Joseph E. Hughs
Joseph E. Hughs, who was for many years an esteemed member of the agricultural community in Concord Township, was born in 1822. in Delaware, on the site of the present Court House, and was a son of Rev. Joseph S. Hughs, who came to Delaware County from Pennsylvania in 1810, but was originally from Ireland. The latter was a Presbyterian minister and organized the first Presbyterian Church in Delaware, and also the first churches of that denomination in Liberty and Radnor Townships. During the War of 1812 he had an army appointment and was with General Hull when he surrendered Detroit to the British. He was a man of unusual oratorical ability, and was a Free Mason of high standing, being chaplain of the grand Lodge of Masons of the State of Ohio.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Delaware. On coming of age he began farming in Concord Township, being the owner of 163 acres. On this farm he spent all the years of his life subsequent to his marriage, dying in 1890 at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife, whose name in maidenhood was Harriett Amelia Day. to whom he was united in 1850. died also on the old homestead, July 11, 1900, aged seventy-four years. They were the parents of nine children, of whom the following is a brief record: Girard R. is a resident of Columbus. James H.. who was a physician in Delaware, died in California, to which State he had gone in the hope of recovering his health. Dorence E. is a physician of Delaware. William L. resides in Jamestown, North Dakota. Sarah E., who is now deceased, was the wife of Frederick Smith of Delaware. Amanda Ann is the wife of Martin Freese of Jamestown, North Dakota. Amy Catherine is the wife of John Kuhns of Scioto Township. Charles died at the age of four years. Harriet J. is the wife of O. P. Bird, of Scioto Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Hughs were members of the United Brethren Church, as were all the children, and Mr. Hughs was an ordained preacher in that denomination. In politics he was a Republican, and he served acceptably as clerk of the township for a number of years. He was a man the quality of whose citizenship was never in doubt, and who stood for what was highest and best in all that concerned either public duty or the private relations of life. His wife was a worthy helpmeet, and their home life was such that their children are now all prosperous and esteemed members of the community in which they respectively reside.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens by James R. Lytle