Dorchester Illustration of the Day no. 2604
Upham’s Corner is named for Amos Upham, who kept a general store at the corner of Dudley and Boston (now Columbia Road) Streets.
Amos Upham, eighth child of Lieutenant Phineas, was born at Weston, Mass., March 11, 1789, after the death of his father. He resided with his mother until a well-grown lad, when he was apprenticed to learn the baker’s trade. In 1817 he came to Dorchester, purchased a tract of land and established a grocery store at the place now known as Upham’s Corner, which he carried on for the rest of his life. He was prominent citizen. He was married December 28, 1819, to Miss Abigail Humphreys, daughter of Deacon James Humphreys, of Dorchester. They were the parents of four children: James H.; Charles Amos, born March 10, 1822; Abigail, who died at the age five and half years; and Amos, Jr., who died in Philadelphia when about thirty-two years old. Amos Upham, the father, was an active member of the old fire department. He was a Free Mason and member of the First Church of Dorchester. His death took place January 25, 1872. His wife died December 19,1878.
Source of text: American Series of Popular Biographies. Massachusetts Edition, 1891.