The following autobiography is found in Second Souvenir, published by Francis C. Waid in 1889.

The record of my birth and parentage, etc., is included in the biographical record of the Phelps Family, and will be found at page 339 in this book. When I left home, just before I was twenty-one years of age, I had no property I could call my own, and had but little schooling. However, during the winters of 1850-51 and 1851-52 I attended school, and in September, 1852, I commenced college, following which I taught school in various places, alternated with further studies at college. In 1856 I moved to Minnesota, and located at Marion, where I went to work immediately, and followed surveying several years. I was town superintendent of schools in 1860-61, and county superintendent several years. Have held nearly every town office; was a justice of the peace many years; was in the Legislature, 1871 and 1877; was president of the Agricultural Society, 1877-78-79. I have been district treasurer ever since 1874, and am now supervisor and treasurer. I have held nearly all the offices in the church; have been lay delegate, district and recording steward (many years); have held the office of class leader, steward, president of building committee (during the putting up two new churches); am at present steward and Sunday-school superintendent.

On my farm we raise cattle, horses, hogs and the various kinds of grain and seeds--hay, clover and timothy, for seed, doing well here. We have a comfortable living, enough for ourselves and whomsoever may visit us; and I wish you, my dear friend Mr. Waid, could come and see us and stay a long time. You and yours would be welcome and twice welcome. Things taste better when we have our friends with us. Come! Come!! Come!!!
Your sincere friend,
THOMAS W. PHELPS.
CHESTER, MINN.
February 8, 1887.