Gilpin observer., 1903-05-07
DEATH OF j. S. UpDEGRAFF
County Clerk and Recorder and
Prominent. Citizen Pas
ses Away.

Word was received last Friday even
ing from Denver that Joseph S. Upde-
graft, county clerk and recorder of Gil.
pin county, had died at TAO o'clock. The
news although not entirely unexpected,
was still quite sudden to his numerous
friends.
Joe" as he was popularly known by
all, was one OF the prominent figures in
Gilpin county, and no one will be more
missed in daily, and especially in politl-
cal, life than he will be. He was pecul-
iarly adapted for the life that he had
chosen, that Of politics, making friends
quickly and by his courtesy and whole
heartednees always retaining the good
will OF all. He was always ready to as
sist anyone, and no worthy person or
object was ever denied. He gave freely
and unostentiously and many poor or
crippled person found him a good Sa-
maritan in their hour OF need.
He was born in Ohio April 30, 1s47,
and noticeable coincidence is that he
passed from this life on his 56th birth
day. He came to Central City with his
parents in 1865, and for several years
was employed as bookkeeper by Hendrie
e. Bolthoff. In 1875 he was appointed
postmaster by President Grant, which
Office he filled for years, and ID was in
this office that he made the friends by
which he became power in politics.
Upon retiring from the postoffice he was
elected county and city assessor, and in
1887 was elected county clerk and re-
corder, which. position he has filled con-
tinuously until death. He was Repub-
lican until 1895, when he organized the
Free Coinage" party in this county,
which the following year became ma
tional and known as the "Silver Repub-
lican" party. From then on he acted
with that party until last year when he
allied himself with the Democratic party.
He was never defeated in an election and
was never out of office in twenty-seven
years.
He belonged to but one order, tie Ma
sonic, and was member OF Central
lodge No. 6 since 1871.
He has been ailing for about year,
and of late h S condition became SO SER
ious that his friends induced him to go
to Pueblo and try the springs there. Ac-
companied by his wife he RENAME there
for some time but could get no relief,
and returned to Central. His condition
becoming worse he was taken to st.
Luke's hospital in Denver, bu. he was
beyond the aid of human skill, as he had
liver trouble in an aggravated form, and
death was the relief. He suffered very
much at intervals, but bore it with won
dertul grit. At his bedside were his
wife, Mr.. and Mrs. Chris Hesselbine,
George Graham and others. The body
was taken to Valley 4 Rollins undertake
ing parlors, whore Central lodge No. 8,
A. F. & A. NJ, Of this city took charge.
The funeral occurred Sunday morning
at 10:9 o'clock under the auspices OF
Central lodge No. 6 and Denver lodge
No. 5 and visiting brethren. There was
| a very large attendance Of old friends
from this city and elsewhere. and the
Horal tributes were beautiful. The pail
bearers were q. G. Bolsinger, William
Woods, N. D. Owen, s. A. Rank, Morris
Hazard and Harry Clark. Interment
was made 10 Riverside cemetery, the last
rites Of the beautiful Masonic ceremon
les being said. The remains were PLACED
alongside those Of his father, mother an.
brother.
He leaves q sorrowine wife to mourr
him, and to this patient, faithful anc
loving wife who did her utmost for tn,
comfort and betterment of the departed
the sympathy Of the entire community
is extended,