Biographies
MICHAEL HUGHES
MICHAEL HUGHES.--Among the pioneers of the early sixties who braved the
dangers and endured the hardships of that period here in California, we find
Michael Hughes and his brother, John Hughes, both born in County Tyrone,
Ireland, the former in 1837, and sons of James Hughes. In 1861 Michael Hughes
came to America and in Boston learned the trade of stonemason, and after he had
earned enough he sent for his brother, John, who came to join him in the East,
and also came to California two years later than did Michael, who came via the
Isthmus in 1863. In San Francisco he found work at his trade with a cousin,
John Grant, who owned a large quarry of granite and was a well-to-do man. After
John Hughes came West he was employed by Mr. Grant as
a coachman for fourteen years. About 1866 Michael Hughes came to Sacramento and
found work with William Boyne; and he laid out the granite steps at the state
capitol building, and these today stand as mute testimony of his expert
workmanship.
In 1868, Michael Hughes married Miss
Margaret Lynn, who was born in 1840, in County Cavan,
Ireland. She accompanied her brother, James Lynn, to Sacramento in 1865. Mr.
and Mrs. Hughes were blessed with five children: John J., who passed away in
1895; Mary Alice, Mrs. Edward F. Coyle of Sacramento; James Thomas, a
contractor in Sacramento, who succeeded his father and uncle; Margaret M.
became the wife of George P. Keefe and died in 1916; and Ann Elizabeth, a twin,
died in infancy. In 1870, Mr. Hughes built a residence on the corner of
Twenty-third and N Streets, where he owned a quarter of a block, where their
spirit of hospitality ever welcomed their many friends and acquaintances. For
many years, Michael Hughes and his brother worked together as teaming and
grading contractors throughout the city of Sacramento and northern California,
continuing until they died. In 1877, Mrs. Hughes passed away, mourned by her
beloved family, and Mr. Hughes cared and reared his
children who made a very happy group. Mr. Hughes died on August 18, 1916. He
was a strong church member and was considered one of the pillars in St. Francis
Parish, being a member of the church council for many years. Politically, he
was affiliated with the Democratic party and voted in
accordance with its principles. John
Hughes made a trip to his native land after he was eighty-two years old. He
passed away at the age of ninety-four years on April 6, 1820. Both Michael and
John Hughes lived temperate lives and were Americans in the true sense of the
word. The capital city lost, in the death of these two brothers, men worthy of
esteem who were deserving citizens.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Reed, G.
Walter, History of Sacramento County,
California With Biographical Sketches, Page 278. Historic Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.