Category Archives: Genealogy

10/11/13

John Upham in 1640’s

In 1643 John Upham is mentioned as one of the selectmen ; and in 1644, power was given him by the General Court in connection with two others, to ” end small causes at Weymouth.”

His name is subscribed to the doings of the town, as one of the selectmen, for the years 1645, 1646, and 1647. The last entry of this kind to which his name is signed (p. 16, Weymouth Town Records, vol. I), is dated the 21st day of the twelfth month, 1647; and there is no doubt that he remained in Weymouth until the year 1648. Continue reading →

10/11/13

THE DESCENDANTS OF JOHN UPHAM AND HIS WIFE ELIZABETH WEBB

I. John Upham was the first to bear his name in America, and so far as known, he was the ancestor of all who have since had the name in this country.* He was born in England, probably in Somersetshire; but of his origin, or ancestry, nothing is known.

He came to Weymouth with the Hull Colony, a record of which has already been given, and according to which, the family at that time consisted of the following members:

John Upham, age 35 ; John Upham, jr., age 7 ;
Elizabeth Upham, age 32 ; Nathaniel Upham, age 5 ;
Sarah Upham, age 26 ; Elizabeth Upham, age 3.

As will be observed, his age is given as thirty-five at that time, according to which he would have been born in the year 1600; the record on his gravestone would make his age three years more, but this is probably a mistake, for the age as given by himself, — as this must have been — in his early years, would without doubt be more reliable than one which was recorded after his death, and also the death of most of the members of his family. From other sources, we know that the name of his wife was Elizabeth, and so assume the Elizabeth above mentioned was his wife, per age at that time being thirty-two. Sarah Upham, age 26, was likely his sister; there is no further record of her in connection with the family, that has been discovered, John, Nathaniel, and Elizabeth were unquestionably his children, subsequent mention proves them to have been such. His wife, Elizabeth, was the there are some who have received this name through adoption, whom this does not in-clude of course mother of all his children, unless, which is not probable, and there is nothing: to indicate, there was an earlier marriage in England.

With regard to his wife: her name is assumed to have been Webb, for the will of Richard Webb has this : ” Also I appoint and design my loving friends, Deacon John Upham, of Maiden, Deacon Clapp and Lieut. Clapp, to be my executors,'”‘ etc. This dated July 21, 1659, while in the same record, and bearing the same date, is the following: “Joseph Webb being before me, the magistrate, declared that he chose his Uncle Upham, Lieut. Clapp, and Deacon Clapp, whom his father appointed executors of his will, to be guardians,” etc. John Upham, to have been the uncle of Joseph, the son of Richard Webb, must either have married the sister of the said Richard Webb, or Richard Webb must have married the sister of John L’pham. There is no record of the death of John Upham’s wife Elizabeth, though as will appear later, he contracted another marriage in his old age, in 1671.

10/11/13

William Arthur Upham

In 1881, William Arthur Upham, of London (Atlas Assurance Company, Fire Dept., 92 Cheapside), also wrote, saying he was born in Taunton;, in 1834 ; his father — then deceased — had been the town clerk at Taunton. He too was apparently quite interested in the origin of the family, and expressed a purpose to give the matter his attention, but nothing more has come from him.

In all probability the family has been located within twenty or thirty miles of Bath, for many generations. Edward Upham, bookseller, fellow of the Oriental Society, etc., was mayor of Bath, sometime about 1807; his obituary was in the Gentleman s Magazine about 1836. See, also, iVllibone’s Diet, of Authors. He was author of several works, an important one of which was his “Sacred Book of Ceylon,” in three octavo volumes. His brother was also a bookseller at Bristol. Continue reading →

