Cleta (nicknamed "Cleo"), is the daughter of Liberty U. Dragoo and his wife Celestia Ann Hunniker, of Buchanan, Michigan. [Her father Liberty U. Dragoo served in the Civil War]. She was the youngest of seven children.
---------------------------------
Note: PLEASE, do NOT transfer this
memorial to other web sites.
Thanks, Nancy (Letcher) Heib.
---------------------------------
She was born as "Cleta", married as "Cleatie", and died as "Cleo". (Cleatie and Cleo were nicknames, because she did not like her given name). Note: Her birth certificate incorrectly states that "Cleta" Dragoo was born on July 22. In her father Liberty U. Dragoo's Civil War pension application file, he lists her as "Cleatie" (one of her nicknames), with her date of birth as July 7th, which is correct. Her death certificate and her obituary incorrectly gives "Cleo's" date of birth as July 4. (She celebrated it on that day, along with her son-in-law Lloyd Bliss, whose birthday was on that day). Her headstone and burial records list her as "Cleo", with her date of birth listed as July 7th, which is correct.
-------------------------------------
In her autograph book, that she had used from the age of 12-14 years old (1891-1893), she is addressed as "Cleatie" eleven times, as "Cleaty" eighteen times, and as "Cleo" sixteen times. Her father Liberty U. Dragoo, wrote a poem and signed his name in this autograph book, as did her other relatives, teachers, and friends.
------------------------------------
Cleta "possibly" attended the three-story high school in Buchanan, MI, which was nicknamed "Fort Sumter" by the students. This high school was built in 1871, and was located directly behind the present high school which was built in 1922.
------------------------------------
She was married as "Cleatie" Dragoo, to Clarence Upham, at noon on Sun. Nov. 6, 1898, at the home of her parents on Hobart Street in Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan, by Rev. Franklin C. Berger, Minister, in the presence of about twenty immediate relatives and friends. (Clarence of Mishawaka, age 21, and Cleatie Dragoo of Buchanan, age 19). Witnesses were Clyde Dragoo (Cleo's brother) and Clara (Upham) Dragoo (Clarence's sister).
---------
Their marriage announcement was published in the "Berrien County Record", newspaper in Buchanan, Michigan, on Nov. 10, 1898.
After their marriage, they made their home in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana.
------------------------------------
They lived on East Fourth Street in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana, when their daughter Cecile was born in 1899.
------------------------------------
In Feb. of 1903, they were living in Kalamazoo, Michigan (per: the obituary for Cleo's brother William Dragoo).
In the 1905 Kalamazoo City Directory, they are listed as living at 721 North Pitcher St. in Kalamazoo, MI.
--------------------------------
They then lived at 316 West Seventeenth Street in Mishawaka, Indiana, when they adopted baby Raymond in 1909.
The 1910 census shows them still living in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana.
-------------------------------
They then moved to Buchanan, Michigan in 1911 (per the obituary for Clarence).
-----------------------------------
Her husband Clarence Upham worked at the Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan, Michigan for 37 years, from 1909 to 1946.
---------------------------------
Clarence and Cleo had two children: one natural born daughter named Cecile Gay Upham, and one adopted son
named Raymond Upham.
--------------------------------
1. Cecile Gay Upham. b. May 23, 1899 in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana. m. Lloyd Feather Bliss on Nov. 4, 1916 in St. Joseph, Berrien County Michigan. d. July 12, 1975 South of Niles, Berrien County Michigan. Buried: Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan, Michigan, next to her parents & brother. They had six girls and one boy. (See the memorial for Cecile (Upham) Bliss, on this web site).
------------------------------------
2. Raymond Upham. b. Dec. 21, 1908 at Rest Cottage, in Elkhart, Elkhart County Indiana. He was adopted at four weeks of age [per legal adoption papers, that were passed down through the family]. Raymond graduated from the Buchanan High School in 1927. Raymond never married, and had no children. d. March 2, 1978 in the Fountainview Terrace Nursing Home in Laporte, Laporte County Indiana, at age 69. Buried: Oak Ridge Cemetery, in Buchanan, Michigan, next to his parents and sister.
(See the memorial for Raymond Upham on this web site, to read about him being left, as a baby, on the doorstep of Clarence and Cleo Upham).
_____________________________________
Cleo died in their home (which was a twenty-nine acre farm), located on Terre Coupe Road, right next door to the Oak Ridge Cemetery (on the West side, near the maintanance building). [Their Great, grandchildren can remember eating the fruit off of the vines in their backyard].
This home is no longer standing.
-------------------------------------
Note: After Cleo's death, her husband Clarence and son Raymond, later lived "in town", at 406 West Fourth Street in Buchanan, Michigan.
------------------------------------
Cleo died from diabetes, at the age of 69 years, 3 months and 24 days (per her death certificate).
------------------------------------
Cleo's obituary was published in the "Niles Daily Star", newspaper in Niles, MI on Nov. 1, 1948, page 2. (Also in another local newspaper, probably the "Berrien County Record", in Buchanan, Michigan).
---------------------------------------
The Niles obituary reads as follows:
-------------
MRS. CLEO UPHAM, 69.
BUCHANAN, Nov. 1 -
Mrs. Cleo Upham, died Sunday afternoon at her home on Terre-coupe road, west of Buchanan. She had been in poor health for about one year.
