IowaJones/Biographies/Mrs. Huggans

Mrs. Huggans–J. E. Hunter

Nancy Huggins
Born November 14, 1797

MRS. NANCY HUGGINS (whose maiden name was Nancy Brundage), is a native of Saratoga Co., N.Y., and was born only three miles from Saratoga Springs November 14, 1797; she grew up to womanhood in that State, and, in 1830, she was united in marriage to Amasa Harvey, a native of Connecticut; in May, 1847, they started West, coming by wagon, and were about five weeks on the way; one of her daughters was sick, and her child broke its leg on the way, and Mrs. Huggins had her hands full day and night in taking care of them at such a great disadvantage while traveling; they arrived here in June, and went into a log shanty covered with bark, prepared for them by Dr. Matson; when it rained hard, the water came through the roof of their cabin, and they were obliged to hoist their umbrellas until the rain was over; it is most amusing now to hear Mrs. Huggins speak of their early trials than it was then to go through them; they bought land of a squatter, the place where her son Edwin now lives, and began making a farm; when they came West, they could not bring all their things in the wagons, and shipped the best of them, and did not get them for nine months, and had to go with an ox team to Chicago after them. Mr. Harvey was successfully engaged in farming until his death, which occurred March 28, 1865; he left quite a large estate. They had six children, four of whom are living—Sarah Jane (now Mrs. Mead), Lydia P. (now Mrs. Graham), Edwin (living on the home place), Lucetta (now Mrs. Stephens), all living in this county except Mrs. Graham, who lives in Woodbury Co.; their son, Ira E., was in the army, and was killed in the last battle of the war. On the 15th of August, 1876, Mrs. Harvey was united in marriage to her present husband, William Huggins; he was born in Oneida Co., N.Y., October 7, 1790; in the war of 1812, he was drafted, but was away only a short time; was discharged October 30, 1814. On the 10th of March, 1814, he married Miss Alice Stansford, a native of Berkshire Co., Mass.; they came to Iowa in 1864; after living together sixty-one years, his wife died Fcb. 26, 1875, leaving eight children, one living here, two in New York State, and five living in Oregon. There are very few persons of the age of Mr. and Mrs. Huggins who are as active and as well preserved and enjoy life as they are doing. Mrs. Huggins is one of the lawful heirs to the Trinity Church property, New York City.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 559.

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John Hughes
Born November 4, 1857

The agricultural interests of Washington township find a worthy representative in John Hughes, who was born in Jones county on the 4th of November, 1857, and is the eldest in a family of four sons born unto Peter and Ann Hughes, the others being Patrick, Michael and Thomas. The father, who was born in Ireland in 1827, was reared in his native land, and there acquired his education, most of which was gleaned through observation and experience. He came to America while still a young man in his teens, with the hope of here finding better opportunities for advancement in business lines than were offered across the waters. He first located in New Orleans where for about ten years he was engaged as a laborer. He then came to Jones county, Iowa, taking up his abode on a farm in Washington township, where he continued to reside until his demise, which occurred on the 27th of June, 1909. He was very successful in his agricultural pursuits and as the years passed was able to add to his original purchase, which consisted of eighty acres, until he became one of the largest land owners in his section of the county, accumulating nine hundred acres, which property is now divided among his four sons. He was a democrat in politics and a faithful member of the Temple Hill Catholic church. In 1856 he had married Ann Hughes, who was also a native of Ireland, coming to America in early life.

John Hughes, whose name introduces this review, spent the period of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and is indebted to the public-school system of Jones county for the educational advantages he enjoyed. He early became familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting, and upon attaining his majority wisely chose as his life work the occupation to which be had been reared. He has since devoted himself to agriculture and in this line of activity has been very successful. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of the old homestead, where he carries on general farming, practicing rotation of crops and making a thorough study of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. The land is naturally rich and fertile and responds readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it.

