Hughes, Hugh Richard (Died 1921)

HUGHES, CALDWELL

Posted By: Viv Reeves (email)
Date: 5/5/2005 at 16:11:36

From the LeMars Sentinel, Friday, January 7, 1921, Page 1, Column 1:
ANSWERS LAST CALL
H. R. HUGHES WAS VETERAN OF THE CIVIL WAR.
FOUGHT IN MANY BLOODY BATTLES

Mr. H. R. Hughes, a veteran of the civil war and a resident of Plymouth county and LeMars for nearly forty years, died at his home, 918 Franklin street, on Wednesday morning at the age of nearly eighty-seven years. Death was due to infirmities of age. Mr. Hughes had been in failing health for the past year and since Thanksgiving day had been confined to his bed.

Hugh Richard Hughes was born at Anglesy, Wales, and came from rugged Welsh stock, inheriting a hardy constitution and virile qualities. When a youth he came to America to seek his fortune and made the trip from Liverpool to New York in a sailing vessel taking many weeks on the voyage. He worked at various occupations and engaged in farming in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. He was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Caldwell on September 10, 1857, at Galena, Ill., and they enjoyed a long and happy married life, lasting over a period of sixty-three years and celebrated their golden wedding day and also the sixtieth anniversary of the wedding three years ago.

When the civil war broke out H. R. Hughes volunteered for service, enlisted in Company I, Ninety-sixth Illinois regiment, shouldered a musket and marched away leaving a wife and two little boys at home. He served three years and his regiment was in some of the hottest battles of the bloody strife. His regiment was in the brigade commanded by General Thomas in the army of the Cumberland. Mr. Hughes took part in the battles of Stone river, Missionary Ridge, Chickamanga and other sanguinary engagements and was lucky enough never to bet a scratch.

After receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war he re-engaged in farming in Illinois. The family came to Plymouth county in 1883 and farmed for several years and then came to LeMars to make their home.

Mr. Hughes was for many years employed as custodian at the court house and for several years as janitor at the Franklin school building. At these places he was as popular as elsewhere and always a general favorite with both young and old. For the past few years he had lived in retirement.

Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, eight of whom with the wife and mother, mourn his death. The children are--Sherman Hughes, of Westfield; George T. Hughes, Haxtun, Colo.; Frank and Joseph, of LeMars; Mrs. Wm. Casler, of Stanton; Mrs. Chris Henricksen, of Alton; and Misses Cora and Ella Hughes living at home. There are eighteen grand children and six great grand children.

The funeral will be held this afternoon at two o'clock at the house and service will be held in the First Methodist church at half past two o'clock and interment made in the city cemetery.

Mr. Hughes was a member of Mower Post, No. 91, G. A. R. for many years. Service men will act as pall bearers.

Mr. Hughes was a good citizen and enjoyed the respect of the community. He was a loving husband and father, loyal to his friends and of a cheery and neighborly disposition which endeared him to many.