Son of John Smith Phelps and Mary Whitney Phelps.
At the start of the Civil War, John served as a Union scout and guide in S.W. Missouri and Northern Arkansas, serving under Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, until Gen. Lyon's death at Wilson's Creek and distinguished himself in the battle, by leading an unarmed group, except for himself, consisting of a Negro servant, a farm hand and a member of the Home Guard, in capturing a total of ten 10 Confederate troops.
2 Jul 1862 - appointed 2nd Lt, 3rd U.S. Cavalry, under Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr
26 Nov 1864 - appointed 1st Lt, 3rd U.S. Cavalry
In 1865, he was breveted upwards in rank, Capt., Maj. Lt. Col, Col.
17 Jun 1865 - appointed Brig. Gen. by Brevet, 2nd Arkansas Cavalry Volunteers.
28 Sep 1865 - Discharged at La Grange, Tenn.

Married Margaret Jane White on 21 Jul 1864 in Springfield, Greene, Missouri.
To this union were born three children: Edith Allen, Lucy and John Smith Phelps.

Springfield News-Leader Sunday, September 18, 1921 p10 col 6
COLONEL J. E. PHELPS
Colonel John E. Phelps, 82 years old, pioneer resident of this city, died in a hospital at Pasadena, Calif., Friday morning, according to word received here. Death was due to pneumonia following an illness of two weeks. His son, John S. Phelps and wife were with Colonel Phelps during his illness. He will be buried at Paso Robles, Calif.*
Colonel Phelps was the son of the late John S. Phelps, one time governor of Missouri. He was born in Springfield and spent all his life here. He served with distinction in the Union army during the Civil war. During his life time he was variously engaged as a stock buyer and business man. He helped organize the first wholesale grocery firm in this city.
Phelps Grove park, Phelps avenue and Phelps school still retain the name of the family that was one of the most prominent in Greene county.