William Upjohn was born on March 4, 1807, in Shaftesbury, England, to William Upjohn and Mary Standard. His father was the author of several religious tracts. He immigrated to America around 1828, and he graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. He moved to the Michigan Territory with his brother Uriah around 1835, and they both worked as doctors there.

 

He married Affa Cannett around 1842, but she died soon afterward. He married Affa’s sister Lydia Cannett around 1847, and they had at least three children: Affa, born around 1850; Mary, born around 1853; and Emma, born around 1866. They lived in Hastings, Michigan. By 1850, he owned $700 of real estate. He joined the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents around 1852. By 1860, he owned $5,000 of real estate and $200 of personal property. A local writer described him as “one of the best and grandest citizens Barry County ever had. He was loved and honored by all, not only for his medical skill, but for his work in public and among the poor.”

 

On October 26, 1862, he received a commission as a surgeon in the 7^th Michigan Cavalry. He eventually received a promotion to Surgeon-in-Chief of the 1^st Brigade of the 1^st Cavalry Division of the Army of the Potomac. He mustered out on November 7, 1865.

 

He returned to Hastings after the war and resumed his work as a physician. By 1870, he owned $10,000 of real estate and $3,000 of personal property. He died in Hastings on August 2, 1887.

 

Image: William Upjohn (History of Barry County)

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