Mrs. Upham was born in Buchanan, July 4, 1879 [it "should" say July 7,] the daughter of Liberty and Celestia Dragoo and lived in Buchanan all of her life with the exception of 10 years which she spent in Kalamazoo [MI] and Mishawaka, Ind. She was a member of the Buchanan chapter of the Royal Neighbors of America.
On November 6, 1898 she married Clarence Upham, who survives. Other survivors are a son, Raymond, and a daughter, Mrs. Cecil [Cecile] Bliss, both of Buchanan; one brother, Clyde Dragoo, of St. Joseph, [MI]; five grand-children and seven great-grandchildren.
Friends may call at the Swem funeral home, Buchanan, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday. The Rev. L. E. Lee, pastor of the Evangelical United Brethren church, of Buchanan, will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Ridge cemetery.
-----------------------------------
Note: This memorial was
researched and written,
by Nancy (Letcher) Heib.
-------------------------------
Cleo's daughter Cecile, and son Raymond,
are buried right behind them.
-------------------------------------
Their headstone, in Section D, Lot 211,
reads as follows:
UPHAM
CLARENCE
June 1, 1877 - Aug. 27, 1956
CLEO
July 7, 1879 - Oct. 31, 1948
------------------------------------
Note: See the memorials for Cleo's
family, on this web site:
--------
Great, Grandfather, Jacob Dragoo.
Great, Grandmother,
Isabella (Jones) Dragoo.
Paternal Grandfather,
Ewell ("Uel") Dragoo.
Paternal Grandmother,
Jane (Barnhouse) Dragoo.
Maternal Grandfather,
Francis "Frank" Hunniker Sr.
Maternal Grandmother,
Julia Ann (Frame) Hunniker.
------
Father, Liberty U. Dragoo.
Mother, Celestia Ann (Hunniker) Dragoo.
Husband, Clarence Upham.
Son, Raymond Upham.
Daughter, Cecile (Upham) Bliss.
Granddaughter, Thelma (Bliss) Letcher,
(ALL of Buchanan, Michigan).
------
Note: Clarence and Cleta "Cleo" Upham
are my Great, Grandparents.
Nancy (Letcher) Heib.
-------------------------------------
See another family photo,
on the memorial for
Cleo's granddaughter
Mary Louise Bliss, of Michigan.
--------------------------------------
Cleta's Grandparents, Ewell and Jane Dragoo,
and her Great Grandparents,
Jacob and Isabella Dragoo (who came from
Virginia to Buchanan, MI in 1834 & 1835),
are buried in the Dragoo "family" cemetery
named the "Virginian's Burying Ground",
on Chippawa St., in Buchanan, Michigan.
See the memorials for Jacob and
Isabella Dragoo (of Michigan),
on this web site.
-------------------------------------
Note: For "Dragoo" family history,
see Liberty Dragoo, of Michigan, and for
"Upham" family history, see Clarence Upham,
of Michigan, on this web site.
---------------------------------
Note: Cleo's father Liberty U. Dragoo
served in the Civil War. (See his memorial).
____________________________________
Note: Cleo's "Dragoo" family originated from Moise, Saintonge, France. In France, their surname was spelled as "Dragaud". Cleo's "Dragoo" family line is as follows:
--------
1. Pierre Dragaud I (the first). (b. abt. 1639), and his wife Jeanne Garnier, of Moeze, Saintonge, France and later, of Bristol, England. (They were what is known as "French Huguenots", who had to flee from France for fear of being persecuted, because they were not Catholic).
-----------------------------------
2. Pierre Dragaud II (b. Sep. 19, 1667), and his wife Elizabeth Tavaud, of Bristol, England and then, of Staten Island, Richmond County New York. (The 1st generation in America).
----------------------------------
3. Pierre (Peter) Dragoo III (b. 1707), and his wife Elizabeth "Lysbeth" Guyon, of Staten Island, Richmond County New York, and then of Frederick County Virginia.
--------------------------------------
4. Peter Dragoo IV (b. 1728), and his wife Mary Morrye, of Staten Island, Richmond County New York, and then of Winchester, Frederick County Virginia.
---------------------------------
5. John Dragoo Sr. (b. Jan. 7, 1748), and his 1st wife Elizabeth ("Betsy") Straight, of Barrackville, Monongalia County Virginia (now Marion Co. West VA). (Elizabeth was scalped and killed by the Indians). John served in the Rev. War, in Col. Butterick's Company of Volunteers, Col. Reed's Regiment. (See the memorial for their son Jacob Dragoo, of Michigan).
------------------------------------
6. Jacob Dragoo (b. Sept. 30, 1782), and his wife Isabella Jones, of Barrackville, Monongalia County Virginia, and then they came to Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan in 1834.
-----------------------------------
7. Ewell (nickname "Uel") Dragoo (b. 1813), and his 1st wife Jane Barnhouse, of Monongalia County Virginia, and then they came to Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan in 1835.
------------------------------------
8. Liberty U. Dragoo (b. Nov. 20, 1844 in VA), and his wife Celestia Ann Hunniker, of Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan.
---------------------------------
9. Cleta ("Cleatie" and "Cleo") Dragoo
(b. July 7, 1879), and her husband Clarence Upham. Cleta grew up in Buchanan, Michigan. After her marriage, they lived in Mishawaka, Indiana and Kalamazoo, Michigan for 10-13 years, and then they moved to Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan in 1911.
