JOSEPH H. UPCHURCH

FROM: The History of Gallatin, Saline, Hamilton, Franklin, and Williamson Counties, Illinois (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1887).  P. 747.

          Joseph H. Upchurch, circuit court clerk of Hamilton County, Ill., was born in White County, Tenn., April 11, 1847, the son of Enoch S. and Louesa (Shuster) Upchurch, both natives of Tennessee. Our subject came to Illinois with his parents in 1860. The father located on the farm in this county, and followed farming until his death, August 30, 1882. Here our subject was reared and educated. He has followed a farmer's life. Teaching school in the winter and farming daring the summer as his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had done before him, up to the present, and still lives OD his farm three miles south of McLeansboro. He has always been an unswerving Democrat and actively engaged in political affairs since 1871. He was deputy assessor from 1871 to 1877. In 1876 he made an unsuccessful race for sheriff. In 1877 he was elected treasurer of the county, and in 1879 re-elected for the following term, which held over until December, 1882. In 1884 he was elected circuit clerk, which office be has filled in a highly efficient and faithful manner to the present time. He has lost two wives by death, they were Susan and Ida Hutson (sisters). One child by each wife is living: Francis R. and Nora. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, and is justly recognized as one of Hamilton County's enterprising citizens and popular officials.