Obituary for James HUGHES (1805-1873)

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives on Oct 25, 1999
by Mike Hughes  <  mkhughes@execpc.com  >

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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.