Richard Hugh Williams

Richard Hugh Williams
1855-1941 

Recognition of Richard H. Williams    

                                              Blue Earth Historical Society and Museum

Richard H. Williams came to Minnesota with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Hugh R. Williams.  

The family, with a yoke of oxen and one cow first settled on the farm now occupied by George Wagner, where they lived for three months.  Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Williams then  moved to the homestead of 160 acres southeast of Cambria village, which they acquired by right of preemption, paying two and one half dollars per acres.

Here they built a log home.Like other pioneers of those early days, the family lived on "Jonnie" cake and prairie chickens, which were so numerous they could be caught with traps.  Passenger pigeons and partridges were also included in the menu.

The corn was ground in the grist mill operated by David P. Davis, on the Little Cottonwood River, on the place known as the Dan P. Davis farm, easily identified by the Rainbow Bridge.  A sawmill was located there also.

By a large spring, just below the Williams farm, a tribe of Indians lived in a village every winter. Richard played with the Indian children until he was seven years old, when the uprising occurred in 1862.

During the outbreak of 1862, the Indians brought wild duck and geese to the Williams family and traded them for bread. 

Mrs. Hugh Williams died in 1867 and in 1881, Richard Williams, the son, bought the farm.  In the same year, on Feb 2, he was married to Elizabeth Evans, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Evan Evans.

Elizabeth Evans Williams was born in Oneida county, New York and came to Judson with her parents in 1865 when she was five years old.  The family lived in Judson only a few months, when they moved to a farm south of Cambria.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Williams have five children, who were all present at the celebration.  Leo, at home on the farm, Mrs John Walters, Dodge Centre,  Mrs. John Evans, Meriden; Mrs John Thomas and Mrs Alfred Espenson, Cambria.

The records of Richard Hugh Williams:

Census
1860 US Federal Census, Minnesota, Blue Earth, Butternut Valley P184
Hugh Williams, age 38, married, farmer, born in Wales, worth $ 250,
Margaret Williams, age 35, married, born in Wales
Catherine Williams, age 8, born in Wisconsin
Mary Williams, age 5, born in Wisconsin
Richard Williams, age 4, born in Wisconsin
William Williams, age 3, born in Minnesota
Elizabeth Williams, age 1, born in Minnesota

1865 State Census of Minnesota, Blue Earth, Genesco FHL 565714 #48
Hugh Williams,
Margaret Williams
Catharine Williams
Richard Williams
Elizabeth Williams
Ellen Williams

1870 US Federal Census, Minnesota, Blue Earth,Cambria P 314
Hugh Williams, male, age 38, farmer, worth $3200 real estate; $928 personal wealth, born in Wales, parents foreign born
Ruth Williams, female, age 25, keeping house, born in Pennsylvania, parents foreign born
Richard Williams, male,age 13, at home, born in Wisconsin, parents foreign born
Elizabeth Williams, female, age 12, at home, born in Minnesota, parents foreign born
Helen Williams, female, age 9, born in Minnesota, parents foreign born
HughT. Williams, male, age 5, born in Minnesota, parents foreign born
William Williams, male, age 9/12 months, born in Dec, born in Minnesota, father foreign born

1875 State Census of Minnesota, Blue Earth, Butternut Valley FHL 565717 P 234
Hugh Williams, age 45, married, born in Wales, parents born in Wales,
Ruth Williams, age 30, married, born in Pennsylvania, parents born in Wales
Richard Williams, age 20, male, born in Wisconsin, parents born in Wales
Elizabeth Williams, age 16, born in Minnesota, parents born in Wales
Hugh T.Williams, age 9, born in Minnesota, parents born in Wales
William Williams, age 5, born in Minnesota, father born in Wales, mother in Pennsylvania
Benjamen Williams, age 4, born in Minnesota, father born in Wales, mother in Pennsylvania

1880

Marrage  Minnesota, Marriages Index, 1849-1950
Richard Williams, male, age 21, born 1860, and Elizabeth Evans, female, age 19, born about 1862 were married in Minnesota on 25 Feb 1881


1885 Minnesota State Census, Blue Earth, Cambria  FHL 565734
Richard Williams, male, age 30, born in Wisconsin, married, parents foreign ,married to Lizzy Williams
Hugh T. Williams, age 20, born in Minnesota, parents foreign born
May Williams, age 4, born in Minnesota
Nellie Williams, age 1, born in Minnesota

