William Upham

William Upham was an American attorney and politician who served as a United States Senator from Vermont. A member of the Whig Party, Upham was notable for his strong opposition to slavery and his advocacy for various reform movements, including temperance. His political career spanned over a decade, during which he was involved in significant legislative discussions and decisions. Upham's tenure in the Senate was marked by his commitment to anti-slavery principles and his opposition to the Mexican-American War. He passed away in 1853 due to smallpox, shortly after which he was buried in Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Early life and career

William Upham was born on August 5, 1792, in Leicester, Massachusetts, to Samuel Upham and Martha "Patty" (Livermore) Upham. In 1802, his family relocated to Montpelier, Vermont, where Upham spent much of his childhood. He attended local district schools and worked on the family farm until a significant accident at the age of fifteen resulted in the loss of his right hand. This injury occurred when he caught his hand in a cider mill, leading to the amputation of his entire hand. Following this life-altering event, Upham pursued an academic course to prepare for a professional career.

Upham's education included attendance at Montpelier Academy and private tutoring, which laid the groundwork for his future studies in law. He later enrolled at the University of Vermont, where he studied law under the guidance of Cyrus Ward and Samuel Prentiss. In 1811, Upham was admitted to the bar and began his legal practice in Montpelier, initially partnering with Nicholas Baylies before establishing his own firm.

In addition to his legal career, Upham became actively involved in politics. He began his political journey as a member of the National Republican Party, advocating for various reform causes, including the abolition of slavery and the temperance movement. Upham served in the Vermont House of Representatives for two non-consecutive terms, first from 1827 to 1829 and again from 1830 to 1831. He also held the position of State's Attorney for Washington County from 1829 to 1830. His political affiliations evolved over time, as he transitioned from the National Republicans to the Anti-Masonic Party in the early 1830s, eventually becoming a leader within the Whig Party.

Upham's political ambitions included several attempts to secure a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1834, he was the nominee for the Whig and Anti-Masonic parties in Vermont's 5th District but did not win. He declined to continue as a candidate in a subsequent election, which was ultimately won by another Whig candidate. Upham continued to be active in Vermont politics, serving as chairman of the Whig Party in the mid-1830s and campaigning for Whig presidential nominee William Henry Harrison in 1840.

Senate tenure

William Upham's journey to the U.S. Senate began in 1842 when he was elected to fill the vacancy left by Samuel Prentiss, who resigned to accept a judicial appointment. Upham was the successful Whig candidate for the Senate seat and officially began his first term on March 4, 1843. He was reelected in 1848, serving until his death on December 31, 1853. During his time in the Senate, Upham held significant committee positions, including chairmanships of the Committee on Agriculture during the 28th Congress and the Committee on Pensions during the 29th Congress.

Throughout his Senate career, Upham was a vocal opponent of slavery and expressed strong opposition to the Mexican-American War. He believed that the war was unjust and detrimental to the nation, arguing for a swift conclusion to hostilities and advocating for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Mexico. Upham was particularly concerned about the potential extension of slavery into new territories acquired as a result of the war. He introduced resolutions calling for immediate withdrawal from Mexico and was a proponent of the Wilmot Proviso, which sought to prevent the expansion of slavery into newly acquired lands.

Upham's commitment to anti-slavery principles was evident in his voting record. He opposed the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and other components of the Compromise of 1850, which he believed would further entrench the institution of slavery in the United States. His stance on these issues placed him among the more progressive members of the Senate during a time of significant national tension regarding slavery and its expansion.

Legislative focus and committees

During his tenure in the Senate, William Upham's legislative focus was heavily influenced by his commitment to anti-slavery principles and various reform movements. He was an active participant in discussions surrounding agriculture and pensions, reflecting his roles as chairman of the respective Senate committees. Upham's work on the Committee on Agriculture involved addressing issues related to farming practices, agricultural policies, and the welfare of farmers, which were essential to Vermont's economy and the broader national landscape.

Upham's involvement in the Committee on Pensions highlighted his concern for veterans and their families, advocating for policies that would provide support and assistance to those who had served in the military. His legislative efforts were characterized by a desire to improve the lives of constituents and address pressing social issues of the time.

In addition to his committee work, Upham was a prominent voice in the Senate on matters related to civil rights and social justice. His opposition to slavery was not merely a political stance but a reflection of his broader commitment to human rights and dignity. Upham's advocacy for the abolition of slavery and his efforts to prevent its expansion were significant contributions to the national discourse on this critical issue.

Upham's health began to decline in late 1852, and he ultimately succumbed to smallpox on January 14, 1853, in Washington, D.C. Due to the contagious nature of the disease, his funeral was conducted swiftly, and he was buried at Congressional Cemetery rather than being returned to Vermont. His death marked the end of a career dedicated to public service and reform, leaving a legacy of commitment to social justice and legislative integrity.