This collection of family papers includes correspondence, diaries, account books, school notebooks, autograph books, legal papers, obituaries, a teaching contract and certificate, a history of Shepherd, and specifications for the Shepherd town hall. It provides an interesting view of the lives of early Shepherd pioneers.
Biography:
Joshua J. Upton was an early Shepherd, Michigan, pioneer. He was born in Connecticut in 1832. He moved to Salt River, Michigan, which was later renamed Shepherd, in 1885. He had three brothers, James, of Clymer, New York; William, of Ripley, New York, and later of Belvidere, Nebraska; and John, of French Creek, New York; and he also may have had a sister (or sister-in-law) named Amanda. Their mother died on May 4, 1876. Their father appears to have died before her. Joshua appears to have operated a general store beginning in Clymer in 1859. He continued to operate a store in Shepherd until 1895 under the J. Upton and Sons, dealers in general hardware, paint, tile, and fencing.
He married Wealthia (Welthie or Wealthy) Moore, the daughter of Elijah Moore, in New York in 1865. That same year, the couple moved to Salt River, where Joshua farmed. Together they had three daughters, Myrtie, Iola, and Iva (Ivy), and a son, J. L. (Jedde). Joshua died on September 19, 1919. Wealthia died around 1917.
Biographical Information about the Upton Children: Myrtie Upton (born March 28, 1864) graduated from the Michigan State Normal School at Ypsilanti, Michigan, in June 1883. She taught school in Ypsilanti. Iola Upton (born September 6, 1866) married James M. Struble on January 2, 1888 and died before 1919. Iva (Ivy) Upton’s birth and death dates are unknown. She probably graduated from Michigan State Normal School at Ypsilanti as well. In 1919, she received a teaching contract. J. L. (Jedde) Upton (born circa 1874/1875) was a farmer like his father. He later became the director of the Shepherd State Bank. He died at age 81, in November 1955, of cancer. He was survived by a cousin.
Biography of Elijah Moore: Elijah Moore lived in Mayville, Chautauqua County, New York, in 1861. He later moved to Salt River, later Shepherd. In 1865 or 1866, he built the first tavern in Coe Township. In 1866, he platted Salt River, a total of two blocks and 22 lots. Elijah was part of a large family which included two brothers, Isaac (died November 1881), a New York farmer, married to Caroline; Wallis; and Eben; and two sisters Jane Woodard and Elsie Goddard (died November 26, 1864). (This information is from Salt River/Shepherd 1857-1957.)