_________________________________
Click on photos to see enlargements,
captions, and additional photos.
________________________________
---------------------------------
Note: PLEASE, do NOT transfer this
memorial to other web sites.
Thanks, Nancy (Letcher) Heib.
---------------------------------
She was born as "Cleta", married as "Cleatie", and died as "Cleo". (Cleatie and Cleo were nicknames, because she did not like her given name). Note: Her birth certificate incorrectly states that "Cleta" Dragoo was born on July 22. In her father Liberty U. Dragoo's Civil War pension application file, he lists her as "Cleatie" (one of her nicknames), with her date of birth as July 7th, which is correct. Her death certificate and her obituary incorrectly gives "Cleo's" date of birth as July 4. (She celebrated it on that day, along with her son-in-law Lloyd Bliss, whose birthday was on that day). Her headstone and burial records list her as "Cleo", with her date of birth listed as July 7th, which is correct.
-------------------------------------
In her autograph book, that she had used from the age of 12-14 years old (1891-1893), she is addressed as "Cleatie" eleven times, as "Cleaty" eighteen times, and as "Cleo" sixteen times. Her father Liberty U. Dragoo, wrote a poem and signed his name in this autograph book, as did her other relatives, teachers, and friends.
------------------------------------
Cleta "possibly" attended the three-story high school in Buchanan, MI, which was nicknamed "Fort Sumter" by the students. This high school was built in 1871, and was located directly behind the present high school which was built in 1922.
------------------------------------
She was married as "Cleatie" Dragoo, to Clarence Upham, at noon on Sun. Nov. 6, 1898, at the home of her parents on Hobart Street in Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan, by Rev. Franklin C. Berger, Minister, in the presence of about twenty immediate relatives and friends. (Clarence of Mishawaka, age 21, and Cleatie Dragoo of Buchanan, age 19). Witnesses were Clyde Dragoo (Cleo's brother) and Clara (Upham) Dragoo (Clarence's sister).
---------
Their marriage announcement was published in the "Berrien County Record", newspaper in Buchanan, Michigan, on Nov. 10, 1898.
After their marriage, they made their home in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana.
------------------------------------
They lived on East Fourth Street in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana, when their daughter Cecile was born in 1899.
------------------------------------
In Feb. of 1903, they were living in Kalamazoo, Michigan (per: the obituary for Cleo's brother William Dragoo).
In the 1905 Kalamazoo City Directory, they are listed as living at 721 North Pitcher St. in Kalamazoo, MI.
--------------------------------
They then lived at 316 West Seventeenth Street in Mishawaka, Indiana, when they adopted baby Raymond in 1909.
The 1910 census shows them still living in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana.
-------------------------------
They then moved to Buchanan, Michigan in 1911 (per the obituary for Clarence).
-----------------------------------
Her husband Clarence Upham worked at the Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan, Michigan for 37 years, from 1909 to 1946.
---------------------------------
Clarence and Cleo had two children: one natural born daughter named Cecile Gay Upham, and one adopted son
named Raymond Upham.
--------------------------------
1. Cecile Gay Upham. b. May 23, 1899 in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana. m. Lloyd Feather Bliss on Nov. 4, 1916 in St. Joseph, Berrien County Michigan. d. July 12, 1975 South of Niles, Berrien County Michigan. Buried: Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan, Michigan, next to her parents & brother. They had six girls and one boy. (See the memorial for Cecile (Upham) Bliss, on this web site).
------------------------------------
2. Raymond Upham. b. Dec. 21, 1908 at Rest Cottage, in Elkhart, Elkhart County Indiana. He was adopted at four weeks of age [per legal adoption papers, that were passed down through the family]. Raymond graduated from the Buchanan High School in 1927. Raymond never married, and had no children. d. March 2, 1978 in the Fountainview Terrace Nursing Home in Laporte, Laporte County Indiana, at age 69. Buried: Oak Ridge Cemetery, in Buchanan, Michigan, next to his parents and sister.
(See the memorial for Raymond Upham on this web site, to read about him being left, as a baby, on the doorstep of Clarence and Cleo Upham).
_____________________________________
Cleo died in their home (which was a twenty-nine acre farm), located on Terre Coupe Road, right next door to the Oak Ridge Cemetery (on the West side, near the maintanance building). [Their Great, grandchildren can remember eating the fruit off of the vines in their backyard].
This home is no longer standing.
-------------------------------------
Note: After Cleo's death, her husband Clarence and son Raymond, later lived "in town", at 406 West Fourth Street in Buchanan, Michigan.
------------------------------------
Cleo died from diabetes, at the age of 69 years, 3 months and 24 days (per her death certificate).
------------------------------------
Cleo's obituary was published in the "Niles Daily Star", newspaper in Niles, MI on Nov. 1, 1948, page 2. (Also in another local newspaper, probably the "Berrien County Record", in Buchanan, Michigan).
---------------------------------------
The Niles obituary reads as follows:
-------------
MRS. CLEO UPHAM, 69.
BUCHANAN, Nov. 1 -
Mrs. Cleo Upham, died Sunday afternoon at her home on Terre-coupe road, west of Buchanan. She had been in poor health for about one year.
