Progressive Men of Iowa
1899

UPTON, Hon. C. C., one of Howard county's brightest young men and recently representing the Forty-second district in the upper branch of the general assembly, was born on his father's farm near Cresco, Iowa, July 19, 1859, and therefore has the distinction of being senator from the county wherein he first saw the light. His father, James G. Upton, was engaged during most of his active life as a farmer, but for the last ten years has lived a retired life. He was the first county judge of Howard county, Iowa, having assisted in its organization, and was a prominent figure in all public affairs of those pioneer days. His ancestors came to this country in an early day. the founder of the American family of Uptons having been engaged by Governor Winthrop in 1636. Many of the name are in the New England states, particularly in the vicinity of Boston. A brother and sister are living at Barre, Vt., and one brother resides in Illinois. The last named is Judge C. W. Upton, an able jurist, who has been on the bench of the court of Illinois for twenty-five years and resides at Waukegan. The mother's maiden name was Sarah A. Miles. On her mother's side she was descended from the Prescott family, of which the famous historian was a member.

The literary education of Senator Upton was received in the public schools and by home study; his legal learning at the State University of Iowa, from the legal department of which he graduated in 1889. He worked on the farm until 16 years of age, then taught school in winter and farmed in summer until 1882. At that time he went to Dakota and pre-empted a homestead, but not liking the country, returned to Cresco, where he farmed for three years and then entered the law office of Barker Bros., as a student. After having been admitted to the bar, in 1889, he went to Pierre, S. D., and remained until May, 1890, at which time W. K. Barker, with whom he had studied, offered him a partnership in his law business at Cresco, which was accepted and continued until February, 1896, when Mr. Barker retired from the firm because of ill health.

In 1891 he was elected city attorney by the voters of Cresco, and the following year he received a similar compliment. In 1892 he was elected county attorney for Howard county, and served so satisfactorily that he was sent to the state senate in 1893. The secret of his success lies in his constant desire to do his duty at all times in a careful and upright manner.  He is plain, honest and outspoken on public questions, always uses his best judgment and stands by his convictions in all matters, public or private. He was regarded as the strongest of the younger members of the senate, and, though possessing a duo amount of modesty, was evidently there for business and to protect the interests of the section he represented. He had a place on many important committees, of some of which he was chairman. He was married September 14, 1893, to Miss Eva S. Leland, of Cedar Falls, Iowa. They have two children, Gertrude L. and Clark C. Upton.

The information on Trails to the Past © Copyright    may be used in personal family history research, with source citation. The pages in entirety may not be duplicated for publication in any fashion without the permission of the owner. Commercial use of any material on this site is not permitted.  Please respect the wishes of those who have contributed their time and efforts to make this free site possible.~Thank you!