My Genealogy Hound

FELIX HUGHES. A prominent place among the agriculturists of Randolph County is the just meed of the efforts of our subject, who is located on section 17, township 6, range 7. His farm, which consists of seventy-five acres, is a highly-productive tract, the fertility of which has been kept above par by a wise rotation of crops and the use of the best fertilizing agents. A first-class set of buildings has been erected upon it, and the other improvements made stamp it as the home of one who believes in progress and enterprise. Mr. Hughes lives surrounded with all the comforts of life, and may well be gratified with his financial standing.

Our subject is the son of Henry and Mary (McDonough) Hughes, the former a native of this county, where he was reared and lived until his death, October 5, 1871, when Randolph County lost one of its prominent and esteemed citizens. His good wife died in December, 1891.

Felix Hughes was the third child in the parental family, and was born near Ellis Grove, this county, June 8, 1845. His studies were pursued in the district school of his native township, and in common with the sons of other farmers, he early learned the details of an agricultural career. He resided under the parental roof until his marriage, when he began clearing the farm on which he yet resides. The place was covered with a heavy growth of timber, and not a tree had been felled. He at once set about its improvement industriously, and by his sagacity and perseverance has made of it what it is today, a beautiful and attractive estate.

September 16, 1868, Miss Cylvira Miller, a daughter of David and Minerva (Gant) Miller, became the wife of our subject. She is a native of Randolph County, as were also her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are devout members of the Baptist Church, and in that denomination the former was Clerk for twenty-three years. Socially, he is a member of Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86, A. F. & A. M., and was Senior Deacon for a period of six years. He has served as Captain of the Second Vail of Reynolds Chapter at Chester for two years. Politically, the Republican party always has his support, but he has never been an aspirant for official duties, preferring the quietude of domestic life.