1900 US Federal Census, Minnesota, Blue Earth,Cambria ED3 P71 FHL 1240757
Richard Williams,male, age 45, born April 1855, married 19 years,  born in Wisconsin, parents born in Wales, farmer
Elizabeth Williams, wife, white, female, born March 1860, age 40, married 19 years, 5 of 11 living children, born in New York, paretns in Wales
Leo Williams, age 4,son, white, male, born Aug 1895, age 4, single, born in Minnesota,
father in Wisconsin, mother in New York
May C. Williams, age 18, daughter, white, female, born Aug 1881, age 18, single, born in Minnesota, father in Wisconsin, mother in New York
Nellie Williams, age 15,daughter, white, female, born June 1884, sinle, born in Minnesota, father in Wisconsin, mother in New York
Maggie Williams, age 13,daughter, white, female, born Feb 1887, age 13, single, born in Minnesota, father in Wisconsin, mother in New York
Winifred Williams, age2, daughter, white, female, born July 1897, age 2, single, born in Minnesota, father in Wisconsin, mother in New York

1905 Minnesota State Census, Blue Earth, Cambria  FHL  928769
Richard Williams,male, age 50, born in Minnesota, married to Elizabeth

1910 US Federal Census, Minnesota, Blue Earth, Cambria  P 242 FHL 1374703
Richard Williams, head, white, male, age 55, married 28 year, born in Wisconsin, parents born in Wales, farmer
Elizabeth Williams, wife, white, female, age 50, married once 28 years, born in New York, parents in Wales
May Williams, daughter, female, white, age 28, born in Minnesota, father in Wisconsin, mother in New York
Leo Williams, son, male, white, age 14, born in Minnesota, father in Wisconsin, mother in NEw York, farm labourer
Winnie Williams, daughter, female, white, age 12, born in Minnesota, father in Wisconsin, mother in New York
 
1920 US Federal Census, Minnesota,Blue Earth,Cambria ED3 P 30 FHL 1820825
Richard Williams,head, white, male, age 64, married 28 years born in Wisconsin, parents born in Wales, farmer
Elizabeth Williams, wife, white, female, age 50, married 28 years, born in New York, parents in W
May Williams, female, daughter, white, age 28, born in Minnesota, father in Wisconsin, mother in New York,
Leo Williams, son, white , male, age 14, born in Minnesota, father in Wisconsin, mother in New York, farm labourer
Winnie Williams, daughter, white, female, age 12, single, father born in Wisconsin, mother in New York

1930 Us Federal Census, Minnesota, Blue Earth, Cambria, ED 4 P 6
Richard Williams, head, male, white, age 75, married at age 25, born in Wisconsin, parents in Wales, no occupation
Elizabeth Williams, wife, female, white, age 70, married at age 20, born in New York parents in Wales
Winnifred Williams, dauaghter, female, whtie, age 32, single, born in Minnesota, father in Wisconsin, mother in New York

1940 US Federal Census, Minnesota, Blue Earth, Cambria, ED 7-4 Sheet 3A
Richard Williams, head, male, white, age 85, married, didn't attend school that year, finished 8th grade, born in Wisconsin, living in the same house as April 1, 1935
Lisabeth Williams, head, female, white, age 80, married, didn't attend school that year, finished 8th grade, born in New York, living in the same house as April 1, 1935.

Newspaper Article Honoring Mr. and Mrs. R. Williams

as Pioneers

                                                                             

Obituary  "Richard Williams, of Pioneer Cambria Family, Dies July 30

Richard Williams, one of the earliest settlers of Cambria township, died at the Union hospital in New Ulm about 1:30 Wednesday night, July 30, 1941, following a brief illness lasting just one week.  He was 86 years of age and the last of the Pioneer Williams family.

 Mr. Williams was born April 1, 1855,  near Waukesha, Wisconsin, and came to Minnesota with his parents , the late Mr. and Mrs. Hugh R. Williams, when he was three months old in the summer of 1855.  The family first settled on the farm, now occupied by George Wagner, where they lived for three months then moved to the homestead of 160 acres southeast of the village of Cambria.  On this particular farm, the deceased lived for 85 years, having purchased the home place from his father in 1881.  Few people have lived so long in one place.

