J. F. Hughes, attorney at law, Mattoon; was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. 17, 1839; his early life was that of a farmer’s son; in addition to his common-school education, he enjoyed the advantages of the Academy at Fredricksburg and Smithville, in his native county. April 19, 1861, he entered the U. S. service as a member of the 16th Ohio V. I., and served three months in West Virginia; in July, 1862, he re-enlisted in the 102d Regiment for three years; was 18t Sergeant of Co. F. In October, 1865, he entered the Law Department of Michigan University, from which he graduated in the spring of 1867; he next associated himself with A. P. Green, and was engaged with him fifteen months in editing and publishing the Okaw Republican, at Sullivan; in 1869, he was admitted to the bar, and began the practice of his profession in Mattoon, in partnership with W. J. Henry, of Shelbyville; in 1872, the firm of Henry & Hughes was dissolved, and in 1873, that of Steele & Hughes formed; this was dissolved by the death of Mr. Steele, in July, 1877. He was married Sept. 17, 1874, to Julia Chrisman, a native of Jasper Co., Ill.; has two children – Columbia and Arlington. Owns $5,000 worth of real estate.
