Colonel John J. Upham

[grahamew]

Can anyone tell me anything about this gentleman, particularly his affiliation with the Third Cavalry?

I have him at Fort Smith as a Captain with the Sixth Infantry in the later 1860s. I know the Third were involved against the Lakota in the mid-late 70s, but I don't know whether Upham was with them. I also know the Third were later involved with the Utes, but where were they posted afterwards and was Upham with them? I think he had retired to Florida with the rank of colonel by 1892.

[stevewilk]

Upham was indeed involved in the Sioux War, but not with the Third Cavalry. An 1859 West Point grad, he was assigned to the Ninth Infantry,( bvt. 2nd Lt.) then shortly thereafter made 2nd Lt. Sixth Infantry, where he served in the Civil War, attaining the rank of captain until transferring to the Sixth Cavalry in 1870.

He was promoted to Major, Fifth Cavalry in 1874. Participated in Sioux War as part of Crook's reinforcements; involved in battle at Slim Buttes, where he commanded First Battalion. Promoted to Lt. Col. Third Cav. 1888. Promoted Col. Eighth Cav. Jan 1892 and retired two weeks later. Upham died 21 Oct. 1898.

[grahamew]

That's interesting. Thanks. I've got him commanding elements of the Fifth Cavalry and Ninth Infantry at the newly established Fort Niobrara in 1880, though he was gone a year later. It seems the only geographical regions he would've encountered Indians would've been serving with Cook against the Lakota and Cheyenne, at Fort Niobrara and, presumably at Forts Gibson and Smith. Is that about right? I guess when I read about him as Colonel Upham of the Third Cavalry, all it meant was that it was the last regiment he was with before his retirement.

[grahamew]

Could someone please confirm that the Third Cavalry were stationed at Fort Clark, Texas, when Upham served with them?

Thanks.

[markland]

Oct 4, 2010 11:34:21 GMT -6 grahamew said:

Could someone please confirm that the Third Cavalry were stationed at Fort Clark, Texas, when Upham served with them?

Thanks.

The 3d Cav. was at Clark, at least headquarters and three or so companies. Upham never showed at Ft. Clark in 1888. He wasn't picked up on the 3d Cav. regimental return until October 1888 and that note states he was on leave of absence. I'm looking to see when & where he reported to the regiment and will modify this when I find it.

Billy

Modifications:

Per the January 1889 return, Upham was on sick leave for 6 months since 10/05/1888. His sick leave was extended for 6 more months. He joined the regiment on what looks like 10/04/1889 and departed to his station at Ft. Brown, TX on 10/14 from I what I can tell.

[grahamew]

Many thanks for this, Billy.