Upson

The surname Upson has its origins in England, with the earliest records dating back to the 12th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "uppe" meaning "upper" and "sunu" meaning "son," suggesting that the name initially referred to someone who lived or worked in an elevated area or on higher ground.

One of the earliest known references to the name Upson can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Hampshire, a historical record of financial accounts, in 1195, where a person named Willelmus filius Uppeson was listed. This entry provides evidence of the name's existence during the late 12th century.

The Upson surname is also mentioned in the Hundred Rolls of Bedfordshire, a census-like survey conducted in 1273, where a person named John Uppesone is recorded. This document serves as a valuable source for understanding the distribution of surnames in medieval England.

During the 13th century, the name Upson appeared in various forms, including Uppessone, Uppsone, and Upsun, reflecting the variations in spelling and pronunciation common in that era. These variations were often influenced by regional dialects and scribal practices.

In the 14th century, the Upson surname was found in the Lay Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire, a taxation record from 1327, where a person named Ricardus Uppeson was listed. This entry suggests the name's presence in different parts of England during that time.

One notable individual bearing the Upson surname was William Upson (1510-1568), an English politician and Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. His political career and involvement in local affairs attest to the prominence of the Upson family in that region.

Another historical figure was Thomas Upson (1635-1707), an English clergyman and author who served as the Rector of Sambourne in Warwickshire. He is known for his theological writings and contributions to the religious discourse of his time.

In the 18th century, John Upson (1721-1803) was a prominent English clockmaker based in Wolverhampton. His clocks and timepieces were highly regarded, and some of them are preserved in museums and private collections today.

The Upson surname also made its way across the Atlantic, with notable individuals such as Benjamin Upson (1766-1835), an early American settler and farmer who played a role in the development of the town of Wolcott, Connecticut.

In the 19th century, Anson Judd Upson (1823-1904) was a prominent American lawyer, politician, and Civil War veteran from New York. He served as a member of the New York State Assembly and was actively involved in various legal and political matters during his lifetime.