Mr. Hughes was united in marriage in 1901 to Miss Julia Sorell, and their union has been blessed with one daughter, who was born on the 24th of October, 1902, and is the light and life of the household. Mrs. Hughes is a daughter of John and Mary Sorel, the former a native of France, where his birth occurred in 1813. He passed -away in 1895. The mother was born in Ireland and in New Orleans gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Sorel. They remained in that city for about two years and then came direct to Jones county, Iowa, taking up their abode in Washington township, where their remaining days were spent. The old homestead is still owned and occupied by the children.

Mr. Hughes, is a member of the Catholic church at Temple Hill and is deeply interested in the work thereof. Politically he has supported the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and he does all in his power to further its influence throughout the community although he is not an aspirant for public office as a reward for party fealty. He is public-spirited in his citizenship and his influence is ever found on the side of improvement, advancement, progress and reform. He has great reverence for the good name and upright life of his father, whose high principles and honorable manhood served as an excellent example for his family, and his own record has ever been a most creditable one, he being recognized as a worthy son of an honored father.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 505.

W. H. Hughes
Born 1830

W. H. HUGHES, blacksmith, Langworthy; born in Pennsylvania in 1830; came to Jones Co. in October, 1855. Wife's maiden name was Martha Orr, a native of Pennsylvania also; they were married in 1871. Mr. Hughes was married before to Martha Cook, a native of Pennsylvania also; they were married in 1861; had two children, namely, William and Hattie. Mr. Hughes owns a home and his shop, in the village, and is the only man of his trade in the place. He is now one of the Trustees. Mrs. Hughes is a member of the U.P. Church. Mr. H. is a Republican.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 629.

M. G. Hull
Born 1827

M. G. HULL, agent C.,M.&St.P.R.R., Olin; born in Ohio in 1827; came to Iowa in 1858, and engaged in teaching school; owns town property in Marion, Iowa. He was the first agent of the D.&S.W.R.R. at Monticello, and transferred to Anamosa, and remained there until July, then returned to Monticello and remained there until 1867, when he went to Marion, in the office of the D.&S.W.R.R. until the spring of 1877; then back to Jones Co., on the S.A.& D.R.R. at Martelle, until May 2, 1877, and then, November 13, 1877, to Olin, with the S.,A.&D., now C.,M.&St.P.; he is also telegraph operator. In politics, Democrat; in religion, Presbyterian. His wife, Mary A. Dubois, was born in Ohio in 1830; married in Ohio in 1853, and have six children—Louis (agent at Southern Minnesota Junction, Minn.), Amelia (now Mrs. L. C. Kemp, of Vinton), Annie Mary (died in 1861), Sarah, Carrie and William Blair.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 647.

Chester Hungerford
Born 1832

CHESTER HUNGERFORD, farmer, Wayne Twp., Sec. 30; P.O. Anamosa; born in Jefferson Co., N.Y., in 1832; came to Jones Co. in 1865, in the fall. Owns 160 acres. Wife's maiden name was Juliette Garlock, a native of New York also; they were married in 1854; have one child, named Chester Bartlett. Mr. Hungerford and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is a Republican.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 629.

G. W. Hunt

G. W. HUNT, editor of the Jones County Liberal, Monticello; was formerly editor and proprietor of the Wyoming News, which was established by him November 19, 1873; he was also the predecessor of John Blanchard, the present editor of the Monticelio Express, and conducted that paper with energy and success. The Liberal, his present paper, he established September 19, 1872. Mr. Hunt has had a large experience in the newspaper business.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 671.

J. E. Hunter
Born January 7, 1881

J. E. HUNTER, Wyoming; was born January 7, 1881, in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio; in 1843, he came to Illinois; in 1858, removed to Iowa; in 1866, he came to Jones Co. He owns his house, with four lots. His time is entirely devoted to bee culture, and carries on this business more extensively than any other in the county. During the late war, he was employed in the Quartermasters' Department at Davenport. Married Miss L. A. Alexander May 29, 1844; she was born in July, 1826, in St. Clair Co., 111.; have two children—Belle and Mary.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 602.