WILLIAM R. HUGHES

    William R. Hughes, a farmer near Woodland, was born in Cambria County, Penn July 30, 1828.  His parents were Thomas Hughes (deceased) and Hannah Hughes, his father a native of Wales and his mother of Pennsylvania.  When six years of age, with his parents, he came to Marion County, Ohio, where his mother still resides.  He remained in Ohio until 1849, in which year he returned to Pennsylvania, where, in December, 1853, he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Rachel S. Ritner, who was a daughter of Maj. Peter and Rachel S. Witner, and a niece of Joseph Ritner, who at one time was Governor of Pennsylvania.  By this union there has been an issue of five children, viz.: George R., Thomas H., Everett L., William L. and Alice, the latter two of whom are deceased.  Mr. Hughes remained in Pennsylvania, until 1875, in which year, with his family, he returned to Marion County, where he located until the spring of 1881, when he came to Jackson Township, this county.  In June 1861, as Captain of Company E, he enlisted in the Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battle of Antietam and others, and was discharged in the following September.  He re-enlisted in May 1863, in the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as Captain of Company B.  He subsequently was engaged in the memorable battle of Gettysburg, and continued in the service until September 1863, when he received his final discharge.  While in Pennsylvania, he at one time was a candidate for State Senator, but was defeated by his opponent, Lewis W. Hall, by a small majority.  He has also served as Mayor of Wilmore, Cambria County.  Mr. Hughes is a gentleman of culture and education and a member of the F. & A. M. society.