J.L. Hughes Died
(Altus Weekly News, Dec. 11, 1919)
J. L. Hughes died at his home 621 West Hardy Street, at 2:05 o’clock p.m. Monday, Dec. 8th, 1919. The funeral services were held at the family residence at 2 p.m. Tuesday, conducted by Revs. J. W. Hollums and Robt. Hodgson, and Elder W. M. Green; interment in the Martha, Oklahoma Cemetery. Mr. Hughes was born at Rockport, Arkansas, September 14th, 1851, and was 68 years, 2 months and 24 days old at the time of his demise. He, and his sibling James Edward, Catherine Lydia, and Warner Tarlton were orphaned while young, yet all persevered in life. He was married to Miss Sarah K. Burleson, May 1st, 1870 near Sherman, Texas. To this union 12 children were born, 4 boys and 8 girls. Four of the girls have died. His sons are: William David Hughes, Route 3, Granite, Okla., James Claude Hughes, Martha, John Garland Hughes, and Lannie Hughes, both of Route 4, Altus, Oklahoma. His daughters, living, are: Mrs. Luella (James Clint) Jenkins, Glendale, Arizona, Mrs. Jennie (W. A.) Stocks, Washington State, Mrs. Nina (Morgan) Stallings, Headrick, Oklahoma, and Mrs. Alga (R. N.) Colyar, Altus, Oklahoma. A daughter, Mrs. Alice (Charles) Baker, passed away in 1910 (buried Martha, Oklahoma). He joined the Methodist church at 15 years of age; joined the Primitive Baptist Church at 28 years old, and entered the ministry of that denomination, and was one of the leading Elders of that church to the time of his death. He moved from Grayson County, Texas, to this part of the country in 1889, and like all old settlers, he and his good wife and devoted children suffered the privations incident to the early pioneers. He lived most of the time on his farm northwest of Altus, but was a resident of the city for a number of years. He held the office of Township Trustee of Martha Township, was County Commissioner for 4 years. He was a member, from the Second Ward, of the first City Council, when Altus became a city of the First Class, and was President of the Council. In all of these official positions he exercised his best judgement, applied his rugged honesty, and worked for the best interests of the people. He was familiarly addressed as "Brother Hughes," and when any one spoke of "Brother Hughes," it was known of whom they spoke. It was while he was a member of our first City Council, that the writer learned the ability, honesty and manly character of Brother Hughes. The writer was at that time the Mayor and we know that the old saying "That to know a man fully and truly you must rub up against him" is true for our two years work together proved his honesty, faithfulness, devotion to duty and hard labor and we unhesitatingly say that if he had been let alone to do his work as manager of the Water & Light department, he would have had water flowing into the City reservoir. But he was abruptly stopped. During his last illness, which was caused by the gall ducts becoming clogged, he was, while enduring intense suffering, patient, conscious of his approaching demise, he was full of hope, inspired by right living and ready to answer the summons. 18 In his death his aged companion has lost a noble husband, his children a devoted father and society a Christian and honorable citizen. To the bereaved relatives, we tender heartfelt sympathy in their bereavement.
-- J. P. Orr
Editor, & Publisher, Altus Weekly Times;
--for bio of J. P. Orr, see: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/22499885/j_-p_-orr