Obit: Upham, William H. (? - 1924)

 
Contact: Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Upham

----Source: The Oshkosh Northwestern (Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wis.) 2 July 1924

Upham, William H. (? - 2 July 1924)

Announcement of the death of former Governor William H. Upham, which occurred this morning at his home at Marshfield, will be received with sincere regret by many throughout this state. Thirty years ago Mr. Upham was a prominent figure in Wisconsin politics, being elected governor in 1895 and serving one term with success and distinction. Previous to that he fought on the side of the Union during the civil war, being seriously wounded at the battle of Bull run, left on the field for dead, picked up by the Confederates and sent to Libby prison, and eventually recovering to the joy of his relatives and friends. He was cited by President Lincoln for exceptional bravery, and later rejoined the army and served through the reconstruction period.

Enjoying a widespread popularity among his war comrades, Mr. Upham was elected commander of the state department of the G.A.R. in 1891, which proved to be a stepping stone to political preferment, and in 1895 he was chosen governor of Wisconsin, after a spirited contest well remembered by many old-times. His large business interests required his personal attention, however, and two years later he retired from politics, at least as an active leader, and during the time that followed he won conspicuous success in commercial lines. He was eighty-three years of age on his last birthday, and his passing marks the termination of a well rounded career of usefulness and accomplishment.