Multnomah-Curry County OR Archives Biographies.....Hughes, Rev. John C. March 25, 1869 - 
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/or/orfiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Ila L. Wakley iwakley@msn.com May 31, 2010, 7:05 pm

Source: History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Vol. III, Published 1928, Pages 369 - 370
Author: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company

     REV. JOHN C. HUGHES since 1900 has been in charge of St. Lawrence parish, 
the second parish to be established in Portland proper, and is probably the 
oldest native-born priest in the state of Oregon. He first opened his eyes to 
the light of day at Cape Blanco, in Curry county, March 25, 1869. His father, 
Patrick Hughes, well known in Curry county as a successful ranchman, dairyman 
and stock raiser, died upon his farm at the mouth of Sixes river, June 28, 
1901. Agricultural interests in this section lost by his death an important 
exponent of progressive ideas and a man who for thirty-five years had been 
identified with farming in southwestern Oregon. He was born in Ireland in 1828 
and was twenty-five years of age when he came to America, settling in Boston, 
Massachusetts, in 1853. In that city he spent five years and then came to 
Oregon by way of Panama in 1858, locating in Curry county in the early days of 
its settlement. Here he mined for gold and then took up land upon which he 
resided until the time of his death. The old homestead is located at the mouth 
of the Sixes river, fronting the ocean, and is a beautiful and well improved 
property. It is operated by three of the sons of Patrick Hughes, who are 
following the methods and standards inaugurated by their father.

     In Boston, Massachusetts, in 1853, Patrick Hughes was united in marriage 
to Miss Jane O'Neil, who was born in Ireland and who came to America when she 
was still a girl. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes became the parents of seven children: 
Edward, who in company with two of his brothers is operating the homestead and 
Thomas, who is associated with his brothers Edward and Francis in the 
operation of the home farm; James, a resident of Norwalk, Connecticut; Rev. 
John C., of this review; Alice, the widow of P. J. Masterson of Curry county; 
and Mary, who is the wife of Frank McMullin, of Eugene, Oregon. The family are 
members of the Roman Catholic church, to which religion Mr. Hughes gave his 
allegiance. Patrick Hughes was a consistent republican and did able work as 
county commissioner for several terms, although he never sought political 
office, preferring to devote his entire time to the management of his farm. At 
the time of his death his land was in excellent condition, well improved and 
developed, showing the results of the owner's care and labor.

     Father John C. Hughes, whose name introduces this article, began his 
education in the district school and when thirteen years of age was one of 
several Oregon youths sent east by Archbishop Seghers to prepare for the 
Catholic priesthood. He spent some time in Montreal College, Canada, and 
continued his studies in St. Charles College, Ellicott City, Maryland, and in 
St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, one of the oldest educational institutions in 
the United States. Upon completing his studies he was ordained in 1895 by 
Cardinal Gibbons. Returning to Oregon, he served first under Archbishop Gross 
and afterward under Archbishop Christie at the Cathedral until 1900, in which 
year he took charge of St. Lawrence parish of Portland, which was established 
in 1883 and is the second oldest in Portland proper — the west side. St. 
Lawrence church has had but two pastors, the predecessor of Father Hughes 
being Father Orth, who served from 1883 until 1900 and later became an 
archbishop. As pastor of the church during the past twenty-eight years Father 
Hughes has carried forward his labors with zeal and energy and his influence 
has been a potent element in the spiritual growth of the community.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/or/multnomah/bios/hughes1109gbs.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/orfiles/

File size: 4.3 Kb