He graduated from Harvard University in 1789, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1792.
Upham practiced law in Claremont, New Hampshire, and served as solicitor for Cheshire County from December 15, 1796, to 1804.
He resumed the practice of law and was president of Claremont Bank for twenty years[2] after retiring from public life.
[3] Upham died in Claremont, Sullivan County, New Hampshire, on February 10, 1848 (age 79 years, 45 days).
He married Mary Duncan on December 31, 1805, and they had six children: George Baxter, Robert Harris, Jabez Baxter, Harriet Harris, James Phineas, and Edward B.