My Genealogy Hound

JAMES W. HUGHES. Ph. D., of Shippensburg, professor of modern languages and higher mathematics, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Juniata county upon a farm near what is known as Tuscarora Academy, Nov. 16, 1835. His father, Hugh G. Hughes, was born in the Tuscarora Valley, in 1806, son of James and Rachel (Gray) Hughes, the former born in Greene county, in 1780.

Hugh G. Hughes married Margaret McDonald, who was born in Juniata county, Pa., daughter of David McDonald, a native of Scotland. Three children were born to these parents: James W.; David M. was a soldier in the Civil war, and died while in service; and John G. resides in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania.

James W. Hughes spent the first seventeen years of his life at Pleasant View, Juniata county, where he received his primary education. His mother died in 1851, and he then went to make his home with his grandfather Hughes, who lived and died in Fulton county. From 1851 to 1854, he remained with his grandfather, and in the latter year, entered Cassville Seminary, there continuing until 1862. At that date he went to Martinsburg, Blair county, Pa. From 1863 to 1871 he was made professor of Rainsburg seminary. In 1871 he went to Everett, Bedford county. Pa., where he was professor of schools for five years, but later he became superintendent of Bedford county schools. At the expiration of that period, he became clerk in the establishment of Fairweather & Ladew, prominent merchants. Following this he taught school for two years.

In February, 1890, he came to Shippensburg, and became a professor in the Cumberland Valley State Normal School as teacher of ancient languages. After this he accepted the chair of mathematics, which he held consecutively for eight years, and at the expiration of that time, he became teacher of German and general history, and later of German, French and, finally, of higher mathematics.

In 1860, Prof. Hughes married Miss Sarah Cresswell, of Cassville, Pa., a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Wilson) Cresswell. Mrs. Hughes was born in 1838, at the old forge in Trough Creek Valley, Huntingdon county, Pa. The children born to this union are: William C., a graduate of the Cumberland Valley State Normal School, is now employed in the railroad yards at Rutherford; Josephine, a graduate of the same school and a very highly educated young lady, was married. Aug. 17, 1904, to John F. Hughes, a teacher in the Mannington, W. Va., schools.

Prof. Hughes is a member of Everett Lodge No. 524, A. F. & A. M.; of Bedford Chapter No. 215, R. A. M.; and of Carlisle Commandery, No. 8, K. T. He and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Church. Prof. Hughes has devoted his entire life to educational matters, and is a man of remarkable talents in this direction, who possesses a great love for his work and pupils. In 1882 he was elected to the Legislature from Bedford county, and served through the sessions of 1883 and 1884, giving efficient service on a number of important committees, being chairman of that on Vice and Immorality, and a member of that on Education and Local Judiciary. Prof. Hughes is serving his third term as president of the school board of Shippensburg, and under his administration two new school buildings have been erected.