On February 25,1881, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Elizabeth Evans, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Evan J. Evans.

Besides his wife, he is survived by the following children: Leo, at home on the farm; Mrs. John Walters, Dodge Center; Mrs. John Evans, Meriden; Mrs. John Thomas and Mrs. Alfred Espenson, Cambria.  There are also 22 grandchildren ad 10 great grandchildren.

A citizen of the highest type, Mr. Williams was known for his honesty and fine moral character, his death marking the end of a long and honorable career.    He will be sadly missed by his family and friends

Funeral services were held Saturday at the home and at 2 o'clock at the  Cambria Presbyterian Church, with Rev. R.J. Owen of Judson officiating.  He was assisted by E.K. Roberts, student pastor of Racine, Wisconsin.  Burial was in the Cambria cemetery.

  Several musical selections were rendered by Mrs. John Hughes, Mrs. Ivor Price, Mrs. Dave Price, Evan Bowen and Evan Price, accompanied by Miss Alva Evans.

  The pallbearers were the grandsons of the deceased, Oswald and Raymond Evans, William, Richard, Kenneth and John Walters.

  Among those who attended the funeral from a distance were the following relatives: Mr. and Mrs Edwin Williams and Mr. and Mrs Raymond Williams, Owatonna; Mr. and Mrs. John Evans and daughter, Wilma; Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Evans and daughter Shirley, Mar. and Mrs. Oswald Evans and daughter Mary Lou of Meriden; Mr. and Mrs. John Walters and daughters Mary, May and Lavonne and son Woodrow of Dodge Center; Mr.. and Mrs. Richard Walters, Kasson; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Walters, Minneapolis; John Walters, Rochester; William Walters, Illinois; Mr. and Mrs. Neil MacDougall and children June and Clayton, Judson; Mrs. Esther Mallon and son Orville and daughter Bernice, Gibbon; Mr. and Mrs. Gomer Jones, Mankato; Mr. and Mrs. Lew J. Lewis, Judson; Mrs. Jane Owens and son Maldwyn, Will S. Hughes and Hugh S. Hughes, Butternut Valley; Mr. and Mrs John Williams, Lake Crystal.  Two grandsons, Floyd and Robert Walters were unable to be present.

The Minnesota Years 1855-1882

According to one account, the Williams family left Wisconsin for Minnesota sometime in November of 1855.  " Hugh and Margaret settled in Wisconsin where they lived for 5 years and then sold their land and moved to Minnesota in 1855.  "Thos. Jones, Evan Evans "Y Pant", and Hugh R Williams families moved to South Bend, MN in 1855; from Llanfihangel-Genau'r-Glyn,Wales." This could be a clue to Hugh's birthplace.

The community of Cambria Township was located in the northeast corner of Blue Earth County.  It is bounded on the north by the Minnesota River.  It was given the name of Cambria because many of the early residents were Welsh from Cambria, Wisconsin.  

What follows is an account taken from the history of Cambria Village during its early days that might shed some light on the hardships faced by Hugh and Margaret Williams and other early pioneers in the area. One has to admire and respect them for their endurance and spirit.

T 55  "History of Cambria Village And The Presbyterian Church."  

The area which includes the present day Village of Cambria was open to homesteading through the treaties of Mendota and Traverse des Sioux of 1853.  A few of the early pioneers settled in and around Eureka (now Judson) and South Bend, where Hugh and Margaret lived for a few months.]

The early settlers faced many difficulties and hardships including severe winters, four years of grasshopper infestations, prairie fires, renegade Indians, non-existent roads, and swampy conditions which produced multitudes of mosquitoes.  These "pests" were vilified in jokes and unlikely descriptions  such as "they are large as geese" and "as populous as one million to the cubic inch."    

The early Welsh emigrant pioneers were generally miners.  There were few farmers, carpenters, or blacksmiths among them. They came to Minnesota  unprepared and ill-equipped to farm, build homes, and struggle against the conditions they were called upon to endure.  They lacked the tools and expertise necessary to provide for their own needs.  As a result, they experienced low crop production and inadequate housing and the early years were very difficult.

