John Henry Upshur was born at Eastville, Northampton County, Virginia, and had originally the surname Nottingham, being the son of Elizabeth Parker (Upshur) and John Evans Nottingham. He was a nephew of Abel Parker Upshur and of Capt. George P. Upshur, U. S. N. , and perhaps because of these relationships both he and his brother, Dr. George L. Upshur, were given in childhood their mother's family name, upon authorization of the Virginia legislature.
Education
He attended the grammar school connected with the College of William and Mary (1834 - 1841). Later he attended the United States Naval Academy, then under the superintendency of his uncle, George P. Upshur, and graduated as passed midshipman, August 10, 1848, ranking 17 in his class of 235 members.
Career
Upshur entered the navy on November 4, 1841, as a midshipman. A Mediterranean cruise in the Congress (1842 - 43) was followed by service throughout the Mexican War in the sloop St. Mary's, including duty ashore, March 10-25, 1847, with the naval battery at the siege of Vera Cruz.
Later his chief assignments were in the Mediterranean Squadron (1849 - 50), in the storeship Supply with Perry's mission to Japan (1852 - 55), as flag lieutenant in the Cumberland, African Squadron (1857 - 59), and as an instructor at the Naval Academy (1859 - 61).
In the Civil War he served in the Wabash at the capture of Hatteras Inlet, in subsequent operations in the North Carolina sounds, and at the capture of Port Royal, November 7, 1861.
As senior lieutenant of the Wabash and one of the officers commanding gundeck divisions, he could share considerably in Commander C. R. P. Rodgers' praise of these officers for handling their divisions at Port Royal "in a manner which illustrated the highest power both of men and guns" (War of the Rebellion: Official Records, Navy, vol. XII, p. 267).
Made lieutenant commander, July 16, 1862, he subsequently commanded the side-wheeler Flambeau in the Charleston blockade. In November 1863 Rear Admiral Samuel Phillips Lee selected him as chief of staff and commander of the flagship Minnesota, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, a position he held until September 1864. He was then assigned to the fast side-wheeler A. D. Vance, and commanded her in both attacks on Fort Fisher, December 23-25, 1864, and January 13-15, 1865. After the second action, in which he had charge of the reserve division, Admiral David Dixon Porter recommended his advancement.
He was made commander, July 25, 1866; captain, Jan. 31, 1872; commodore, July 11, 1880; and rear admiral, October 1, 1884. In 1870 he incurred a courtmartial and reprimand for having paid money to an appointee to the Naval Academy to induce the latter's withdrawal in favor of his son. There were, however, many extenuating circumstances, and it was testified at his trial that he was "in all matters of duty even fastidiously particular" (House Executive Document, post, p. 15).
His later sea commands included the Frolic in the Mediterranean (1865 - 67), the Pensacola and afterwards the Brooklyn in South American waters (1873 - 76), and the Pacific Squadron (1884 - 85). He was a member of the Board of Inspectors (1877 - 80) and, after a year's leave in Europe, commandant of the Brooklyn navy yard (1882 - 84).
On June 1, 1885, he retired, and made his subsequent home in Washington, D. C. Here he lived until his ninety-fourth year, a well-known figure at the Metropolitan Club, in full possession of his faculties to the last, and highly respected not only for his long and notable service but for his southern charm of manner (he was called "the Chesterfield of the Navy"), his keen mind, and his strict standards of conduct. His burial was in Arlington.
Achievements
Personality
Quotes from others about the person
Admiral David Dixon Porter stated that he "was employed night and day in landing army stores and guns, and covering the troops" (Ibid. , vol. XI, p. 455).
Connections
By his first marriage in 1851 to Kate, daughter of Capt. William G. and America (Peter) Williams, and great-granddaughter of Martha Washington, he had two sons and two daughters. He was married, second, to Agnes (Maxwell), widow of Philip Kearny, who died July 2, 1917.