10/11/13

William George Upham

In 1877, William George Upham, who was in business at 75 High St., Hamstead, London, wrote that his father was Hugh Northam Upham, born in Taunton, Somerset ; where his father was also born, his name being AVilliam. William George had brothers in London: John Launcelot, Robert Northam, and Alfred Eugene Edward; all of whom were in business, or occupying positions of some kind. Hugh Northam — father of this family — said the family was probably originally from Devonshire. He also said there were but few of the name in England, so far as he was aware, and these he believed all came from the same original family. A George Upham was also mentioned, living at Russell House, South End Road, Hampstead, London, N. W.; he had been a bookseller and publisher in Bond St., had also been at one time connected with the British Museum, and was from Devonshire. Further mention was made of Edwin and William Upham, of Taunton, — relatives of the writer — the latter of whom was town clerk at Taunton. William George Upham manifested an unusual degree of interest in the subject of the origin of the Uphams, and expressed his intention to investigate the matter, but I am not aware that he has ever paid farther attention to it.

08/21/13

About Phineas Upham Family Geneology

THIS SITE PROVIDES DETAILS OF DESCENDANTS OF PHINEAS UPHAM OF MASSACHUSETTS, WHO CAME FROM ENGLAND IN 163S, AND LIVED IN WEYMOUTH AND MALDEN. EMBRACING OVER FIVE HUNDRED HEADS OF FAMILIES, EXTENDING INTO THE TENTH GENERATION.

phineas upham

This genealogy has as its foundation the little book published in 1845 by Dr. Albert G. Upham, entitled ” Notices of John Upham and his Descendants ; ” and an incomplete, but very important Upham genealogy, showing many of the earlier generations in New England, collected by the well-known genealogist Thomas B. Wyman, a portion of which was printed in the JVeia England Genealogical and Historic Register, vol. 25, to which he had added notes as matter came to his knowledge, prior to his death some years ago. No attempt has been made to give particular credit to either of these pioneers in Upham genealogy for the reason that the entire work of each — omitting errors which have since been discovered — has been transferred to the pages of this book. Without the foundation afforded by the pains-taking labors of Dr. Upham and Mr. Wyman, this genealogy could not have been prepared.

I wish also to acknowledge that without the continued assistance and encouragement given me in collecting material, by Mr. Henry P. Upham of St. Paul, Minn., and the Rev. Dr. James Upham of Chelsea, Mass., my labor would have ceased, and the present end would not have been accomplished. So valuable has been the aid received from these gentlemen, I feel that while my name alone appears on the title page, they should share in any credit that may be thought to be due on account of its preparation.

The numerous others who have so kindly furnished records of particular branches, it is hoped, may find compensation with the re-appearance of their work in the pages which follow, and which are the result of a more or less connected effort, extending over the past seventeen years.

By F. K. UPHAM.
ALBANY, NY

08/3/13

Lieutenant Phineas Upham

Lieutenant Phineas Upham (John), of Maiden, Mass.,was the only son of John Upham that left posterity; consequently he, as well as his father, was the ancestor of all the American Uphams.

In 1673 he was appointed with three others to survey a road from Cambridge to Maiden. In 1674 his name is signed to two inventories made by him, and to a petition in regard to lands in Worcester; he was also on a committee to alter highways, in April of that year. Continue reading →

03/10/13

Phineas Upham Genealogy

Genealogy
Phineas UPHAM(1) was born on 10 Jun 1682 in Malden, Middlesex, Massachusetts. He died in 1766 in Malden, Middlesex, Massachusetts. LDS AFN:8TH6-ZC. Parents: Phineas UPHAM and Mary MELLEN.

He was married to Tamzen (Thomasin) HILL on 23 Nov 1703 in Malden, Middlesex, Massachusetts. Children were: Tabitha UPHAM, Mary UPHAM, Phineas UPHAM, Timothy UPHAM, Zebediah UPHAM, Isaac UPHAM, Jabez UPHAM, Amos UPHAM, Tamzen UPHAM, Sarah UPHAM, Jacob UPHAM.

Phineas UPHAM(1) was born on 14 Jan 1707/8 in Malden, Middlesex, Massachusetts.

