as the only candidate who could successfully lead Northern and Southern factions in the state. During his tenure as governor, Phelps supported currency reform and increased support for public education. He retired in 1881, praised as one of Missouri’s best governors. John Smith Phelps died in St. Louis, Missouri. He rests in Hazelwood Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri. See also List of American Civil War generals (Union) References External links Retrieved on 2008-11-01 1814 births 1886 deaths People from Simsbury, Connecticut Democratic Party governors of Missouri People of Missouri in the American Civil War Union Army colonels Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Missouri 19th-century American politicians Deans of the United States House of Representatives