Obituary for James HUGHES (1805-1873) Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives on Oct 25, 1999 by Mike Hughes < mkhughes@execpc.com > USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free genealogy information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation. Individuals or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than as stated above, must contact the submitter or the listed USGenWeb archivist. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Surnames: HUGHES, KNOWLES, FIELDING, MATHER Col. James Hughes was born in Prince Edward County, Virginia October 12, 1805. James died August 11, 1873 in New Richmond, Wisconsin at 67 years of age. He married Elizabeth Mather in Jackson County, Ohio, September 4, 1838. Elizabeth was born in Brooklyn, Windham Co., Connecticut April 27, 1816. She was the daughter of Eleazer Mather and L. Williams. He received a classical education at Hampdon-Sydney College, Virginia, studied law, and was admitted to practice in Virginia. He came to Ohio in 1835, and was elected to the legislature in 1838 and 1839. James served in the military in the Mexican War, 1846. He received a military promotion to Colonel in 1849. He remained in Ohio until 1849, publishing successively the Jackson Standard and the Meigs County Telegram, both Whig papers. In 1849 he came to St. Paul, Minnesota and brought with him the first printing press and outfit in that city, and established the Minnesota Chronicle, which subsequently united with the Register. The first number bears the date June 1, 1849. In November of the same year he sold his interest in the Chronicle and Register and removed to Hudson, where he established the St. Croix Banner, the first paper printed and issued in the St. Croix valley. Elizabeth Hughes was associated with him in its management. James died at Hudson in 1873, leaving a widow and eleven children, seven sons and four daughters. Of the sons, Eleazer is a farmer in St. Croix County; George R. is engaged in the real estate business in St. Paul; Edward P. is a lawyer in Anoka; James S. is a surveyor; Charles is manager of the Western Telegraph Company.