Mr. and Mrs. David Ellison Upham came to Mineral Wells in 1919 from Parkersburg, West Virginia, where Mr. Upham had been since leaving his home in Butler County, Pennsylvania.  Mr. Upham started as a driller on oil wells after coming here he drilled west of Mineral Wells on the Belding Ranch and later drilled southeast of Mineral Wells.  Going from there to Bryson, he drilled several good wells and while working out of Wichita Falls started a 13-inch pipeline west from there which he later sold to United Gas Co., for five million dollars.

The Uphams had five sons, Jim, Percy, Chester, Harry and Hobart, the latter two were still living at home when they moved here.  When the Upham Gas Company was formed, Jim, the oldest son, was made president.  The sons are living except Chester who died in California a year ago and Harry, who is buried here.  Mr. Upham died January 21, 1935, and Mrs. Upham, who is at present living in Ft. Worth, will be 90, on May 16.