Victor Hughes

VICTOR HUGHES is one of the representative farmers of Cherokee County, and his farm of 200 acres, located in Pleasant View township, in sections 2, 3 and 4, township 32, range 25, is one of the best in the county. He is a native of Michigan, where he was born in 1847, and is a son of John and Emily (Hurlbert) Hughes and a grandson of John Hughes.

John Hughes, the grandfather, was born in Scotland. He chose the life of a sailor, and spent his early manhood on the seas. Later in life he turned his attention to farming, and his last years were passed in that pursuit in the western part of the State of New York. Among the family born to him was John, Victor's father, who grew to manhood and married Emily Hurlbert, also of New York. He was a painter by trade, and continued to follow that occupation during his residence in New York. Then he moved to Illinois and was engaged in farming until his death, at the age of 52 years. His wife survived him a long time, dying in her 77th year. He was a Democrat, but took little part in politics. Four of the five children born to this couple are still living, namely: Mary, Victor, Annette and Willis.

Victor Hughes was a lad of nine years when his parents moved to Tazewell County, Illinois, and settled on a farm. Being the eldest son, he assisted his father and in time became one of the most practical farmers of his locality. Seeing the opportunities offering in the West to an enterprising man who would take advantage of them, he move to Cherokee County, Kansas, in 1878 and settled on 80 acres of land in Pleasant View township, in section 3, township 32, range 25. He has found that the State fully justifies his estimate of it, and the same industry which made him prominent in his old home has been rewarded here by abundant harvests. These have enabled him to add to his first purchase,—first 80 acres in section 2 and later, 40 acres in section 4. This land he farms, finding keen enjoyment in his well kept fields and growing crops.

In 1877, Mr. Hughes was married to Sarah Covey, a native of Missouri, and a daughter of John and Susan (Pettee) Covey. Her father went to California, where he died, and her mother passed away in the old home in Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living, namely: Emma, who married Ralph Burr, and has two children,—Rose and Ruth; Bertha, who married Al. Thomas; Maggie; Mary; Charles and Flora.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by students from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 4/11/97.