Mrs. Upham was born in Buchanan, July 4, 1879 [it "should" say July 7,] the daughter of Liberty and Celestia Dragoo and lived in Buchanan all of her life with the exception of 10 years which she spent in Kalamazoo [MI] and Mishawaka, Ind. She was a member of the Buchanan chapter of the Royal Neighbors of America.
On November 6, 1898 she married Clarence Upham, who survives. Other survivors are a son, Raymond, and a daughter, Mrs. Cecil [Cecile] Bliss, both of Buchanan; one brother, Clyde Dragoo, of St. Joseph, [MI]; five grand-children and seven great-grandchildren.
Friends may call at the Swem funeral home, Buchanan, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday. The Rev. L. E. Lee, pastor of the Evangelical United Brethren church, of Buchanan, will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Ridge cemetery.
-----------------------------------
Note: This memorial was
researched and written,
by Nancy (Letcher) Heib.
-------------------------------
Cleo's daughter Cecile, and son Raymond,
are buried right behind them.
-------------------------------------
Their headstone, in Section D, Lot 211,
reads as follows:
UPHAM
CLARENCE
June 1, 1877 - Aug. 27, 1956
CLEO
July 7, 1879 - Oct. 31, 1948
------------------------------------
Note: See the memorials for Cleo's
family, on this web site:
--------
Great, Grandfather, Jacob Dragoo.
Great, Grandmother,
Isabella (Jones) Dragoo.
Paternal Grandfather,
Ewell ("Uel") Dragoo.
Paternal Grandmother,
Jane (Barnhouse) Dragoo.
Maternal Grandfather,
Francis "Frank" Hunniker Sr.
Maternal Grandmother,
Julia Ann (Frame) Hunniker.
------
Father, Liberty U. Dragoo.
Mother, Celestia Ann (Hunniker) Dragoo.
Husband, Clarence Upham.
Son, Raymond Upham.
Daughter, Cecile (Upham) Bliss.
Granddaughter, Thelma (Bliss) Letcher,
(ALL of Buchanan, Michigan).
------
Note: Clarence and Cleta "Cleo" Upham
are my Great, Grandparents.
Nancy (Letcher) Heib.
-------------------------------------
See another family photo,
on the memorial for
Cleo's granddaughter
Mary Louise Bliss, of Michigan.
--------------------------------------
Cleta's Grandparents, Ewell and Jane Dragoo,
and her Great Grandparents,
Jacob and Isabella Dragoo (who came from
Virginia to Buchanan, MI in 1834 & 1835),
are buried in the Dragoo "family" cemetery
named the "Virginian's Burying Ground",
on Chippawa St., in Buchanan, Michigan.
See the memorials for Jacob and
Isabella Dragoo (of Michigan),
on this web site.
-------------------------------------
Note: For "Dragoo" family history,
see Liberty Dragoo, of Michigan, and for
"Upham" family history, see Clarence Upham,
of Michigan, on this web site.
---------------------------------
Note: Cleo's father Liberty U. Dragoo
served in the Civil War. (See his memorial).
____________________________________
Note: Cleo's "Dragoo" family originated from Moise, Saintonge, France. In France, their surname was spelled as "Dragaud". Cleo's "Dragoo" family line is as follows:
--------
1. Pierre Dragaud I (the first). (b. abt. 1639), and his wife Jeanne Garnier, of Moeze, Saintonge, France and later, of Bristol, England. (They were what is known as "French Huguenots", who had to flee from France for fear of being persecuted, because they were not Catholic).
-----------------------------------
2. Pierre Dragaud II (b. Sep. 19, 1667), and his wife Elizabeth Tavaud, of Bristol, England and then, of Staten Island, Richmond County New York. (The 1st generation in America).
----------------------------------
3. Pierre (Peter) Dragoo III (b. 1707), and his wife Elizabeth "Lysbeth" Guyon, of Staten Island, Richmond County New York, and then of Frederick County Virginia.
--------------------------------------
4. Peter Dragoo IV (b. 1728), and his wife Mary Morrye, of Staten Island, Richmond County New York, and then of Winchester, Frederick County Virginia.
---------------------------------
5. John Dragoo Sr. (b. Jan. 7, 1748), and his 1st wife Elizabeth ("Betsy") Straight, of Barrackville, Monongalia County Virginia (now Marion Co. West VA). (Elizabeth was scalped and killed by the Indians). John served in the Rev. War, in Col. Butterick's Company of Volunteers, Col. Reed's Regiment. (See the memorial for their son Jacob Dragoo, of Michigan).
------------------------------------
6. Jacob Dragoo (b. Sept. 30, 1782), and his wife Isabella Jones, of Barrackville, Monongalia County Virginia, and then they came to Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan in 1834.
-----------------------------------
7. Ewell (nickname "Uel") Dragoo (b. 1813), and his 1st wife Jane Barnhouse, of Monongalia County Virginia, and then they came to Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan in 1835.
------------------------------------
8. Liberty U. Dragoo (b. Nov. 20, 1844 in VA), and his wife Celestia Ann Hunniker, of Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan.
---------------------------------
9. Cleta ("Cleatie" and "Cleo") Dragoo
(b. July 7, 1879), and her husband Clarence Upham. Cleta grew up in Buchanan, Michigan. After her marriage, they lived in Mishawaka, Indiana and Kalamazoo, Michigan for 10-13 years, and then they moved to Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan in 1911.
_________________________________
Click on photos to see enlargements,
captions, and additional photos.