This is an account of the first "mansion" built in Cambria.  "About the 12th of June, John E. Davis and family arrived in Judson from Big Rock, Illinois, and for a few days stayed at the shanty of William C. Williams, Judson, while erecting their cabin in the present town of Cambria, one of the most fashionable mansions of the day.  ...The home featured "two forked posts put up about ten feet apart, a ridge pole was laid on them, against which , slanting from either side, were placed a number of dry tepee poles and the whole covered with hay, except one end over which a quilt or blanket was hung for a door.  This was the first residence in the town of  Cambria and John E. Davis and family were the first residences.  Soon after this Morris Lewis and David A Davis built the second mansion in this town.  It consisted of a hole in the hillside, a hay-stack roof and a basswood log front.  Here the two pioneers dwelt like two badgers in a hole."  

With simple hand tools such as an with which they fell and split timber; the sickle with which they cut the wheat they began to make a home for themselves in an inhospitable land.  Supplies were obtained from St. Paul or Shakopee which involved a long, slow journey with oxen.  

But it wasn't all bad.  Cambria was in a location bounded on four sides by rivers and creeks which protected them from prairie fires.  River transportation was available.  The land was fertile. Water was plentiful. And hard wood was available for building materials.  There was much for which they could be grateful.  

The worst recorded winter in Cambria was 1856-1857 shortly after Hugh and Margaret arrived. If cold weather wasn't enough of a deterrant, that spring the Inkapadoota War broke out when Indians attacked and killed settlers in Iowa and Minnesota.  A company of soldiers were sent from Fort Ridgely near New Ulm to pursue them, but they escaped.  There was an Indian village in Cambria township about a mile east of the cemetery.  This must have been the Indian village below Hugh's farm.  According to family lore, the family hid in a cornfield from the attacking Indians.

According to the Lake Crystal newspaper dated September 12, ...." the family [Hugh and Margaret and daughter Catherine, and son Richard] left to go to southern Minnesota in November of 1855."    The following is a revised part of the Lake Crystal article. "They had yoke and oxen and one cow when they settled on the farm owned by George Wagner.  They lived there for about three months before they moved to a 160 acre farm southwest of the village of Cambria, Minnesota, which they acquired by preemption paying two and one-half dollars per acre. Here they built a log house. 

Like other pioneers of those early days, the family lived on johnny cakes and prairie chickens.  The chickens were so abundant they could be caught in traps.  Passenger pigeons and partridges were also included in the menu. What courage and faith did these early pioneers have to endure.

Regular church services were held in the home of Mr. David Davis a deacon in the Congregational church which was organized by the Rev. Jenkin Jenkins.   It would be called Salem Congregational.   

A tribe of Indians lived in a village each winter, by a large spring, just below the Williams farm.  Richard Williams played with the Indian children until the uprising occurred when he was seven years old.  Prior to the outbreak of 1862, the Indians brought wild ducks and geese to the Williams family and traded them for bread.

Hugh R. Williams joined the Butternut Valley guard to protect the settlers from the invading Indians. During the outbreak, the family took refuge in South Bend.  In their absence,  the Indians took one of thier horses and a colt. 

Mrs. Margaret Williams died in 1867, cause of death unknown.  Later that year, their daughter, Catherine,  married William Salisbury Hughes of Butternut Valley. Hugh R. Williams signed their marriage certificate as a witness. 

Hugh R. Williams married again on May 19, 1869 in Cambria, Minnesota, to Ruth Rees whose father was a minister named Joseph Rees.  They moved west in 1881 and lived in Coalville, Utah, long enough to have one child and then settled in Lewisville, Idaho. Their son Richard Williams bought the home farm in 1881.   T

"Hugh R. Williams", Hughes, Thomas. History of Blue Earth County and Biographies of Its Leading Citizens, Middle West   Pub. Co.:Chicago,1901. http://openlibrary.org/books/OL24156317M/History_of_Blue_Earth_County_and_biographies_of_its_leading_citizens

David Walters

                                                             David Walters

                                                                        David Walters

Welsh in Minnesota

http://kimkat.org/amryw/1_glasbridd/minnesota_14_bywgraffiadau_05_rees_woods_0869e.htm

Walters, David    Born in Jackson county, Ohio, in 1848. Son of John and Ursula Walters, late of Cambria, Minnesota removed with his parents to Cambria in 1856. Was a member of Butternut Valley guards during the Indian outbreak of 1862. In November, 1863, enlisted in Company E, Second Minnesota Cavelry (sic). He married Miss Mary, daughter of Hugh R. Williams, in October 1872. She died in May, 1873. On June 17, 1874, he married Miss Mary Evans, who died July 28, 1889. He married Mrs. Mary Williams, his present wife, in 1890. They own, and reside on the old Walters homestead.

