Biography of John Hughes, 1902, Grant Co., Oregon
Surnames: Hughes, Mattox, Walch

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An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub. 1902
by Western Historical Pub. Co. of Chicago. page 457

JOHN HUGHES

John H. was born to John H. and Rebecca (Mattox) Hughes, on June 27, 1849, in
Liverpool, England. There he attended the public schools and lived with his
parents until 1863, when he came across the ocean with his father's brother,
landing in New York. For a short time he stayed there, and then came to St.
JOseph, Missouri, whence, in June 1864, he started across the plains in a
train composed of twelve mule teams. At Fort Laramie they joined an ox train
of sixty-two teams, and another mule train of twelve teams. A short time after
leaving Fort Laramie the second mule train became delayed and were separated
some distance from the others. The Indians attacked this unfortunate number
and killed thireen men and took one woman captive. The only other woman of
that train wrapped herself so well in blankets that the indians did not
discover her. The reds burned the wagons and went away with their booty. The
following season they released the captive. The remainder of the trains went
on their journey and without serious attack from the savages, except some
skirmishes. When the train arrived at Salt Lake Mr. Hughes left it and stayed
in Salt Lake City for one winter. In the spring he went to prospecting and
until 1878 he was working at this line of industry in all the leading camps of
Nevada and Utah. In 1878 he came to Baker City, and shortly afterward on to
Granite, where he stayed until 1881, then went to Susanville, whee he has been
actively engaged and interested in mining since. He was the original owner of
the famous Badger mine, now one of the most valuable mines in this region. He
sold this property in 1897, but still has some valuable claims in the vicinity
among which is the noted Big Nugget. He owns the Monumental hotel in
Longcreek, which he operated until recently, now leasing the same. He owns a
good store building, which is well stocked with general merchandise, and here
he does a flourishing business, having entered the commercial world three
years since. He as has a branch store at Susanville, and is doing a fine
business there. He has an elegant residence in Longcreek and several other
residence buildings that he rents. He also has eighty acres well improved that
join the town, besides other property in various places.

The marriage of Mr. Hughes and Mrs. Ella Walch was celebrated in January,
1892, and to them have been born two children: John, deceased, and Emily Ruth.
Mr. Hughes' parents came to this country ten years later than he did and
located ant Boise, but afterward went to the coast, where they now live. Mr.
Hughes is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and is highly esteemed throughout the
entire community, having the confidence of the people.