McDonough ILGenWeb

UPP, Nelson (deceased), who was formerly a prominent farmer in Macomb Township, McDonough County, Ill., was born December 26, 1847, in Hocking County, Ohio, where he attended public school. He was a son of George and Rachel (Towers) Upp, natives of Ohio, where the father was born in Pickaway County, and the mother, in Hocking County. John Upp, the paternal grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania, and James Towers, the maternal grandfather, was a native of Maryland. George Upp, who was a farmer by occupation, brought his family to McDonough County, when Nelson was five years old. The father lived on a farm in Macomb Township one year, and in 1853 bought a farm near Macomb, which he operated until 18G9, in the meantime purchasing more land. He died August 6, 1902.

Nelson Upp was the eldest of three children born to his parents. He remained in the paternal home until he was twenty-two years old, when he moved to another farm belonging to his father. There he stayed until he established his home in Macomb, in February, 1903. At that time he bought a residence at No. 712 North Lafayette Street, where he lived until his death June 26, 1905, free from the cares and vexations which attend active pursuits. He had made a good record both as a man and a citizen and was respected by all who knew him.

Mr. Upp was married December 23, 1869, to Rebecca Fox, who was born and schooled in McDonough County. Five children resulted from this union, viz.: Eva L. (Mrs. O. S. Lester), of McDonough County; Maude E. (Mrs. John McKee); Minnie D. (deceased); Lucy (Mrs. Henry Graham); and Frankie Jewel. In politics, Mr. Upp supported the policy of the Democratic party, and had been Road Commissioner. He was affiliated with the Universalist Church.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, pages 1032-1033, extracted 07 Aug 2020 by Norma Hass.