F.F. PHELPS 

F. F. Phelps, the jeweler, stationer and music dealer of Galt, has been a resident of that place since 1878. He was born in Burlington, Vermont, May 31, 1833, son of Francis and Helen Phelps, both natives also of that State, who resided there until their death. Being a natural musician, and having an excellent training from the best teachers, Mr. Phelps was set to the systematic study of music at the age of five years. Among his teachers was the noted Lowell Mason. After leaving home at the age of twelve years he continued his favorite study, mostly by himself, adapting himself to almost any kind of musical instrument. In the early ‘50’s he spent a winter in Chicago, where he played violin in the amphitheater, and traveled with a circus during the summer. He continued this mode of life up to the age of twenty-two years, when he began learning a trade in Cleveland, Ohio. He entered a store there kept by a German named Keselmyer, who had a small business, principally in the way of repairing, and worked with him two years. He then traveled, repairing musical instruments and soliciting his own work until he came to California in 1857. He came from New York by way of Panama, landing in San Francisco in March. He mined in Calaveras County ten years, in the meantime prospecting considerably, and when short of money would resort to his old trade. At length he abandoned mining and prospecting, and devoted himself exclusively to the repairing business again, until he located in Woodbridge, September 1, 1868, with no means but his kit of tools; and he also taught music some. Much can be credited to Mr. Phelps for what he did for Woodbridge and that section of the country in the way of creating a taste for music and raising its standard. He taught in the public schools and led societies free of charge, receiving pay for instrumental instruction only. As the place advanced in population, wealth and in other respects, his classes in music increased and his reputation widened, bringing pupils from greater and greater distances. The people of Woodbridge, acknowledging their indebtedness to Prof. Phelps, presented him a beautiful gold-headed cane, appropriately engraved with the inscription and date, and the head embellished with a beautiful setting of gold quartz. In his business he naturally collected around him a considerable stock of jewelry and musical goods. For business reasons he came to Galt, in June 1878, and opened a store in his line, where he has deservedly prospered. He was married in 1863 to Julia A. Carter, a native of Wisconsin, and they have three children: Cora A., Carry L. and Alton D.