Parents: Phineas UPHAM and Tamzen (Thomasin) HILL. bullet Phineas UPHAM(1) was born on 23 May 1659 in Malden, Middlesex, Massachusetts. He died on 19 Oct 1720 in Malden, Middlesex, Massachusetts. AFT:8KML-T6 Parents: Phineas UPHAM and Ruth WOOD.

He was married to Mary MELLEN between 1682 and 1683 in Malden, Middlesex, Massachusetts. Children were: Phineas UPHAM, Mary UPHAM, Upham JAMES, Mary UPHAM, Ebenezer UPHAM, Jonathan UPHAM, William UPHAM, Elizabeth UPHAM, UPHAM.

Phineas UPHAM(1) was born between 1635 and 1636 in Weymouth, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts. He died on 19 Oct 1676 in Malden, Middlesex, Massachusetts. AFN:8QJ1-H5. Parents: John UPHAM and Elizabeth Webb Slade WEBB.

He was married to Ruth WOOD on 14 Apr 1658 in Malden, Middlesex, Massachusetts. Children were: Phineas UPHAM , Nathaniel UPHAM, Ruth UPHAM, John UPHAM, Thomas UPHAM, Richard UPHAM, Rebecca UPHAM, Elizabeth UPHAM.

01/21/13

Phineas Upham Second

PHINEAS UPHAM SECOND

Phineas’ Upham (Phineas’, John^), of Maiden, Mass., born May 22, 1659; married Mary Mellins (prob. Mellen), as early as 1663 and probably in 1682.  He has been known as Phineas Upham Second, being the eldest son of Lieutenant Phineas. His father died when he was eighteen years old, leaving him the following property, as described in the will: “To his eldest son Phineas, he did give his new dwelling house, v\^ith the land belonging to it, and the meadow, and half the stock, when he should come of the age of one and twenty years.” He was one of the selectmen of Maiden for the years from 1692 to 1696, inclusive. He was town treasurer for the years from 1697 to lyor, inclusive; and during the same time was employed in the settlement of various estates. Continue reading →

01/20/13

Phineas Upham Third

PHINEAS UPHAM THIRD.

Phineas Upham (Phineas^, Phineas’, John’), of Maiden, Mass., b. there June 10, 1682; m. by Mr. Wigglesworth, Nov.23, 1703, Tamzen (Thomasin) Hill, dau. of Isaac and Sarah (Bicknell) Hill, b. Dec. 10, 1685, who d. Apr. 24, 1768. He is early mentioned as yeoman, and soon after his marriage he moved from what was known as Maiden Center to North Maiden, of which place he was one of the first inhabitants. In the year 1707-8, he is mentioned as “Ensign Phineas Upham,” and was that year chosen a selectman, as he was also the following year, and the year 1709-10. In 1711-12, he was assessor. For the years 1725, 1726, 1728, 1729 and 1730, he was chosen moderator of the town meetings. He was again moderator for the years 1748 and 1752. His name also appears on the records as witness to various legal documents, as the will of Lazarus Grover, in May, 17 15; and in 17 16, the will of Nathaniel Upham is witnessed by both the second and third Phineas Upham.

His will was made in the year 1751, and as this document was lodged in the probate office the 29th of April, 1766, it is probable that his death occurred that year; in this case he was in his 84th year at the time of his death. His wife died two years later, at the age of 87.

In the Notices, Dr. Upham says: “Mr. John Edmonds, of Maiden, an old soldier, now ” (1845), ” 89 years of age, informs me that when a boy he often saw Phineas Upham. He states that he was of medium height; his hair abundant, but of pure white, and his costume that of his times, viz. — breeches, cocked hat, &c. He used to walk about the village with the assistance of an ivory headed cane, and he had a favorite seat beneath a wide-spreading tree, where he was often seen reposing. He ‘valued himself, says Mr. Edmonds, ‘on his French blood.'”

