Joseph Phelps, Sr.
[pg. 91-93]
Mr. Phelps' residence in Windsor was next to his brother William's, on the road running east and crossing the Poquonock road, and near the present Poquonock road.
Says the history of Simsbury in 1666: "The Committee specified terms upon which those who took lands in Massaco (now Simsbury), should have them." The record of the 1st grant was made in 1667; of the thirty in all who had grants we find in Weatouge (a district), Joseph Phelps.
In 1669, by order of the Assembly, in a record of the Freeman of each town, we find with others belonging to Massaco (now Simsbury), Joseph Phelps.
[on King Philip's War, 1675-1678]
The early settlers of Simsbury suffered greatly by the Indians. On 13th March, 1676, it was ordered by the General Court that the people of Simsbury remove to the neighboring settlements or plantations with their cattle and valuables, and soon after their buildings were burned by the Indians. This took place on Saturday, 26th March, 1676.
Says Phelps the Historian: "The ruin was complete. Nothing but desolation remained. During all the Indian wars before and since this event, no destruction of an English settlement in New England has taken place, in which the ruin was more extensive or more general than this conflagration."
A neighboring mountain overlooking Simsbury was then called "Phelps Mountain," because Mr.Phelps owned lands on it, and where it is supposed King Philip was then encamped, overlooking and gloating in the destruction he had caused.
Early in 1676, the danger being over, most of the settlers returned.
May 4th, 1677, we find Joseph Phelps, with nine others, petitioning the General Assembly for assistance in taxing, on account of loss caused by the Indians, which was partially granted.
May 7th, 1683, we find him with thirty-one others, in all thirty-two (probably the voters of Simsbury at that time), signing a paper, the substance of which was that they not agreeing on a spot for locating their Meeting House, there being two places selected. It was decided to cast lots, and Gov. John Talcott and Capt. John Allyn were chosen to do this. Their action is thus described in the History of Simsbury.
"May 8th, 1683, the above written agreement of ye above sides is will approved by
John Talcott,
John Allyn."
At a solemn meeting May 24th, 1683, "where as there is two papers putt in ye hatt, one east and ye other for ye west of the River, for ye decision of ye two places formerly mentioned. It is now agreed that ye first paper that is drawn shall be ye last. This voted, the lot that came forth was for ye west side of ye River."
In a deposition taken at Hartford 22nd May, 1677, he is mentioned as being about 46 years old.
Mr. Phelps was made a Freeman in 1664, and died in 1684, aged 55. ["Freeman" seems to be a term akin to citizen]
May 7th, 1682, we find his name in a petition to retain the Rev. Samuel Snow.
