Salem County NJ Archives Biographies.....Robert Driver HUGHES, 1838 - 1913 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nj/njfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 November 8, 2008, 4:24 pm Author: Mary Depue Ogden, Editor (1917) HUGHES, Robert Driver, Business Man, Active in Educational Affairs. When the life story of Robert Driver Hughes has been told and the factors of its usefulness and success are reduced to keynote characteristics, these are found to be in his rugged honesty and conscientious observance of every duty. By all who knew him these virtues were observed in every relation, and whether in the field of business in Philadelphia, where he was for many years prominent in the fruit trade, or in the life of Woodbury, New Jersey, his long time home, he held the respectful regard of his fellows, whose confidence was his in unbounded measure. His devotion to business brought him material independence and a recognized position in the fruit trade of Philadelphia, while in Woodbury he was known as a constant friend of every institution of which his town was proud, its schools and Kemble Methodist Episcopal Church his greatest care. His death, coming in his seventy-fifth year, removed from the Woodbury community and the business fraternity of Philadelphia a member who in both places had walked all his life in uprightness and integrity, and whose death was marked and mourned. A resident of New Jersey at his death, the State was also his birthplace, the Hughes homestead between Clarksboro and Paulsboro, Gloucester county, New Jersey, having been the place of birth of several generations of his ancestors. Robert Driver Hughes, son of Presmul and Sarah (Driver) Hughes, was born October 11, 1838, and while attending the schools in the vicinity of his home was his father's assistant in the agricultural operations the elder Hughes conducted on the home acres. He was one of a family of fifteen children, eleven of whom attained mature years, and youthful ambition led him at an early age to seek his own support, so that the burden of his parents might in a measure be lightened. His first employment was in a general store in Glassboro, New Jersey, and he afterward moved to Woodstown, there entering the employ of Risley & Riley in a clerical capacity, his term of service in this establishment numbering several years. From Woodstown he went to independent operations in Philadelphia, opening a place of business on Dock-street and beginning dealing in fruits. He later moved his residence to Woodbury, New Jersey, and from that place remained in charge of his Philadelphia business. During the years of his business activity in Philadelphia he never associated himself with any individual or concern, but from a modest beginning built up a large and prosperous trade in foreign and domestic fruits through his own tireless and unaided efforts. His success was rejoiced in by all of his business associates, for his unswervingly honorable methods of conducting his business had won that meed of appreciation and respect only accorded one who adheres to high ideals even in the strife of trade. Although Mr. Hughes found enjoyment in business pursuits, those of his relations which probably gave him the most joy outside of his beautiful home life were his connections with the civic and religious life of his town. These and his Philadelphia interests, for his only other business association was the operation of a canning factory for a number of years, completed the orbit of his activity, and within its limits he accomplished much of useful service. For twelve years he was a member of the Woodbury Board of Education, always retaining an interest in matters educational, and he was one of the enthusiastic workers for Woodbury's first high school, turning the first spadeful of earth when ground was broken for the building. When fire destroyed the structure that his efforts had helped to rear, he led in the movement to raise funds for a building to replace it. Part of his twelve years on this board was spent as its vice-president, and his planning and striving throughout this period bore good fruit in improved school facilities for his town. Kemble Methodist Episcopal Church had in him a loyal and sincere friend, and for a number of years he was president of its Board of Trustees, guarding the material welfare of the church with fidelity and zeal. His home for many years was at No. 165 Delaware avenue, and his connection with Woodbury was one that at all times was a source of benefit to the community. Robert D. Hughes married Mary G. Holmes, daughter of David and Caroline (Gibbon) Holmes, and was the father of Robert D. Jr., Malcolm, Carroll, and William. the last two deceased. Mrs. Hughes survives her husband, a resident of Woodbury. Additional Comments: Extracted from: MEMORIAL CYCLOPEDIA OF NEW JERSEY UNDER THE EDITORIAL SUPERVISION OF MARY DEPUE OGDEN VOLUME III MEMORIAL HISTORY COMPANY NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 1917 This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/njfiles/ File size: 5.3 Kb This file is located at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/nj/salem/bios/hughes-rd.txt