Records for David Walters

Census
1850

1857 Minnesota State Census, Blue Earth, Township 119
John Walters, age 51, born in Wales, farmer
Ursula Waters, age 52, female, born in Wales
John Waters, age 28, male, born in Wales, farmer
Thomas Waters, age 16, male, born in Ohio
Stephen Waters, age 18, male, born in Ohio
David Water, age ll, male, born in Ohio
Ann Water,age 7, female, born in Ohio

1860 US Federal Census, Minnesota,Blue Earth,Butternut Valley P 83/185
John Walters,male, age 53, male, married, farmer, worth $100. born in Wales
Ursula Walters, age 55, born in Wales
Thomas Walters, age 19, born in Ohio
Steven Walters, age 15, born in Ohio
David Walters, age 13, born in Ohio
Ann Walters, age 9, born in Ohio

Military
1862 Indian Uprising  Butternut Valley Guards
1863 Co E 2nd Minnesota Cavalry

1870 US Federal Census, Minnesota,Blue Earth, Cambria  P 3
John Walters, male, age 62, farmer, worth $6400, personal worth $2171,born in Wales
Lucilla [Ursula]Walters, female, age 65, white, keeping house, born in Wales
John J. Walters, age 37, male, white, at home, born in Wales
Stephen Walters, age 24, male, white, at home, born in Ohio
David Walters, age 22, male, white, at home, born in Ohio
John Walters, age 8, male, white, born in Ohio
Mary Walters, age 5, female, white, born in Ohio
Lucilla Walters, age 3, female, white, born in Minnesota
Anna Walters, age 18, female, white, at home, born in Ohio

1875 Minnesota State Census, 1849-1905 1875 Blue Earth, Cambria P 5
John Walters, age 67, male, white, born in Wales, parents in Wales
David Walters, age 27, male, white, born in Ohio, parents born in Wales
Mary Walters, age 19, female, white, born in York, parents born in Wales
David Walters, age 2, male, white, born in Minnesota, parents born in Wales

1880 US Federal Census, Minnesota, Blue Earth, Cambria, P 16
David Walters, white, male, married, age 30, farmer, born in Ohio, parents born in Wales
Mary Walters, white, female, married, age 23, wife, born in NY, parents born in Wales
David Walter, white, male, age 7, son, born in Minnesota, father in Ohio, mother in NY
Evan T. Walters, white, male, age 8, son, born in Minnesota, father in Ohio, mother in NY
John C. Walters, white, male, age 2, son, born in Minnesota, father in Ohio, mother in NY
Edith M. Walters, white, female, age  1/2 years, born in Nov, daughter, born in Minnesota, father born in Ohio, mother in NY
Ursula Walters, white female, age 13, niece, servant, born in Minnesota, father in Ohio, mother in Ohio


1900

1910

Death :                            Obituary Mankato Free Press 1 Apr 1911 1, 2

  David Walters, a well-known resident of Lake Crystal, died in Lake Crystal during the forenoon.  He had been troubled a number of years with asthma.  He was born in Jackson County, Ohio, in 1848.  He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Walters, late of Cambria.  He was a member of the Butternut Valley guards during the out-break in 1862.  In 1863, he enlisted in Company E, Second MN cavalry.  He was married in 1872 to Miss Mary, daughter of Hugh R. Williams.  She died in May, 1873 and on June 17,1874, he married Miss Mary Evans, who died July 28, 1889.  He married Mrs. Mary Williams, his present wife, in 1890.

