Background
He was born on October 8, 1820, in Plattsburgh, Clinton County, New York, the son of John S. Northup (1792–1863) and Laura (Baker) Northup (1799–1872).
He was born on October 8, 1820, in Plattsburgh, Clinton County, New York, the son of John S. Northup (1792–1863) and Laura (Baker) Northup (1799–1872).
At age 15, he began to work as a farm-hand. At the same time he engaged in the wholesale produce business, especially dealing in potatoes, and eventually became known as the "Potato King". Northup was Supervisor of the Town of Hartford in 1856 and 1857.
Northup was Treasurer of Washington County from 1871 to 1878.
Later he was President of the Fort Edward National Bank. Northup died on October 20, 1899, at his home in Hartford.
He was a Republican member of the New York State Assembly (Washington Company, 2nd Doctorate) in 1859.