WI BIO - Dane Co - UPDIKE, Eugene Grover
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893, Vol II, pp 446-447

Rev. Eugene Grover UPDIKE, the earnest and efficient pastor of the 
Congregational Church at Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin, was born in 
Tompkins County, New York, 18 November 1850. His parents were Lyman and 
Phoebe (AMMACK) UPDIKE, who were born, reared, and married in Tompkins 
County, where his father was employed for many years as a carpenter and 
contractor. The genealogy of the family is traceable for eleven generations, 
to Holland. The American branch is divided, that portion residing in New 
York spelling the name "OPDIKE." The subject of this sketch belongs to the 
ninth generation in this country. Mr. UPDIKE's maternal ancestors were 
Quakers, who came to New York State in a very early day. In 1854 his parents 
removed to Dodge County, Wisconsin, then on the frontier of civilization, 
where his father pre-empted land and engaged in farming. He was thus engaged 
at the outbreak of the war, when he enlisted in the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin 
Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until 1863, when his death occurred on 
the Red River in [p 447] Mississippi, and he was buried in Memphis [Shelby 
County], Tennessee, thus sealing with his life his devotion to the cause. 
The worthy wife and mother still survives, and resides in Beaver Dam [Dodge 
County], Wisconsin. They were the parents of three children: the subject of 
his sketch; Louise; and a brother, deceased.

Dr. UPDIKE, of this biography, was four years of age at the time of his 
parent's removal to Wisconsin, where he was reared on a farm. His 
preliminary education was received in the common schools of his locality, and 
when nineteen years old, he entered Wayland Academy, in Beaver Dam, Dodge 
County, Wisconsin, remaining there one year; then entered Lawrence 
University, in Appleton [Outagamie County], Wisconsin, and graduated in the 
scientific course; after which he went to the Garrett Biblical University at 
Evanston [Cook County], Illinois, one year.

His first pastorate was in Montello [Marquette County], WI, where he had 
charge of a Methodist Episcopal Church for two years. He then removed to 
Delavan [Walworth County], Wisconsin, where he remained three years, going 
thence to Lake Mills [Jefferson County], Wisconsin. From 1883 to 1885 he was 
stationed at Racine, Racine County, Wisconsin, after which he went to 
Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, and there took charge of the 
Summerfield Methodist Episcopal Church, over which he presided three years. 
He was then transferred to Englewood, Cook County, Illinois, a suburb of 
Chicago, remaining there until October 1890.

It was at this time that he accepted an offer from the Congregational Church 
at Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin, and although reared a Methodist and for 
many years a pastor of that faith, his conscience acquitted him of all 
inconsistency in transferring his allegiance. The fact that he has been able 
to gather around him the largest congregation of any denomination in the 
State, is sufficient proof of his ability and earnestness. His success 
probably lies in the heartfelt interest which he takes in his work, lending 
to the power of the mind the diviner promptings of a reverent and loving 
heart.

Dr. Eugene Grover UPDIKE was married 07 September 1876 to Miss Clara FAVILL, 
a native of Lake Mills [Jefferson County], Wisconsin, who was educated at 
Lawrence University. As a citizen, Dr. UPDIKE enjoys the deepest respect and 
esteem of his fellow men, while as a moral guide, his success is sufficient 
guaranty of his wide and worthy influence.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly