Uriah Upjohn facts for kids

Uriah Upjohn (born September 7, 1808 – died November 23, 1896) was a doctor who moved from Britain to America. He was a pioneer in the Michigan Territory and later in the state of Michigan. Uriah Upjohn was also an abolitionist, meaning he worked to end slavery. He was the father of William E. Upjohn, who started The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Uriah Upjohn's Early Life

Uriah Upjohn was one of twelve children. He was born in South Wales but grew up in Shaftesbury, England. He went to several schools, including the Blue Coat School. This school helped boys prepare for jobs. Many of his family members, like his cousin Richard Upjohn (a famous architect), also went there.

In the 1820s, England faced many problems, like people not having jobs. Uriah's father worried about his children's future. So, in 1828, he sent Uriah and his older brother, William Jr., to the United States. They traveled across the east coast for two years, looking for a good place for their family to live. They taught school in New York during the winters to earn money. They decided that central New York would be the best spot.

In 1830, Uriah went back to England to get his family. His brother William Jr. stayed in New York. On July 11, 1830, the Upjohn family left England by ship. After seven weeks, they arrived in New York City. Soon after, they moved up the Hudson River and settled in Greenbush, New York.

Becoming a Doctor

In 1832, Uriah Upjohn began studying medicine. He went to the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. His studies lasted two years, followed by a time working with an experienced doctor. He also took extra classes in "Physic and Surgery" at a New York hospital.

During his summers, Uriah studied anatomy and surgery with Professor Alden March. Professor March helped start the American Medical Association. Uriah and his brother also learned from Dr. George Hale. When they finished their studies in 1834, Dr. Valentine Mott wrote very good letters of recommendation for both brothers.

Helping People in Michigan

After finishing medical school in 1834, Uriah Upjohn first worked as a doctor in Brighton, New York.

In June 1835, Uriah, who was 27, and his brother William Jr. moved west. They went to the Michigan Territory and settled in Richland, Michigan. There, they built a log cabin. In 1837, Michigan became a state. Uriah then traveled to Detroit to get his official license to practice medicine in Michigan.

Michigan had many swamps and marshes, which caused diseases like malaria. People also got a condition called "Michigan rash," similar to scurvy, because they lacked fresh fruits and vegetables. There were very few doctors. Uriah Upjohn had to care for patients in five different counties: Kalamazoo, Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, and St. Joseph.

For over twenty years, Uriah traveled on horseback. He used old Native American trails in all kinds of weather. Many of his patients were new settlers who were struggling. They often could not pay him for his help. Uriah frequently treated people for free. He often gave patients quinine to fight diseases like malaria. He used quinine long before other doctors fully understood its benefits.

Uriah Upjohn became a well-known doctor in southwestern Michigan. He helped create the Kalamazoo County Medical Society. He was chosen as its first president on October 25, 1848. In the last 15 years of his career, Uriah mostly worked as a medical consultant, giving advice to other doctors.

Fighting for Freedom

Uriah Upjohn was an abolitionist. This means he strongly believed that slavery should be ended. In the early 1830s, he joined the Anti-Slavery Society in Albany, New York. In 1836, he helped start a branch of this society in Richland, Michigan.

In 1845 and 1852, Uriah was asked to run for Congress for the Free Soil Ticket. This party opposed the expansion of slavery. However, he turned down the offer in 1852 because he supported another candidate. When the Republican Party was formed in 1854, Uriah Upjohn supported them.

Uriah also served as a land supervisor for Richland, Michigan. He and his brother, Dr. William Upjohn, worked to add the Homestead Act to Michigan's Constitution. This act helped people get land for farming.

See also

• Upjohn