Phineas Upham and his wife, Tamzen, had:

I Tabitha, b. Dec. 11, 1704; m. Daniel Newhall, 1728.
II Mary, b. Mar. 5, 1706; m. Capt. Daniel Goff, of Boston, 1740.
III Phineas, b. Jan. 14, 1708.
IV Sarah, b. May 31, 1709; d. Sept. 23, 1709.
V Timothy, b. Aug. 29, 17 10.
VI Zebediah, b. Mar. 13, 17 12; d. Apr. 28, 17 12.
VII Tamzen, b. May 5, 1713; d. infant.
VIII Isaac, b. July 31, 17 14.
IX Jabez, b. Jan. 3, 1717.
X Amos, b. Sept. 29, 17 18.
XI Tamzen, b. May 21, 1720; m. Jonathan Wiley, of Lynn, 1750-
XII Sarah, b. Oct. 21, 1 721; m. Benj. Rice, of Brookfield, 1744.
XIII Jacob, b. Apr. 30, 1723.

Tie Old Upham Hoinestcad at Meh-ose. The following interesting account of the old house still standing at Melrose, formerly North Maiden, Mass., was prepared by Mary Elizabeth, the daughter of Orne Upham (No. 320), who was born in the house, and whose Upham ancestors have continued to live and die there since the days of the third Phineas. It is, therefore, the ancestral home of all who descend from Phineas Upham, Third, and for that reason should be of especial interest to such. This account was written in April, 1890, at which time the homestead was the property of Orne Upham.

12/21/12

Richard Upham of Onslow, 1716

Richard Upham (Richard^ Phineas^ John’), of Onslow, Nova Scotia, b. in Maiden, Mass.; bapt. Dec. 9, 17 16; m. Eliza-

beth Hovey, who d. June 7, 1756, in her 35th year, and who was, accordingly, the mother of all but the two youngest of his chil-

dren. He m. (2) Elizabeth Putnam, widow, of Conn. (Her first husband was a relative of Gen. Putnam, ” ’76.”) She was heir

to Putnam estate in 1773, as per Essex Co. deed, with William and Caleb Putnam. Richard Upham was engaged in trading

from Salem, along the coasts of Maine, Nova Scotia, and Cape Breton; was at the capture of Louisburg, where he lost his ves-

sels and other property. He built a house at Halifax, N. S., then secured a grant of the township of Onslow, now in the county of Colchester, N. S., on condition of settling it; which was done with families from New England. The grant of the town  NoTE. — It is said that the sons of Richard, above, were ” young men of the province, not very industrious, probably on account of their early associations,” but, also, that ” the Nova Scotia branch of the Uphams were gentle in their manners, intelligent, and given to the acquisition of knowledge.” See further information of this general character in the record of the following generations of the descendants of Richard, of Onslow. ship of Onslow was made to Richard Upham, and sixteen others, for a certain number of shares, or rights; and to Francis Blair and thirty others, for certain other rights or shares, in all forty eight persons. This grant was for fifty thousand acres, being the whole of the township of Onslow. It is dated Feb. 21, 1769, and is signed by Lord William Campbell, who was then Governor of Nova Scotia. Richard Upham died at Onslow, about 1780, having deeded his property — said to be then and still, the most valuable in the county — to his stepson, William Putnam, whose descendants have inherited it, as per information from one of Richard Upham’s posterity. Richard Upham and his two wives had:

I Child; d. aged i yr., Oct., 1740.
II Richard, bapt. June 29, 1741; d. Dec, 1743.
III Elizabeth, b. Oct. 9, 1742.
IV Richard, bapt. Dec. 25, 1743; d. early.
V Luke, b. Oct. 25, 1746.
VI Abigail, bapt. April 9, 1749.
VII Arthur, b. March 25, 1750; d. May, 1750.
VIII Nathan, b. July 25, 1752.
IX Richard, bapt. May 28, 1758.
X Mary, bapt. April 5, 1761.