Mary Williams Walters

 Mary Williams Walters

Mary Williams, daughter of Hugh Richard and Margaret Williams, was born in Delafield, Waukesha, Wisconsin sometime between 1853-1854.  In 1855, she moved with her parents to Blue Earth County, Minnesota.  As a young woman, she worked in the home of  David P. Davis family as a domestic servant. In the census records, the Williams' family lived next to the John and Ursula Walters family.  She later married their son, David Walters in Mankato, Blue Earth, Minnesota, on the first of October 1872. She died the following year in Cambria, Blue Earth, Minnesota,  on May 8, 1873 at the age of 19 years leaving only her husband to survive her.  Mary was buried in Cambria.

Records on Mary Williams Walters

Census
1855 Wisconsin State Census, Waukesha, Delafield  FHL 1,032,689
Hugh Williams is listed with two males  (Hugh and Richard)
Three females (Margaret, Catherine and Mary) two were foreign born [Hugh & Margaret] children all born in the US

1857 Minnesota State Census, Blue Earth, Township 119 P
Hugh Williams
Margaret Williams
Catherine Williams, age 5, female, born in Wisconsin
Mary Williams, age 4, female, born in Wisconsin
Richard Williams, age 4, male, born in Wisconsin
Wm. Williams, age 3/12, male, born in Minnesota

1860 US Federal Census, Minnesota, Blue Earth, Butternut Valley P184
Hugh Williams, age 38, married, farmer, born in Wales, worth $ 250,
Margaret Williams, age 35, married, born in Wales
Catherine Williams, age 8, born in Wisconsin
Mary Williams, age 5, born in Wisconsin
Richard Williams, age 4, born in Wisconsin
William Williams, age 3, born in Minnesota
Elizabeth Williams, age 1, born in Minnesota

1865 Minnesota, Blue Earth,

1870 US Federal Census, Minnesota  Blue Earth,  South Bend
David P. Davis, age 59, male, white, Retail Dry Goods, worth $5000, real estate, $4000 personal wealth, born in Wales, parents foreign born
Jane Davis, age 62, female, white, keeping house, born in Wales, parents foreign born
David Davis, age 28, male, white, Ret. Dry Goods, worth $4000 real estate, $1000 personal wealth, born in Ohio, parents foreign born
Evan Davis, age 12, male, white, at home, born in Ohio, parents foreign born
Mary Williams, age 17, female, white, domestic servant, born in Wisconsin, parents foreign born  

Marriage
David Walters and Mary Williams were married in Mankato, Blue Earth, Minnesota, United States on 1 Oct 1872.

Death/Burial
Mary Walters, died 8 May 1873, age 19 years, born in Wisconsin to Minnesota in 1855.  Hugh Williams of Wales was the father and Margaret Williams of Wales the mother.  She is buried in Cambria.

Richard William's and Catherine Jones

 This could be the record of the marriage of Richard Williams and Catherine Jones the parents of Hugh Williams.

 Marriage License

On the 10 day of July in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifteen on which Day appeared personally Richard Williams of Plas in the Parish of Llanfihangel ......in the County of Anglesey, bachelor.  and being sworn on the Holy Evangelish alledged and made oath as follows, That he is of the age of twenty five years and upwards, and a bachelor and intends to marry Catharine Jones of Amlwch in the Parish of Amlwch in the said County--aged thirty three years and a singlewoman
not knowing or believing any lawful Let or Impediment, by reason of an Praecontract entered into before the twenty-fifth Day of March, One thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty-four, Consanguinity, Affinity, or any other Case whatsoever, to hinder the said intended marriage in the Parish church of Almwch aforesaid.  In which Parish aforesaid He the said Richard Williams, further made Oath, that the said Catherine Jones hath had her usual abode for the space of Four Weeks last past.

The same Day the said                                       The mark of
Richard Williams                                                       X
Hwynne Jones
Surrogate                                                       Richard Williams

FHL 0242,849

Marriage Record

MARRIAGES solemnized in the Parish of Amlwich, in the County of Anglesy in the year 1815.

I Richard Williams,  of the parish of Llanfihangel Tre'r beirdd, Bachelor, and Catherine Jones of this parish, spinster were married in this Church by License with Consent of Parents this fourteenth Day of July in the Year One thousand eight hundred and fifteen.
 
By Me Griffith Herbert, minister

This Marriage was solemnized between us: The X of Richard Williams
                                                                  The X of Catherine Jones
In the Presence of Owen Owens and John Edwards.

