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John Francis Hughes

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Birth	:	26 Nov 1856 Scott County, Iowa, USA
Death	:	8 Jan 1946
Burial	:	Mount Calvary Cemetery, Pierre, Hughes County, USA
Coordinate	:	44.4197006, -100.3557968
Description	:	History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915 JUDGE JOHN F. HUGHES. Judge John F. Hughes, of Fort Pierre, who is sitting on the bench of the sixth judicial circuit of South Dakota, is now serving his second term in that office and is recognized as a jurist who adds to a thorough knowledge of the law an unbiased mind and the ability to decide a question solely upon its merits. He was born in Scott county, Iowa, November 26, 1856, a son of John and Eliza (Parks) Hughes, both natives of the north of Ireland, the father born in... Read More	History of Dakota Territory, George W. Kingsbury, Vol. 4, 1915 JUDGE JOHN F. HUGHES. Judge John F. Hughes, of Fort Pierre, who is sitting on the bench of the sixth judicial circuit of South Dakota, is now serving his second term in that office and is recognized as a jurist who adds to a thorough knowledge of the law an unbiased mind and the ability to decide a question solely upon its merits. He was born in Scott county, Iowa, November 26, 1856, a son of John and Eliza (Parks) Hughes, both natives of the north of Ireland, the father born in County Monaghan and the mother in County Armagh. John Hughes resided for seven years in Scotland, but in 1848 came to America and for a time engaged in contracting with a cousin. About 1852 he located near Davenport, Iowa, and for a time worked as a farm hand, but eventually became the owner of land nine miles north of that city, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying on the 22d of May, 1882. He gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and held a number of local offices. His wife died March 1, 1894. Their marriage was celebrated in Iowa and they became the parents of two children, of whom our subject is the elder. Judge John F. Hughes attended the country schools of Scott county, Iowa, and subsequently took a classical course in St. Vincent's College at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He resided upon the homestead during the period of his minority and when sixteen years of age, owing to his father's illness, he assumed charge of the operation of the farm. Before he was eighteen years old he began teaching near Davenport, his first school being located three miles from the city. Later he taught school in his home district. While teaching he took up the study of law in Davenport and for some time continued his studies, teaching at intervals. In 1883 he was admitted to the bar and in the fall of that year he made his way to Dakota territory and took up a preemption near DeSmet, but a few days afterward went down the river and a little later removed to Pierre. In the winter of 1882 he returned to Iowa, but in the following spring located in Pierre, where he engaged in the practice of law. He soon gained recognition as a lawyer of ability and built up a large and lucrative practice. He specialized in trial work, handling both criminal and civil cases, and the court records show that he won a large percentage of favorable verdicts for his clients. He recognised the fact that success in court depends first upon careful preparation and overlooked no point that might have a bearing upon the case. This habit of careful study of all phases of the case combined with his power of skillful and convincing presentation of his arguments caused his colleagues to recognize the fact that he was an opponent worthy of their best steel. During the period following the election of 1896, when Governor Lee was chosen for chief executive of South Dakota, Judge Hughes was retained as counsel for the governor in all litigation resulting from actions of defeated politicians. Judge Hughes ably represented his client and by prompt and accurate work secured the election of Kelley and Freeman Knowles to congress. He has held a number of offices in the path of his profession, having been city attorney of Fort Pierre and having served for four years as states attorney of Stanley county. He is now serving the first year of his second term as judge of the sixth judicial circuit, the excellence of his record having won him reelection without opposition and with the indorsement of all parties. His ability and strict integrity have gained him not only the confidence of the people but also the unqualified respect of the members of the bar of the circuit. Judge Hughes has also been connected with business interests of Pierre for a number of years. For some time he engaged in the real-estate and insurance business and for three years was a partner in J. D. Hilger & Company, who owned and conducted a clothing store. About 1890 he began dealing in live stock on an extensive scale and still raises and sells many fine horses. He owns a half section of land adjoining Fort Pierre, which he personally operates, devoting it chiefly to the raising of alfalfa. He also owns two sections of land about four miles from Fort Pierre and has a number of other sections under lease, the entire tract being operated as a stock farm by his son, who is also financially interested in the property. Judge Hughes likewise owns valuable property in Pierre and Fort Pierre. In 1901 he removed from Pierre to Fort Pierre and at that time homesteaded the farm which he owns adjoining the latter place. However, he did not remove his office to Fort Pierre for a number of years. Judge Hughes was married June 29, 1886, to Miss Helen Feeney, who was born in County Galway, Ireland. Her father, Patrick Feeney, died in Ireland, but her mother, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Connally, accompanied her family to Hughes county and passed away in Pierre. Mrs. Hughes was only about ten years of age when she came to this state. An uncle had previously settled in Hughes county and had the only house between Huron and Pierre and was well known in that section of the state. To Judge and Mrs. Hughes have been born thirteen children, namely: Felan, who operates the stock ranch before mentioned and who married Miss Florence Chamberlain; Francis, a rancher and stockman of Stanley county; Helen M., who teaches music and reading in the Fort Pierre high school; Kiran, who graduated from the high school with the class of 1915; Mary, who also graduated in 1915 and was the valedictorian of her class; Leo and Katherine, both attending high school; Loretta, Joseph, Irene and Josephine, all attending school; and two who died in infancy. Judge Hughes is a republican and his advice is often sought in local party councils. In addition to the offices which have already been mentioned, he has held a number of positions of trust and honor. For four years he was receiver of public moneys in the Pierre land office, for several years in the early '90s he was chairman of the board of commissioners of Hughes county and for four years he was a member of the board of education of Pierre. During the various campaigns for the location of the capital, Judge Hughes took a moat active interest in supporting Pierre and has always been an earnest worker in behalf of any movement that would benefit his city or county. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church and fraternally be is connected with the Knights of Columbus. He is not a club or fraternity man, but prefers to spend his leisure time at home with his family, to whom he is devoted. He possesses a naturally keen mind which has been disciplined by thorough training, and seldom fails in quickly distinguishing between the essential and the nonessential in any issue that arises in the work of the courts. His record as a lawyer and as judge is one of which he has just cause to be proud and he has been equally successful in his business enterprises. Although his official duties and his private interests have made heavy demands upon his time and attention, he has, nevertheless, found opportunity to assist in bringing about the advancement of his community along lines of civic and moral progress, and his public spirit has added to the esteem in which he is held wherever known.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is John Francis Hughes's memorial?
John Francis Hughes's memorial is located at: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Pierre, Hughes County, USA.
When did John Francis Hughes death?
John Francis Hughes death on 8 Jan 1946 in
Where are the coordinates of the John Francis Hughes's memorial?
Latitude: 44.4197006
Longitude: -100.3557968

