Find A Grave Memorial# 130114349
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From 1852-64 Sacramento Union editor.
Lauren Upson, for many years the editor of the Sacramento Union in the far distant past, has gone to his rest at a ripe old age. The friends of the veteran journalist must always regret that his later years were passed under physical conditions, due mainly to arduous journalistic labors extending over a quarter of a century that prostrated his intellect and made him mentally as a little child. But it is consoling to know that his days were in all this time those of comparative peace, and that he was spared physical agonies and lingering pain, He was a modest, clear-minded, courageous journalist, who in the flower of his days served society well, and earned for himself the reputation that lives after men in the esteem and affection of those they leave behind them. Mr. Upson we knew only to respect and admire. He was a straightforward, conscientious and patient toiler. One of those men who fully estimate the demands of a duty before they take on its burdens; but these once assumed discharge them with a patience, faithfulness and courage that amounts to heroism. He was big-hearted, generous, whole-souled, and in every way manly. He radiated warmth of heart wherever he moved; he shed geniality and sunshine all around him; he inspired men with courage, and by his presence lifted up and advanced them. There was not a particle of false pride about him; in fact, he was one of the most unassuming of men, never boasting, but never hesitating to claim and accept his honest due. In all his judgements he was conservative, deliberative and cool. He cannot be said to have been a brilliant writer, but he was what is far better — a positive and straightforward writer. He went directly to the heart of his subject, using plain language, expressing himself in a simple, easy, yet forcible manner. He never labored to be ornate, preferring homely expressions, indeed, but such as were chaste and full of meaning. He never attempted the co-called "cut and slash" style of writing, which came into vogue upon this coast in his day. Vituperation with him had no force ; it was a weapon that he did not esteem of strength. Plain, simple and direct in expression, he found that the people understood and appreciated his columns, and never misinterpreted his meaning. He was a thoroughly conscientious man, believing what he wrote, and never purposely conveying to his readers false ideas. His aim was to be right, and to do right in all things, public and private. A mean thing was impossible to his nature, and an unmanly action was abhorrent to him, even in suggestion. He was a firm friend of the indissoluble union of these sovereign States in the darkest days of their trial, never for a moment losing faith in the integrity of the republic or the cause of human freedom. It was such as he, standing shoulder to shoulder, in the days of treason and rebellion, who defied the hosts that would have swept California out of the Union and into the whirlpool of seccession. He was among the pioneer advocates of a Pacific railway, and early foresaw clearly the mighty influence of such construction upon the destinies of this coast.
We subjoin a brief sketch of the life of Mr. Upson: General Upson was born in Cheshire, Hartford county [New Haven Co.], Conn, August 12, 1807. As the eldest of nine sons, his early lot was hard work on the farm, while the younger brothers were being educated. His own opportunities were limited to the capacity of a district school. At 20 he went to Marion. Perry County. Ala. and engaged in mercantile pursuits. In a few years he returned to his home and married, going back with his wife to Alabama. He was a great reader and had strong literary tastes. As a result of his self-educating he won admission to the Bar. Loving to write. he soon drifted into Journalism, first editing the Whig paper of Perry county. In 1847 he became senior editor of the Mobile Advertiser, the leading Whig paper of the State. In 1851 he started for California with the pioneers of that era. Arriving in Sacramento in January, 1852. He mined for a few months in El Dorado county, and then accepted the senior editorship of the Sacramento Union. The paper was then new. He gave it the best that was in him, and by his course and ability soon made it. the leading Whig journal of the State and a paper of broader influence than any rival. He believed in California and her possibilities, and had faith in the men who came to build the State, and so believing, devoted all his energies to its advancement. He was among the first to point out the need for a transcontinental railway. He was so ardent in urging that work, his friends say, that, in connection with C. P. Huntington and T. D. Judah, he raised the first money secured from among our citizens to secure preliminary surveys over the Sierra, a route by all but a courageous few believed to be impossible of construction. Congressional action was delayed until the secession period, when the construction of the road was urged as a war measure, a position Mr. Upson warmly maintained. He is said to have called the first public meeting held in Sacramento to give encouragement to the building of the road, and presided at that meeting, and he became one of the canvassing committee, with C. P. Huntington, to secure stock subscriptions for the work. Mr. Upson advocated state and county aid in behalf of the scheme with energy and perseverance, never losing faith In the construction of the road. He lived to see his belief and hope made reality, and to award due credit to the men who carried the great work to success. He fought secession doctrines from the dawn of their advancement at the gathering of the cloud in the South. He did not wait for the drift of public sentiment on the question, but planted his heel upon the vicious teaching Instantly. He labored in and out of season for the establishment of harmonious relations between the Douglass Democracy and the Republicans In California, and the lifting up by both Influences of the Union party. In 1864, his heath failing him, he resigned the editorial position he had held - with but slight intermission — for over twelve years, leaving the paper that he had come to when it was in its infancy a strong and powerful journal. Shortly after his retirement he was appointed Quartermaster in the Pacific division of the Government forces, with the pay of a Captain, but he deemed it best to decline the position. In 1864 he was appointed USA Surveyor-General for California and Nevada, a position which he held for nearly six years. His conduct of that important office was upright, and In every way so successful that the Secretary of the Interior addressed him a personal letter to say that his administration of the trust had been the most satisfactory of any in the department. In 1872 he was elected County Clerk of Sacramento county, filling the position with honor to himself and satisfaction to the people. In May, 1875, his health, never fully restored after his retiracy from journalism, again failed, his brain gave way, and from that time to the day of his death he was unable to enjoy the pleasures of domestic life, the society of his children, or association with his hosts of warm friends. General Upson lived a pure life, was a loving husband and affectionate parent, the friend of humanity, a sympathizer with all who suffered and were distressed, a good citizen, a close friend, a loyal American, and an upright man. He leaves a wife, two sons, and two daughters to mourn his loss.
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USA Census, 1850
Name: L Upson
Event Type: Census
Event Year: 1850
Event Place: Mobile, Mobile, Alabama
Gender: Male
Age: 44
Race: White
Birth Year (Estimated): 1806
Birthplace: Connecticut
House Number: 1981
Affiliate Film Number: 11
Household ID: 2077 , Line Number: 32 , Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) , Affiliate Publication Number: M432 , GS Film Number: 2353 , Digital Folder Number: 004193064 , Image Number: 00275
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USA Census, 1880
Name: Lauren Upson
Event Place: Stockton, San Joaquin, California
Gender: Male
Age: 72
Race: White
Occupation: Editor
Relationship to Head of Household: Other
Birth Year (Estimated): 1808
Birthplace: Connecticut
Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Desier Timano Other M 44 Caribbean
Stephen J Thomas Other M 26 England
John Taylor Other M 52 England
Trederick Tiemeyer Other M 50 Germany
Jeremiah Taper Other M 61 Arkansas
Thomas R Tone Other M 49 New York
Walter Townsend Other M 29 New York
James P Thompson Other M 41 Canada
Ormandus Taylor Other M 30 Illinois
Jose M Timenez Other M 54 Mexico
Daniel Toohill Other M 41 Ireland
Thomas Yulei Other M 40 Scotland
Lauren Upson Other M 72 Connecticut
Gaspar Villega Other M 65 Chili
John Tonin Other M 40 Ireland
John Tubler Other M 55 Austria
Henry Tiedgien Other M 40 Germany
Ulick Other M 40 Germany
D S Talbot Other M 41 Ohio, USA
John B Thompson Other M 50 Tennessee, USA
District: 98 , Sheet Number and Letter: 81D , GS Film Number: 1254080 , Digital Folder Number: 004239992 , Image Number: 00046