FHL 2419463 Item 6 1816   P 5 No 13

William Salisbury Hughes

                                                              William Salisbury Hughes

                                                                               
                                                                                 

                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                 "William Salisbury Hughes" 

                                                              History of Blue Earth County 

                                                                    Tom Hendricks

  William Salisbury Hughes was born on February 7, 1841 in the valley of Ty Cochyn, Llanrhyddlad, Anglesey, North Wales.  He was born to Owen and Winifred Salisbury Hughes who married on September 29, 1840 at the parish church in Ty Cochyn, Llanrhyddlad, Anglesey, North Wales.  They baptized their first son William Salisbury Hughes on May 11, 1841, three months after his birth.  The order of the children in this family were William S., Ellen, Robert S., John S., Jane, Mary, and Richard.

  At age thirteen, William left home for what family stories say was an incident of two choices.  The first was to stay in North Wales and be prosecuted for shooting game on an overlord's land, and the second was to leave his homeland and seek fame and fortune elsewhere.  He left his homeland and sought his fortune at Saint Castle Street, Liverpool, England, as a commercial merchant, at age thirteen.  He then took a job as a school teacher in a British parish.

  On August 1, 1854, he received his Indenture of Pupil's Teacher's Apprenticeship.  He was engaged in the apprenticeship with John Lewis till December 31, 1859.  This document was signed by William S. Hughes and his father, Owen Williams. Hughes.  Soon after, he had made a long voyage in May 1864 to America.  Here, William made his first stop in Utica, New York, before he came to Butternut Valley Township in the spring about May 1865.  He came to Butternut Valley, Minnesota and attended a Sunday School at the home of Jones (Sadler) the last Sunday in May of that year.  The Mankato Free Press says William's brother Robert Salisbury Hughes, came over in the year 1861.

  Little is known about William Salisbury Hughes' early life, but it is known that he bought land and resided in section four, range 128 in Butternut Township.  He married Catherine Williams, daughter of Hugh R. and Margaret Williams on July 23 1867 in Butternut Valley, Blue Earth, Minnesota.  Five months later, he would receive his State of Minnesota Teaching License.  He was issued a certificate for teaching third grade Orthography, Reading, Writing, Grammar, Arithmetic, Geography, and History on December 5th, 1867.  He also became a prominent member of political affairs in the county which eventually led to his title as Blue Earth County Commissioner in the following years of 1879, 1880, and 1881.  He served for three years as Blue Earth County Commissioner and applied for his United States citizenship papers on the 6th day of January 1897.  In 1910 he was nominated as a candidate for the state legislature on the Republican ticket.  Unfortunately, he lost because the other candidate was a saloon man.

  William Salisbury Hughes was also a member of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church of Butternut Valley and also helped out in church and school affairs as well as teaching Sunday School.  He and his wife joined the Bethel Church of Cambria, January 3, 1908.  He bought two plots of land from the Judson Cemetery Association for himself and his wife November 1, 1900.

  He and his faithful wife attended the yearly 4th of July picnic at Wagner's Grove in Cambria.  He was a poet and usually gave several readings at the picnic.  People often described him as a leader and confident.

  In October of 1903, he submitted his will to the probate court.  Ten years later Hughes died. On Tuesday, July 1, 1913, in the early morning hours of the day.  He had experienced a fatal paralytic stroke.  His death occurred about  about one week before the annual gathering at Wagner's Grove.  The newspapers published a picture and biography of the man who had served Butternut Valley faithfully.

  Surviving him were his wife and twelve children: Richard Salisbury Hughes, who never married; Mary Hughes who married Ernest Hughes with the last same name but not related to us from Lincoln, Nebraska; Catherine Hughes who married Mr. Owens; Margaret or Maggie, who married Gomer W. Jones; Robert S. Hughes who was married-- but I am not sure of her name; William Salisbury Hughes, who married Myrtle Iola Nelson; Winifred married Griffith Roberts; Jane A. Hughes who married Calvin Owens; Susie Hughes who married David Davies; Hugh Salisbury Hughes, who married Clara Heckel; Cesiah who married Owen Jones.  Also surviving him at the time were three sisters, namely Miss Ellen Hughes; Mrs. Jane Parry, and Mrs. Mary Jones, of Anglesey, Wales.  He was also survived by two brothers Robert and J.S. Hughes.

