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            Eli Upton, retired farmer, residing at Morrison, has lived in Whiteside County since 1844.  He was born Sept. 28, 1811, in Peterboro, N.H.  His parents, Eli and Abigail (Snow) Upton, resided in the farming community in the Granite State, and consequently their son was brought up on a farm.  Before he reached his majority he had acquired a thorough knowledge of the trade of machinist and passed 14 years in its pursuit.  He operated ten years in Massachusetts and in Dover, N.H., with satisfactory results.  In 1840 he went to Sonora, Mexico, where he passed four years in the construction of a cotton factory, which he put in complete running order.  In 1844 he determined on an entire change in his mode of life.  He therefore came to Whiteside County and bought a farm in Lyndon Township, on which he resided and was occupied in its improvement ten years.  In 1854 he transferred his residence to a farm on section 32, in the town of Mt. Pleasant.  His original purchase there is still in his possession and he is the owner of 800 acres of land in the township, which constitutes one of the most valuable homesteads in Whiteside County and is all improved and perfectly equipped.  Among its attractions is a valuable and elegant farm residence, built at an expense of $7,000.  In the spring of 1882 Mr. Upton entered upon a life of retirement at Morrison.  Associated with his son, he is a owner of three imported French Norman horses, each of which cost $2,000.  They own, besides, one valuable animal of half Norman blood and a great trotting stallion.  Mr. Upton and his son take great satisfaction in their valuable and beautiful horses, and are justifiable in so doing, as they have added materially to the value of that variety of property in Whiteside County.

            The marriage of Mr. Upton to Elizabeth A. Newcomb took place in Enfield, Conn., June 15, 1844.  They have had four children, all sons, three of whom are living.  They were born in the following order: George Y., John E., Joseph S. and Franklin A.  The oldest is a farmer and is associated with his father in the ownership and management of their valuable horses.  The second son is not living.  The younger sons are farmers in the township of Mt. Pleasant.

            The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Upton appear on preceding pages.