government » j.h. hughes
J.H. Hughes

Born in Kentucky on April 10, 1846,  J.H. Hughes was left an orphan when he was very young.  At 13 years of age he struck out on his own, going to New York State to find work.  He was fortunate in finding jobs at such a youthful age, although then, a lad of his years was considered a man and hired as such.

There was no family ties to keep him from roaming and in 1867 when 21 he went to Salt Lake City where he found work in the Wells Fargo Co.  His next position was with the Overland Stage Co.  Not content to stay long in one place he decided to move on, this time to California. There he again sought employment with the Wells Fargo Co. and was hired as agent.

While in southern California he met and married Mary D. Boren in San Bernadino.  It was the first time since childhood he had shared a home.  He was delighted when their only child was born, a son named Robert.

Wanderlust was still in his blood and after three years in California he brought his little family to Colfax, Washington Territory, arriving in 1879.  Wanting to try a new occupation he took a job as cashier in a bank.  1880 saw him ready to move again and he chose Cheney as their destination.  Here he invested the money he had saved in a hardware store which he managed for the next ten years, a record for him.

Apparently he and the family were happy in this community  as they took part in many of the social affairs of the time.  Mr. Hughes joined the Masonic Lodge and actively participated in city government.  When Mayor Percival was unable to complete the 1889 term in office, Mr. Hughes was the popular choice to take the gavel.

Not content to remain long in any job or abode, the appeal of new fields to conquer urged him to move on and in 1889 he started his duties as receiver in a land bank in Spokane for a period of four years.  Next he became a grain inspector for two years.

The banking business was flourishing everywhere about that time.  Mr. Hughes joined A.W. Strong in establishing a bank in Republic, a town north of Spokane not far from the Canadian border.  Their bank opened in March of 1898 with Mr. Hughes in full charge.  He bought shares in a profitable mine near Republic and looked forward to a more leisurely life.  He was not to realize the outcome of his enterprises there, however, as he died on May 7, 1899.  His had been a bustling and eventful life, cut short at the age of 53 years.

Contributed by Ellen Proctor, 1988.