My Genealogy Hound

Mahlon Hughes, an early settler of Washington County, Mo., is a son of John and Susannah (Hays) Hughes, both natives of Virginia. They removed to Tennessee when quite young, and in 1806 came to Missouri, where they, with the exception of two years, spent the remainder of their days, the former dying at the age of eighty-four, and the latter at the age of eighty. On coming to this county Mr. Hughes built a buhr gristmill, which was made of poles with a roof, but was not sided. The bolt was turned by hand and the bran fell out on a rock. Later, this was superseded by a frame mill. In 1860 the present mill was erected by the immediate subject of this sketch. The building is two and a half stories, with a capacity of twenty-four barrels. John Hughes was a Whig in politics, and a farmer by occupation. Both he and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Their family consisted of eight children, five sons and three daughters. Mahlon Hughes, their son was born in Washington County, Mo., in 1811, and his boyhood days were spent on the farm and in his father’s mill. His educational advantages were very limited. At the age of twenty-one he began doing for himself, and after his marriage, in 1837 he located on the farm of 160 acres given him by his father. This land he has increased to 600 acres. Mr. Hughes’ character has ever been above reproach, and he has always been regarded a worthy citizen of the county. His wife’s maiden name was Nancy E. McFarland, born in St. Francois County, Mo., in 1815. To them were born seven children, five of whom are living: Reuben M., Susan M., John M., Araminta D. and James W. Mr. Hughes is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.