The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1895-10-15

At the close of the war he formed a
partnership with the late William FL.
Holleman and opened general store at
the corner of Hargett and Wilmington
streets. A year later Mr.. William FL.
Dodd became a member of the firm.
After a short while Mr.. Hollaman re-
tired. The firm Of Upchurch and Dodd
was them formed, and continued until
1878, when it was recognized as one of
the leading mercantile establishments
in the State. During the year 1878 Mr..
Upehurch withdrew from the firm and
subsequently formed a partnership
with Capt. B. P Williamson and Capt.
J. ]. Thomas.
For five years the well-remem-
bered establishment of Williamson,
Upchurch & Thomas was among
the States recognized leaders in the
wholesale grocery and cotton com
mission business. They occupied the
large Grimes building fronting on Fay
etteyllle street and extending back to
Salisbury street. In 1873 Capt. Thomas
retired from the firm and erected the
Thomas building on Wilmington street.
The firm of Williamson q Upchurch was
continued. They erected the large brick
building IN rear of the Raleigh National
Bank, and to this new building removed
their Office.
This firm has never been Dissolved.
Mr.. Upchurch found time, too, to de
vote to other than mercantile matters.
He never got over his fondness for
farm life, and was one of the pioneers
80 60 Il Ewa CIR ayofyN ~
in this community. He was a great
lover of fine stock and has done much
towards instilling into our people the
necessity OF improvement along this line.
He engaged extensively in manufac-
featuring enterprises and his name
and his money have ;gone willingly into
large number of the manufacturing es
adjustments of the city.
Mr.. Upchurch was very practical
man. He was gritty and aggressive, but
not visionary. He had faith in the
future of the city and showed his faith
whenever it was necss sary. He was a
man of very amiable disposition, harbor
ed no i'll will, and was possessed Of no
petty jealousies.
He was bold and daring and
would sometimes plunge il where
others hesitated. He was a smart
trader and could hold his own in large
trades or small. He was of very
hopeful disposition and never pinned
over adverse conditions, but was always
buoyant with the hope of returning
prosperity, and ultimate success.
He has held many positions Of honor
and trust. He took hold of the State
Fair when it was in a bad way and
helped to steer it over the breakers.
He was for several years its president,
and worked hard in its behalf. He was
for years member of the Safe Board
of Agriculture, and was on it's finance
committee
He was a director and vice president
of the National Bank Of Raleigh, and
was one of the builders and for years
the manager of the Raleigh oil and Fer
tlljZar Works.
He was the moving spirit in the es-
Enlistment Of the Caraleigh Cotton
Mills, and at his death was President of
the Oaraleigh Mills and director in the
Oaraleigh Phosphate Works.
In the establishment Of all these en-
terprisos Mr.. Upchurch had taken a
prominent part. He gave also of his time
and means to churches, schools and
charitable institutions.
He was a member of the First Baptist
Church of Raleigh, and gave liberally
towards maintaining his church and its
institutions.
Mr. Upchurch was married in 1852 to
Miss Eleanor NJ. Upchurch, daughter of
Mr.. Vim. @. Upchurch, of this city. His
wife and seven children, four daughters