Background
Phelps, Charles Edward was born on May 1, 1833 in Guilford, Vermont, United States. Son of John and Almira Hart (Lincoln) Phelps.
Phelps, Charles Edward was born on May 1, 1833 in Guilford, Vermont, United States. Son of John and Almira Hart (Lincoln) Phelps.
Lived in Maryland. from 1841. Bachelor of Arts, Princeton, 1852. Master of Arts, 1855, Doctor of Laws, 1906.
Studied law at Harvard, 1852-1853.
After some time spent in foreign travel began practice in Baltimore.
Member city council, Baltimore, on Reform ticket, 1860 (popular revolt against local misrule of “Know Nothing” party). Captain and major, 1859-1861, Maryland. Guard; in Union Army as lieutenant colonel and colonel 7th Maryland.
Volunteer Infantry, 1862-1864.
Horse killed under him, was wounded and taken prisoner, May 8, 1864, while leading charge on works at Spottsylvania, having assumed command while charge was in progress, after fall of two successive commanders. Recaptured by Sheridan’s cavalry.
Promoted brevetted brigadier general United States.V. and awarded Congressional medal of honor for “most distinguished gallantry.” Elected to Congress on Union ticket, 1864. Re-elected on Conservative ticket, 1866.
As member Naval Committee was instrumental in securing retention of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.
Supported 14th amendment to Constitution, but opposed the radical measures and policy of reconstruction, and particularly the 15th amendment. Declined executive appointment as judge Maryland. Court of Appeals; president Baltimore school board, 1876.
Served during strike riots, 1877, as colonel 8th Maryland. regiment Elected judge, Supreme bench, Baltimore, 1882 (Independent ticket), for 15-year term.
Re-elected for like term, 1897. Term unanimously extended by Maryland. legislature of 1902.
Professor law, University Maryland, 1884-1906. Author: Juridical Equity, 1894.
Falstaff and Equity, 1901.
One of the Missing, 1905. Home: Baltimore, Maryland.
Member city council, Baltimore, on Reform ticket, 1860 (popular revolt against local misrule of “Know Nothing” party).
Married Martha Woodward, 1868.