The National Cyclopedia of American Biography
PHELPS, Sheffield, lawyer and journalist, was born in New Haven, Conn., July 24,1864, son of the William Walter and Eleanor (Sheffield) Phelps, and grandson of John Jay Phelps, the organizer at the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western railroad, and of Joseph E. Sheffield, founder the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University. His father was an eminent diplomat and jurist. He was educated at Siglar's Preparatory School, Newburgh, N.Y., the Hopkins Grammar School, New Haven, Conn., and Yale University, where he was graduated in 1886. During the next four years he was acting editor of the Colorado Springs "Gazette," and having studied law was admitted to the bar that state. In 1890 he settled in New York city and became connected with the "World" as its New England correspondent. In 1892 he obtained a position on the "Mail and Express," were he began as telegraph editor, rapidly rising to the position of foreign editor, editorial writer and managing editor, all during the short space of about two years. He then bought a large interest in the "Evening Journal" of Jersey City, and was its editor until 1899, when he disposed of his share and went to Europe for an extended tour. Returning in 1900, he devoted his time to wielding a political influence in his native state, which derives strength from the support given by his father's many friends, and from his social position. While he has never accepted any office he is considered by his party eminently eligible, and there are strong indications that he will follow the footsteps of his father. He is a member of the Union League and University clubs of New York city. He was married, June 1,1892, to Claudia Wright, daughter Preston Lea, capitalist and banker, of Wilmington, Del. They have three children: William Walter, Claudia Lea and Eleanor Sheffield.
Vol. 11, page 334
[Entry written 1900-02]
