ariel. Write soon and a long letter. Excuse all mistakes
and I will do better next time.
From Sally
______________________________________________________
It is not clear who this letter is from. It is only signed From Sally.
Perhaps just a friend of Roswell Phelps.--
Roswell Phelps Eulogy
July 22, 1862
All of Monroe County was shocked and grieved at the passing of Oliver
Roswell Phelps, altho "Ollie" had told us some two weeks ago there was
now no chance of any type of recovery. He had been provided with every
type of medical treatment and all doctors available. It was all to no
avail as the same disease that had claimed his mother and other relatives
laid its claim on him--consumption. He was loved by all that knew him
and was a friend to every man whether he be white or colored. He had operated
the largest merchandise store, along with his father, in Monroe County
and no one ever went lacking because they had no means of paying for their
wares.
The funeral service spoke more for Mr. Phelps than any words could convey.
The hot July sun was bearing down with only a few clouds drifting by as
if they were angels letting us know that one of their beloved had been
called to his heavenly home. A light shower had fallen the night before
and there was a freshness to the earth that seldom happens in July in
this part of the country. The church was packed and people were standing
on the steps and under the shade trees. The show of food was unbelievable.
The long picnic tables that are used for the protracted meetings were
spread with an abundance of fried chicken, string beans, fresh corn, loaded
down with cakes and pies, squash, okra, butterbeans, irish potatoes and
even some sweet potatoes, garden lettuce, corn bread, biscuits with sliced
tomatoes and garden lettuce were all piled high. Ice tea and butter milk
filled many pitchers. The colored folk had all brought their best to put
on the table for the last meal in honor of Mr. Ollie. Everyone ate too
much, even tho the sadness of our friend's death hovered about us.
I got to the church early hoping to get a seat knowing that I was going
to write about Mr. Phelps in the paper. There was no place for me to park
my buggy as every one else had the same idea. Wagons, horses, buggies
and mules were everywhere, tied to the big old oak trees and some had
to be left out in the hot sun, there were more people at his funeral than
I saw at Camp Meeting last August. Even tho the shower had fallen during
the night the dust was so thick it covered everything. As I was getting
out of the buggy, Rufus Collins came up in his wagon and it was loaded
with his first watermelons of the season. He said he planted his patch
a little late this year. I did not see how many people ate of the melons.
Knowing Ollie so well, I knew that this, his last journey, would be pleasant
and he would be happy to see all of his colored and white friends bringing
their vittles together for a meal. As I entered the church I looked back
towards the dusty road and it seemed that wagons, buggies and people on
foot were still streaming towards the little church. I tried to mingle
with some of the ones on the doorsteps and hear what they had to say but
they were too anxious to get inside for the service and out of the heat.
Fans had been brought by the undertaker and were a welcomed by all. The
mosquitoes and flies were rather bad and a fan was almost a necessity.
The funeral party came on time, the grieving wife and her mammy, holding
on to her as she had done since childhood. The casket was black and draped
with a royal purple pall with the gold cross in the center. Flowers were
everywhere. I finally took my stand by an open window so that I could
not only get some air but could hear and see all that took place.
The Scripture was taken from the 23rd Psalms and the 13th chapter of
1st Corinthians then the preacher made a petition to God for comfort for
the young wife and children as well as for his father who loved him so
well. As the young pastor read: "I will fear no evil for thou art with
me" I could not help but wonder about the tiny widow with the two small
children. Just then I head a baby cry, no doubt it was the little daughter
of Mr. Phelps but her voice was soon quieted and no other sound was heard.
The whole congregation inside and out sang: "Abide With Me" and "On Jordan's
Stormy Banks". The voices of the colored rose higher than that of their
white brethren, they were singing to God because their master had "gone
and left them" as one was heard to say. Then the casket was born with
loving hands to the cemetery and the waiting grave where Ollie was to
sleep with his relatives. The pallbearers seemed to carry the body with
unusual love and tender care as they made their way to the burying sight.
The throng of people followed from the church and its grounds to watch
as the pastor read a few passages of scripture and the clod of earth was
dropped on the casket and everyone repeated: "Ashes to ashes and dust
to dust".
Ollie was a hard worker and not just a dreamer as so many of our young
men of today seem to be. It has always been said: "The Good Lord gathers
His jewels first", and in Oliver Roswell Phelps he took a diamond to heaven.
May God bless his young widow in her sadness and the loss of a loving
and kind husband and father.
______________________________________________________
Copied from the Monroe County paper regarding Oliver Roswell
Phelps death.
Letter #25
From: Georgia and Fred Ellsworth Bloomington Heights
To: Ella, Amelia and Charlie Ensign in Forsyth Circa 1860's
Dear Nieces & Nephew,
I would most assuredly have written you before but I supposed that there
was an interruption in the United States mail and that I could not get
a letter into the Confederate States but I find that this is not true
for Fred has received a letter from his Aunt May today, but perhaps if
we can not write to each other and send by mail we can send by express.