________________________________
Cleta (nicknamed "Cleo"), is the daughter of Liberty U. Dragoo and his wife Celestia Ann Hunniker, of Buchanan, Michigan. [Her father Liberty U. Dragoo served in the Civil War]. She was the youngest of seven children.
---------------------------------
Note: PLEASE, do NOT transfer this
memorial to other web sites.
Thanks, Nancy (Letcher) Heib.
---------------------------------
She was born as "Cleta", married as "Cleatie", and died as "Cleo". (Cleatie and Cleo were nicknames, because she did not like her given name). Note: Her birth certificate incorrectly states that "Cleta" Dragoo was born on July 22. In her father Liberty U. Dragoo's Civil War pension application file, he lists her as "Cleatie" (one of her nicknames), with her date of birth as July 7th, which is correct. Her death certificate and her obituary incorrectly gives "Cleo's" date of birth as July 4. (She celebrated it on that day, along with her son-in-law Lloyd Bliss, whose birthday was on that day). Her headstone and burial records list her as "Cleo", with her date of birth listed as July 7th, which is correct.
-------------------------------------
In her autograph book, that she had used from the age of 12-14 years old (1891-1893), she is addressed as "Cleatie" eleven times, as "Cleaty" eighteen times, and as "Cleo" sixteen times. Her father Liberty U. Dragoo, wrote a poem and signed his name in this autograph book, as did her other relatives, teachers, and friends.
------------------------------------
Cleta "possibly" attended the three-story high school in Buchanan, MI, which was nicknamed "Fort Sumter" by the students. This high school was built in 1871, and was located directly behind the present high school which was built in 1922.
------------------------------------
She was married as "Cleatie" Dragoo, to Clarence Upham, at noon on Sun. Nov. 6, 1898, at the home of her parents on Hobart Street in Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan, by Rev. Franklin C. Berger, Minister, in the presence of about twenty immediate relatives and friends. (Clarence of Mishawaka, age 21, and Cleatie Dragoo of Buchanan, age 19). Witnesses were Clyde Dragoo (Cleo's brother) and Clara (Upham) Dragoo (Clarence's sister).
---------
Their marriage announcement was published in the "Berrien County Record", newspaper in Buchanan, Michigan, on Nov. 10, 1898.
After their marriage, they made their home in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana.
------------------------------------
They lived on East Fourth Street in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana, when their daughter Cecile was born in 1899.
------------------------------------
In Feb. of 1903, they were living in Kalamazoo, Michigan (per: the obituary for Cleo's brother William Dragoo).
In the 1905 Kalamazoo City Directory, they are listed as living at 721 North Pitcher St. in Kalamazoo, MI.
--------------------------------
They then lived at 316 West Seventeenth Street in Mishawaka, Indiana, when they adopted baby Raymond in 1909.
The 1910 census shows them still living in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana.
-------------------------------
They then moved to Buchanan, Michigan in 1911 (per the obituary for Clarence).
-----------------------------------
Her husband Clarence Upham worked at the Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan, Michigan for 37 years, from 1909 to 1946.
---------------------------------
Clarence and Cleo had two children: one natural born daughter named Cecile Gay Upham, and one adopted son
named Raymond Upham.
--------------------------------
1. Cecile Gay Upham. b. May 23, 1899 in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana. m. Lloyd Feather Bliss on Nov. 4, 1916 in St. Joseph, Berrien County Michigan. d. July 12, 1975 South of Niles, Berrien County Michigan. Buried: Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan, Michigan, next to her parents & brother. They had six girls and one boy. (See the memorial for Cecile (Upham) Bliss, on this web site).
------------------------------------
2. Raymond Upham. b. Dec. 21, 1908 at Rest Cottage, in Elkhart, Elkhart County Indiana. He was adopted at four weeks of age [per legal adoption papers, that were passed down through the family]. Raymond graduated from the Buchanan High School in 1927. Raymond never married, and had no children. d. March 2, 1978 in the Fountainview Terrace Nursing Home in Laporte, Laporte County Indiana, at age 69. Buried: Oak Ridge Cemetery, in Buchanan, Michigan, next to his parents and sister.
(See the memorial for Raymond Upham on this web site, to read about him being left, as a baby, on the doorstep of Clarence and Cleo Upham).
_____________________________________
Cleo died in their home (which was a twenty-nine acre farm), located on Terre Coupe Road, right next door to the Oak Ridge Cemetery (on the West side, near the maintanance building). [Their Great, grandchildren can remember eating the fruit off of the vines in their backyard].
This home is no longer standing.
-------------------------------------
Note: After Cleo's death, her husband Clarence and son Raymond, later lived "in town", at 406 West Fourth Street in Buchanan, Michigan.
------------------------------------
Cleo died from diabetes, at the age of 69 years, 3 months and 24 days (per her death certificate).
------------------------------------
Cleo's obituary was published in the "Niles Daily Star", newspaper in Niles, MI on Nov. 1, 1948, page 2. (Also in another local newspaper, probably the "Berrien County Record", in Buchanan, Michigan).
---------------------------------------
The Niles obituary reads as follows:
-------------
MRS. CLEO UPHAM, 69.
BUCHANAN, Nov. 1 -
Mrs. Cleo Upham, died Sunday afternoon at her home on Terre-coupe road, west of Buchanan. She had been in poor health for about one year.
