Collection ID: 2014.010

Collection context

Summary

Creator:
McKelvey, Blake F., City Historian and Upton, Eli M.
Extent:
2.0 Cubic Feet and 4 boxes
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Eli M. Upton Papers. [box #,folder #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Background

Scope and Content:

Letters, receipts, and personal papers. Most of the material relates to Upton's wholesale business. The material in this collection dates from 1886 and 1888.

Biographical / Historical:

Eli M. Upton was born in 1840, and passed away in 1914. He married Fannie Ellis, daughter of Albert Ellis of Onondaga County, and they had one child together, Rosabelle Upton Levis. Upton was a successful Rochester, New York, businessman. He started the E. M. Upton Company in the 1870s, serving as a wholesaler of lumber, coal and produce. He also operated the Charlotte Lumber Company, and was a director or trustee of several other businesses and banks. These businesses thrived for many years, but Upton found himself in financial trouble in the early 20th century, and was forced to assign his property to ensure repayment of debts in 1904. He also speculated in real estate, including involvement with the Lake Ontario Beach Improvement Company from 1887 to the foreclosure of the property in 1906.

Acquisition information:
Full provenance unclear; note in box indicates letters were donated by Blake McKelvey.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

PREFERRED CITATION:

Eli M. Upton Papers. [box #,folder #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
Rundel Memorial Building
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604, United States
CONTACT:
585-428-8370
lochist@libraryweb.org