I hope for the best. I had a very pleasant trip up here and was not very
tired when I reached here. The scenery through a part of Tennessee was
splendid. I know you would have enjoyed seeing it with me but it was night
when we passed through there so we did not have the opportunity for seeing
that we should have been glad to. Everything looks very different here
from what it does with you. Have not had any vegetables and does not look
as if there will be any soon. I went to walk on the prairies yesterday
and found some pretty wild flowers. Saw two rabbits and a young blackbird
that could not fly and found a lark sitting on his nest with two eggs.
I would have enjoyed it finely to have had Amelia Ella & Charlie with
me. Do you go over to see GrandPa often? I hope you do for he is lonely
and would enjoy your company very much. I would like top go with you and
stay all night next time you all go and hope I shall some time, but it
will be a long time first, if I ever do. I am out on the prairies visiting
some of Uncle Freds cousins. There are two brothers and two sisters living
together. They are past middle life and are none of them married. Seem
to be perfectly contented. They love each other very much. It reminds
me often of Amelia E & C. I hope you will always love each other just
as much. Uncle T is in town waiting for the mail in hopes he will be able
to hear from our friends in Forsyth. When you write me write all the news.
I am Affectionately, Aunt Georgia
______________________________________________________
My dear Amelia Ella & Charlie
Aunt Georgia has left a part of this sheet for me to write you which
I do with very much pleasure. You have already learned when we arrived
in this place and as Aunt Georgia says, we had a pleasant trip. In passing
through some portions of this country as we look off over the country
it looks like one vast sea studded here and there with white sails. In
other portions the country is rolling with heavens there---------call
it here but in reality many of them are pretty heavy timber. In some directions
you cannot see a tree but there is always patches of timber in sight some
large and some of them small. This particularly of this section and above
here. I have seen the country over a circuit of 6 or 7 miles from town
and am very well pleased with the general appearance of what I have seen.
The winters are so mild that they don't stable their stock much. I would
very much like to see you all and would like having you here with us,
but as you cannot be with us you must write and tell us all the news--how
you are getting along with your studies and all about Grandpa. I wish
we could step in and see him this morning and tell him all we have seen
and heard since we left there. You must go over and see him often and
make it as pleasant and comfortable as possible for him. Tell your Pa
I will write to him soon if there is any chance to get letters through.
Your affectionate Uncle, Fred Ellsworth.
Letter #26
From: Georgia and Fred Ellsworth Simsbury, CT
To: Charlie, Amelia and Ella Ensign in Forsyth, June 16, 1865
Dear Children:
There I cannot take that back, but the children are gone. Amelia they
say you are almost a young lady. Ella is stepping on Amelia's heels and
Charlie I presume you would surprise me with your last speech. I wish
I could take a peep at you all just from behind the door. Susan has gone
out to a ride. She is a dear little girl so we think. Your Aunt Abbie
has a little girl six weeks younger than Susan. Mattie goes to school
in Hartford is an excellent scholar, and is going to make a pretty woman.
Nellie & Natie go to school in the school house opposite-side of the
road from here. Mary Seymour called here a few weeks ago is as gentle
& graceful as ever. How is your Farther & Nath. Are either of
them coming on to buy goods this summer? Uncle Ralph is very pleasantly
situated I expect to go over there soon for it is now four o'clock and
Capt Dumas Frederick & I have an invitation there to tea this afternoon.
Uncle Ralphs little baby is quite as heavy as Susan, but is much younger.
Uncle Ralph says bless the baby. How are Mr. Wilders family. I should
like to see many of the Forsyth folks. There is much I want to say to
you but it is getting late and I must say good night. With much love
Your aff Aunt Georgia.
Your Uncle Ralph & Fred have brought some articles for you all.
----------------------------------------------------------------
My dear Nieces and Nephew
You will excuse me if I don't write you much at this time, it is very
late and I have much to do, yet, tonight. I can hardly realize that you,
Amelia and Ella are almost young ladies grown. Jeff Davis tells me how
some of the little girls & boys that were 4 years ago are grown up
to be young ladies & young men. Four long years & more have made
many changes. How many of our dear friends & acquaintances have gone
from earth to eternity. I learn from Mrs. Du--- of many that have been
dead years & we have but just learned of it. We are thankful that
we may, in all probability, be permitted to have frequent correspondence
with our friends. Charlie I suppose you have got to be quite a lad perhaps
almost a young man in size and quite a gentleman in appearance. I should
like very much to see you & the girls & Robert & Sallie, your
father & Uncle Nathan with all others & hope to some day before
long. Well children I am in a great hurry & must close for this time
but promise to write you a long letter as soon as I can. Give much love
to your Father & Uncle Nathan.
Your Aff Uncle
Fred Ellsworth
Courtesy of Sam
Bunn.
225 Durham Road
Milner, GA 30257-4004
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