Mrs. Upham was born in Buchanan, July 4, 1879 [it "should" say July 7,] the daughter of Liberty and Celestia Dragoo and lived in Buchanan all of her life with the exception of 10 years which she spent in Kalamazoo [MI] and Mishawaka, Ind. She was a member of the Buchanan chapter of the Royal Neighbors of America.
On November 6, 1898 she married Clarence Upham, who survives. Other survivors are a son, Raymond, and a daughter, Mrs. Cecil [Cecile] Bliss, both of Buchanan; one brother, Clyde Dragoo, of St. Joseph, [MI]; five grand-children and seven great-grandchildren.
Friends may call at the Swem funeral home, Buchanan, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday. The Rev. L. E. Lee, pastor of the Evangelical United Brethren church, of Buchanan, will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Ridge cemetery.
-----------------------------------
Note: This memorial was
researched and written,
by Nancy (Letcher) Heib.
-------------------------------
Cleo's daughter Cecile, and son Raymond,
are buried right behind them.
-------------------------------------
Their headstone, in Section D, Lot 211,
reads as follows:
UPHAM
CLARENCE
June 1, 1877 - Aug. 27, 1956
CLEO
July 7, 1879 - Oct. 31, 1948
------------------------------------
Note: See the memorials for Cleo's
family, on this web site:
--------
Great, Grandfather, Jacob Dragoo.
Great, Grandmother,
Isabella (Jones) Dragoo.
Paternal Grandfather,
Ewell ("Uel") Dragoo.
Paternal Grandmother,
Jane (Barnhouse) Dragoo.
Maternal Grandfather,
Francis "Frank" Hunniker Sr.
Maternal Grandmother,
Julia Ann (Frame) Hunniker.
------
Father, Liberty U. Dragoo.
Mother, Celestia Ann (Hunniker) Dragoo.
Husband, Clarence Upham.
Son, Raymond Upham.
Daughter, Cecile (Upham) Bliss.
Granddaughter, Thelma (Bliss) Letcher,
(ALL of Buchanan, Michigan).
------
Note: Clarence and Cleta "Cleo" Upham
are my Great, Grandparents.
Nancy (Letcher) Heib.
-------------------------------------
See another family photo,
on the memorial for
Cleo's granddaughter
Mary Louise Bliss, of Michigan.
--------------------------------------
Cleta's Grandparents, Ewell and Jane Dragoo,
and her Great Grandparents,
Jacob and Isabella Dragoo (who came from
Virginia to Buchanan, MI in 1834 & 1835),
are buried in the Dragoo "family" cemetery
named the "Virginian's Burying Ground",
on Chippawa St., in Buchanan, Michigan.
See the memorials for Jacob and
Isabella Dragoo (of Michigan),
on this web site.
-------------------------------------
Note: For "Dragoo" family history,
see Liberty Dragoo, of Michigan, and for
"Upham" family history, see Clarence Upham,
of Michigan, on this web site.
---------------------------------
Note: Cleo's father Liberty U. Dragoo
served in the Civil War. (See his memorial).
____________________________________
Note: Cleo's "Dragoo" family originated from Moise, Saintonge, France. In France, their surname was spelled as "Dragaud". Cleo's "Dragoo" family line is as follows:
--------
1. Pierre Dragaud I (the first). (b. abt. 1639), and his wife Jeanne Garnier, of Moeze, Saintonge, France and later, of Bristol, England. (They were what is known as "French Huguenots", who had to flee from France for fear of being persecuted, because they were not Catholic).
-----------------------------------
2. Pierre Dragaud II (b. Sep. 19, 1667), and his wife Elizabeth Tavaud, of Bristol, England and then, of Staten Island, Richmond County New York. (The 1st generation in America).
----------------------------------
3. Pierre (Peter) Dragoo III (b. 1707), and his wife Elizabeth "Lysbeth" Guyon, of Staten Island, Richmond County New York, and then of Frederick County Virginia.
--------------------------------------
4. Peter Dragoo IV (b. 1728), and his wife Mary Morrye, of Staten Island, Richmond County New York, and then of Winchester, Frederick County Virginia.
---------------------------------
5. John Dragoo Sr. (b. Jan. 7, 1748), and his 1st wife Elizabeth ("Betsy") Straight, of Barrackville, Monongalia County Virginia (now Marion Co. West VA). (Elizabeth was scalped and killed by the Indians). John served in the Rev. War, in Col. Butterick's Company of Volunteers, Col. Reed's Regiment. (See the memorial for their son Jacob Dragoo, of Michigan).
------------------------------------
6. Jacob Dragoo (b. Sept. 30, 1782), and his wife Isabella Jones, of Barrackville, Monongalia County Virginia, and then they came to Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan in 1834.
-----------------------------------
7. Ewell (nickname "Uel") Dragoo (b. 1813), and his 1st wife Jane Barnhouse, of Monongalia County Virginia, and then they came to Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan in 1835.
------------------------------------
8. Liberty U. Dragoo (b. Nov. 20, 1844 in VA), and his wife Celestia Ann Hunniker, of Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan.
---------------------------------
9. Cleta ("Cleatie" and "Cleo") Dragoo
(b. July 7, 1879), and her husband Clarence Upham. Cleta grew up in Buchanan, Michigan. After her marriage, they lived in Mishawaka, Indiana and Kalamazoo, Michigan for 10-13 years, and then they moved to Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan in 1911.
