The first settler within the limits of modern Upshur County was probably Isaac Moody, who settled on the Cherokee Trace near West Mountain in 1836. The area that is now Upshur County was originally part of Nacogdoches County and later was  incorporated into Harrison County.  On April 27, 1846, after Texas was admitted to the Union, the first  legislature of the state of Texas established Upshur County; at that time the county included the area of  present Camp County and part of modern Gregg County. On May 1, 1848, the county's voters chose the location for Gilmer, the county seat, and in August the sale of blocks and lots in the new town began. (More)

                     
Here's Another New Page I'm Working on--Listing All Known Burials in Upshur County of Those who Fought in the War Between the States--This is an Effort in Progress and Is Being Added to Each Week Cemetery by Cemetery.  It's fascinating to find that almost every man born 1800-1850 fought in the Civil War whether anyone has ever found what unit(s) or not.  I have now listed hundreds of biographies in cemeteries all over Upshur County but not in any particular cemetery as one listing will lead to a family member in another.  I record information on their parents, all their children, where they were born & died & all military information including Civil War Pension Application information--how fascinating! 
Updated through 4-7-13