The USGenWeb Project
Benton County, IAGenWeb Project
HOME SEARCH WHAT'S NEW SITE MAP
The IAGenWeb Project

Benton County, Iowa Obituaries
Vinton Review; April 4 & 18, 1918
DIED AT AGE NINETY-THREE. Francis F. Hughes Died Tuesday at His Home in Shellsburg-Was City's Oldest Resident
Francis F. Hughes

April 18, 1918: Francis F. Hughes was born at Cold Springs, Cape May, N.J. November 30, 1824, and died at his home in Shellsburg, April 9, 1918, at the age of 93 years, 6 months, and 9 days.

When a boy he learned the trade of mechanic and worked for fifteen years in the Norris and Beldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia.

He was married on May 24, 1846 to Elizabeth Kemp, and eight children came to bless this union. The first died in infancy, and the other seven reached maturity, Carrie E. Perry died January 16, 1887, at the age of 29 years and 4 days. On Easter Sunday March 31, 1918, two daughters Mrs. Emma Wilson, age 68 years, and Mrs.Ella Wilson, aged 64 years, met a tragic death in an auto accident at Center Point. (see additional information below) Three sons and one daughter survive the father. They are William H. Huges of Kansas City,Mo., Chas. E. Hughes, of LaPorte City, Iowa, Mrs. Laura Maxon, Shellsburg and George Hughes of Starbuck, Minnesota. There are 17 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

Mr. Hughes united with the Methodist Episopal church in early manhood and never severed this connection, but remained faithful until death. He was as earnest temperatance worker all of his life and was very aggressive in his better days, and always helped to bring violaters of the liquor laws to justice. When Shellsburg was incorporated in 1872 he was the first mayor.

He came to Benton County in 1857, and spent the rest of his life here with the exeception of eight years from 1883-1891 when he lived in Dakota. He was engaged in the grain business until 1900, when he practically retired from business. His wife passed away May 8, 1899.

Shellsburg has been Mr. Hughes home since 1870 with the exception of the eight years in Dakota and ten years in Garrison. During the past several years he has lived with his daughter, Mrs. Maxon.

The funeral will be held at the M.E. church Thursday afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. Hawn with Rev. Bryden assisting. Interment will be in the Shellsburg cemetery.


April 4, 1918: FATAL CROSSING ACCIDENT AT CENTER POINT SUNDAY. Three Center Point Women were instantly killed and the automible in which they were riding was demolished at 5:15 p.m. Sunday in a collision with an interurban at Center Point. The dead are Mrs. L. L. Wilson, age 65; Mrs. William Rogers, age 40, and Mrs. Ella Wilson age 60.

The two older women were sisters and had lived together since their husbands died. Mrs. Rogers was the only child of the elder woman.

The accident occurred in the north part of town where the view of the track is obstructed by a house. The automobile was almost on the track before the driver, the son of Mrs. Rogers, realized the danger. The motorman of the interurban and the young Rogers tried to avert the collison, but there was not time and the interburan struck the automobile near the back. The impact was so great that the three woman were instantly killed, though the driver and his father, who occupied the front sear escaped with slight injuries.

The interurban was running about fifteen minutes late and was running at a good speed. Mrs. Ella Wilson is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Wm Seeburn, Marion; Mrs. Jessie Towner, Kansas City, and Mrs. Herbert Morrison, Peterson, Iowa.

{Submitter comment: difference in ages of daughters}

Submitted on 29-Aug-2010 by
Martha Long, Jimartlong@gmail.com

Return To Obituary Index



If you note any corrections, changes, additions, or  find any links provided on this web site that are
not  functioning properly please notify  John Shuck, your Benton County Website Coordinator.

Copyright © 1997-2024. This web site was created solely for the
use and benefit of the IAGenWeb Project
a part of the USGenWeb Project.
All Rights Reserved.