_________________________________
Click on photos to see enlargements,
captions, and additional photos.
________________________________
---------------------------------
Note: PLEASE, do NOT transfer this
memorial to other web sites.
Thanks, Nancy (Letcher) Heib.
---------------------------------
She was born as "Cleta", married as "Cleatie", and died as "Cleo". (Cleatie and Cleo were nicknames, because she did not like her given name). Note: Her birth certificate incorrectly states that "Cleta" Dragoo was born on July 22. In her father Liberty U. Dragoo's Civil War pension application file, he lists her as "Cleatie" (one of her nicknames), with her date of birth as July 7th, which is correct. Her death certificate and her obituary incorrectly gives "Cleo's" date of birth as July 4. (She celebrated it on that day, along with her son-in-law Lloyd Bliss, whose birthday was on that day). Her headstone and burial records list her as "Cleo", with her date of birth listed as July 7th, which is correct.
-------------------------------------
In her autograph book, that she had used from the age of 12-14 years old (1891-1893), she is addressed as "Cleatie" eleven times, as "Cleaty" eighteen times, and as "Cleo" sixteen times. Her father Liberty U. Dragoo, wrote a poem and signed his name in this autograph book, as did her other relatives, teachers, and friends.
------------------------------------
Cleta "possibly" attended the three-story high school in Buchanan, MI, which was nicknamed "Fort Sumter" by the students. This high school was built in 1871, and was located directly behind the present high school which was built in 1922.
------------------------------------
She was married as "Cleatie" Dragoo, to Clarence Upham, at noon on Sun. Nov. 6, 1898, at the home of her parents on Hobart Street in Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan, by Rev. Franklin C. Berger, Minister, in the presence of about twenty immediate relatives and friends. (Clarence of Mishawaka, age 21, and Cleatie Dragoo of Buchanan, age 19). Witnesses were Clyde Dragoo (Cleo's brother) and Clara (Upham) Dragoo (Clarence's sister).
---------
Their marriage announcement was published in the "Berrien County Record", newspaper in Buchanan, Michigan, on Nov. 10, 1898.
After their marriage, they made their home in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana.
------------------------------------
They lived on East Fourth Street in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana, when their daughter Cecile was born in 1899.
------------------------------------
In Feb. of 1903, they were living in Kalamazoo, Michigan (per: the obituary for Cleo's brother William Dragoo).
In the 1905 Kalamazoo City Directory, they are listed as living at 721 North Pitcher St. in Kalamazoo, MI.
--------------------------------
They then lived at 316 West Seventeenth Street in Mishawaka, Indiana, when they adopted baby Raymond in 1909.
The 1910 census shows them still living in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana.
-------------------------------
They then moved to Buchanan, Michigan in 1911 (per the obituary for Clarence).
-----------------------------------
Her husband Clarence Upham worked at the Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan, Michigan for 37 years, from 1909 to 1946.
---------------------------------
Clarence and Cleo had two children: one natural born daughter named Cecile Gay Upham, and one adopted son
named Raymond Upham.
--------------------------------
1. Cecile Gay Upham. b. May 23, 1899 in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Indiana. m. Lloyd Feather Bliss on Nov. 4, 1916 in St. Joseph, Berrien County Michigan. d. July 12, 1975 South of Niles, Berrien County Michigan. Buried: Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan, Michigan, next to her parents & brother. They had six girls and one boy. (See the memorial for Cecile (Upham) Bliss, on this web site).
------------------------------------
2. Raymond Upham. b. Dec. 21, 1908 at Rest Cottage, in Elkhart, Elkhart County Indiana. He was adopted at four weeks of age [per legal adoption papers, that were passed down through the family]. Raymond graduated from the Buchanan High School in 1927. Raymond never married, and had no children. d. March 2, 1978 in the Fountainview Terrace Nursing Home in Laporte, Laporte County Indiana, at age 69. Buried: Oak Ridge Cemetery, in Buchanan, Michigan, next to his parents and sister.
(See the memorial for Raymond Upham on this web site, to read about him being left, as a baby, on the doorstep of Clarence and Cleo Upham).
_____________________________________
Cleo died in their home (which was a twenty-nine acre farm), located on Terre Coupe Road, right next door to the Oak Ridge Cemetery (on the West side, near the maintanance building). [Their Great, grandchildren can remember eating the fruit off of the vines in their backyard].
This home is no longer standing.
-------------------------------------
Note: After Cleo's death, her husband Clarence and son Raymond, later lived "in town", at 406 West Fourth Street in Buchanan, Michigan.
------------------------------------
Cleo died from diabetes, at the age of 69 years, 3 months and 24 days (per her death certificate).
------------------------------------
Cleo's obituary was published in the "Niles Daily Star", newspaper in Niles, MI on Nov. 1, 1948, page 2. (Also in another local newspaper, probably the "Berrien County Record", in Buchanan, Michigan).
---------------------------------------
The Niles obituary reads as follows:
-------------
MRS. CLEO UPHAM, 69.
BUCHANAN, Nov. 1 -
Mrs. Cleo Upham, died Sunday afternoon at her home on Terre-coupe road, west of Buchanan. She had been in poor health for about one year.