Family Members:

Spouse

Ellen Agnes Feeney Hughes

(1867 - 1942)

Children

Helen M Hughes Fisher

(1888 - 1957)

(1892 - 1936)

(1895 - 1954)

(1899 - 1986)

(1907 - 1979)

Josephine A Hughes Kelley

(1907 - 1980)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Mount Calvary Cemetery
Pierre, Hughes County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4197006, -100.3557968

2. Fort Pierre Chouteau Cemetery
Fort Pierre, Stanley County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3908700, -100.3878300

3. Scotty Philip Cemetery
Fort Pierre, Stanley County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4019012, -100.4036026

4. South Dakota State Capitol Grounds
Pierre, Hughes County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3660100, -100.3448000

5. Riverside Cemetery
Pierre, Hughes County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3608017, -100.3071976

6. Cedar Hill Cemetery
Fort Pierre, Stanley County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3356018, -100.3964005

7. Byron Township Cemetery
Blunt, Hughes County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4979200, -100.1904700

8. Canning Cemetery
Hughes County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3986890, -100.0278460

9. Okobojo Cemetery
Sully County, USA
Coordinate: 44.6568985, -100.3647003

10. Fort Sully Post Cemetery
Sully County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5866480, -100.6087530

11. Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Blunt, Hughes County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5135994, -100.0156021

12. Meers Cemetery
Stanley County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4116970, -100.7360760

13. Holy Name Episcopal Cemetery
Fort Pierre, Stanley County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2694960, -100.0357300

14. Holy Name Chapel Cemetery
Fort Pierre, Stanley County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2694292, -100.0356989

15. Mathews Family Cemetery
Stanley County, USA
Coordinate: 44.1816040, -100.5581080

16. Fort Bennett Post Cemetery
Stanley County, USA
Coordinate: 44.6716500, -100.6404200

17. Onida Cemetery
Onida, Sully County, USA
Coordinate: 44.7147000, -100.0650000

18. Chapelle Cemetery
Hughes County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3025017, -99.8653030

19. Blair Cemetery
Sully County, USA
Coordinate: 44.8027992, -100.4199982

20. Holy Faith Cemetery
Lyman County, USA
Coordinate: 44.1356010, -99.9878006

21. Mission Ridge Cemetery
Mission Ridge, Stanley County, USA
Coordinate: 44.6960983, -100.7716980

22. Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery
Van Metre, Jones County, USA
Coordinate: 44.0958800, -100.7263300

23. Medicine Hill Cemetery
Harrold, Hughes County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5116997, -99.7453003

24. Saint John Catholic Cemetery
Harrold, Hughes County, USA
Coordinate: 44.5127983, -99.7335968