Pioneer, Indian Trader, Businessman. As an Illinois pioneer in the early 1820's, he was initially engaged in lead mining and smelting in Galena, Illinois. Health issues compelled him to remove to Oquawka where he joined his brothers, Sumner and William Phelps, in establishing trade with the Indians of Western Illinois in and around Henderson County. Alexis Phelps was a friend to Indian leaders of the day, including chief Black Hawk, and he was also a close friend of both Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. He married Cornelia Day on April 30, 1833 and built the first frame house in Western Illinois. His house still stands as a historical site in Oquawka and is open for special events. In 1841 he contracted and built the Henderson County Court House which is still in use.
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Pioneer, Indian Trader, Businessman. As an Illinois pioneer in the early 1820's, he was initially engaged in lead mining and smelting in Galena, Illinois. Health issues compelled him to remove to Oquawka where he joined his brothers, Sumner and William Phelps, in establishing trade with the Indians of Western Illinois in and around Henderson County. Alexis Phelps was a friend to Indian leaders of the day, including chief Black Hawk, and he was also a close friend of both Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. He married Cornelia Day on April 30, 1833 and built the first frame house in Western Illinois. His house still stands as a historical site in Oquawka and is open for special events. In 1841 he contracted and built the Henderson County Court House which is still in use.
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