Mrs. Upham was born in Buchanan, July 4, 1879 [it "should" say July 7,] the daughter of Liberty and Celestia Dragoo and lived in Buchanan all of her life with the exception of 10 years which she spent in Kalamazoo [MI] and Mishawaka, Ind. She was a member of the Buchanan chapter of the Royal Neighbors of America.
On November 6, 1898 she married Clarence Upham, who survives. Other survivors are a son, Raymond, and a daughter, Mrs. Cecil [Cecile] Bliss, both of Buchanan; one brother, Clyde Dragoo, of St. Joseph, [MI]; five grand-children and seven great-grandchildren.
Friends may call at the Swem funeral home, Buchanan, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday. The Rev. L. E. Lee, pastor of the Evangelical United Brethren church, of Buchanan, will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Ridge cemetery.
-----------------------------------
Note: This memorial was
researched and written,
by Nancy (Letcher) Heib.
-------------------------------
Cleo's daughter Cecile, and son Raymond,
are buried right behind them.
-------------------------------------
Their headstone, in Section D, Lot 211,
reads as follows:
UPHAM
CLARENCE
June 1, 1877 - Aug. 27, 1956
CLEO
July 7, 1879 - Oct. 31, 1948
------------------------------------
Note: See the memorials for Cleo's
family, on this web site:
--------
Great, Grandfather, Jacob Dragoo.
Great, Grandmother,
Isabella (Jones) Dragoo.
Paternal Grandfather,
Ewell ("Uel") Dragoo.
Paternal Grandmother,
Jane (Barnhouse) Dragoo.
Maternal Grandfather,
Francis "Frank" Hunniker Sr.
Maternal Grandmother,
Julia Ann (Frame) Hunniker.
------
Father, Liberty U. Dragoo.
Mother, Celestia Ann (Hunniker) Dragoo.
Husband, Clarence Upham.
Son, Raymond Upham.
Daughter, Cecile (Upham) Bliss.
Granddaughter, Thelma (Bliss) Letcher,
(ALL of Buchanan, Michigan).
------
Note: Clarence and Cleta "Cleo" Upham
are my Great, Grandparents.
Nancy (Letcher) Heib.
-------------------------------------
See another family photo,
on the memorial for
Cleo's granddaughter
Mary Louise Bliss, of Michigan.
--------------------------------------
Cleta's Grandparents, Ewell and Jane Dragoo,
and her Great Grandparents,
Jacob and Isabella Dragoo (who came from
Virginia to Buchanan, MI in 1834 & 1835),
are buried in the Dragoo "family" cemetery
named the "Virginian's Burying Ground",
on Chippawa St., in Buchanan, Michigan.
See the memorials for Jacob and
Isabella Dragoo (of Michigan),
on this web site.
-------------------------------------
Note: For "Dragoo" family history,
see Liberty Dragoo, of Michigan, and for
"Upham" family history, see Clarence Upham,
of Michigan, on this web site.
---------------------------------
Note: Cleo's father Liberty U. Dragoo
served in the Civil War. (See his memorial).
____________________________________
Note: Cleo's "Dragoo" family originated from Moise, Saintonge, France. In France, their surname was spelled as "Dragaud". Cleo's "Dragoo" family line is as follows:
--------
1. Pierre Dragaud I (the first). (b. abt. 1639), and his wife Jeanne Garnier, of Moeze, Saintonge, France and later, of Bristol, England. (They were what is known as "French Huguenots", who had to flee from France for fear of being persecuted, because they were not Catholic).
-----------------------------------
2. Pierre Dragaud II (b. Sep. 19, 1667), and his wife Elizabeth Tavaud, of Bristol, England and then, of Staten Island, Richmond County New York. (The 1st generation in America).
----------------------------------
3. Pierre (Peter) Dragoo III (b. 1707), and his wife Elizabeth "Lysbeth" Guyon, of Staten Island, Richmond County New York, and then of Frederick County Virginia.
--------------------------------------
4. Peter Dragoo IV (b. 1728), and his wife Mary Morrye, of Staten Island, Richmond County New York, and then of Winchester, Frederick County Virginia.
---------------------------------
5. John Dragoo Sr. (b. Jan. 7, 1748), and his 1st wife Elizabeth ("Betsy") Straight, of Barrackville, Monongalia County Virginia (now Marion Co. West VA). (Elizabeth was scalped and killed by the Indians). John served in the Rev. War, in Col. Butterick's Company of Volunteers, Col. Reed's Regiment. (See the memorial for their son Jacob Dragoo, of Michigan).
------------------------------------
6. Jacob Dragoo (b. Sept. 30, 1782), and his wife Isabella Jones, of Barrackville, Monongalia County Virginia, and then they came to Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan in 1834.
-----------------------------------
7. Ewell (nickname "Uel") Dragoo (b. 1813), and his 1st wife Jane Barnhouse, of Monongalia County Virginia, and then they came to Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan in 1835.
------------------------------------
8. Liberty U. Dragoo (b. Nov. 20, 1844 in VA), and his wife Celestia Ann Hunniker, of Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan.
---------------------------------
9. Cleta ("Cleatie" and "Cleo") Dragoo
(b. July 7, 1879), and her husband Clarence Upham. Cleta grew up in Buchanan, Michigan. After her marriage, they lived in Mishawaka, Indiana and Kalamazoo, Michigan for 10-13 years, and then they moved to Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan in 1911.
_________________________________
Click on photos to see enlargements,
captions, and additional photos.
________________________________
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