 

Census
1870 US Federal Census, Minnesota, Blue Earth, Butternut Valley
William S Hughes, male, age 29, married to Catherine, farmer, real estate worth  $3300, personal worth $673, born in Wales
Catherine Hughes, age 18, keeping house, born in Wisconsin
Richard Hughes, age 1,born in Minnesota
Mary Hughes, born  3/12,born in Minnesota

1875 Minnesota State Census, Blue Earth, Butternut  FHL 565717 P 210
William S. Hughes,male, age 35, married, born in Wales, parents b in Wales, married to Catherine Hughes,age 23, born in Wisconsin, parents born in Wales
Richard S Hughes, male, age 6, born in Minnesota
Mary Hughes,female, age 5, born in Minnesota
Robert S. Hughes, male, age 3, born in Minnesota
Catheine Hughes,female, age 1, born in Minnesota

1880 US Federal Census, Minnesota,Blue Earth, Butternut Valley
William S. Hughes,  male, age 39, white, married farmer, born in Wales
Catherine Hughes, female, age 28, born in Wisconsin
Richard Hughes, age 11, born in Minnesota
Mary Hughes, age 10,born in Minnesota
Robert Hughes, age 8, born in Minnesota
Catherine Hughes, age 6, born in Minnesota
Margaret Hughes, age 4,born in Minnesota
Ellen Hughes, age 2, born in Minnesota
William Hughes, age 6/12, born in Minnesota

1885 Minnesota State Census,Minnesota,Blue Earth,Butternut Valley FHL 565734
William S. Hughes, male, married, age 43, born in Wales
Catherine Hughes, age  33,born in Wisconsin
Richard Hughes, age 16, born in Minnesota
Mary Hughes, age 15, born in Minnesota
Robert Hughes, age 13,born in Minnesota
Catherine Hughes, age 11,born in Minnesota
Margaret, Hughes age 9, born in Minnesota
Ellen Hughes, age 7, born in Minnesota
William Hughes, age 5, born in Minnesota

1900 US Federal Census,Minnesota,Blue Earth,Butternut Valley  Ed 3 SH 9
William S. Hughes, male, age 59, born  Feb 1841,married 33 years, born in Wales, parents born in  Wales, immigrated in 1864, in US for 36 years,  farmer
Catherine Hughes, age 28, born in Wisconsin
Richard Hughes, age 31,male, age 31, born Apr 1869,single, born in Minnesota, father born in Wales, mother born in Wisconsin
Kate S. Owens, age 26,female, age 26, born Apr 1874, single, born in Minnesota, daughter of William and Catherine, parents  born in Minnesota
Margaret Hughes, age 24, born April 1876 in Minnesota
William Hughes, age 20, single, born Mar 1880 in Minnesota, farm labourer
Winnifred Hughes, age 14,female, born in Minnesota, at school
Jane Alice Hughes, age 11, female, born Dec 1881,single, born in Minnesota, at school
Susie Hughes, age 10, female,single,born June 1890 in Minnesota, at school
Hugh Hughes, male, age 8, born Oct 1891 in Minnesota, single,at school
Cesiah Hughes, female, age 6, single, at school,born in Minnesota
Edward Owen, age 28 born in Wales

1905 Minnesota State Census,Blue Earth,Butternut Valley FHL 28769 P 451
William S. Hughes, male age 64, born in Wales, parents born in Wales
Catherine Huges, age 52, female, born in Wisconsin, parents born in Wales
Margaret Hughes,female, age 29, born in Minnesota, father  born in Wales, mother in Wisconsin
William S. Hughes,male, age 25, born in Minnesota, father born in Wales, mother in Wisconsin
Winnifred Hughes, female, age 20, born in Minnesota, father  born in Wales, mother in Wisconsin
 Jane Alice Hughes, female, age 16, born in Minnesota,father born in Wales, mother born in Wisconsin
Susie Hughes,female, age 14, born in Minnesota, father born in Wales, mother in Wisconsin
Hugh Hughes, male, age 13, born in Minnesota, father born in Wales, mother born in Wisconsins
Cesiah Hughes,female, age 11, born in Minnesota, father born in Wales, mother born in Wisconsin

1910 US Federal Census,Minnesota,Blue Earth,Butternut Valley P242
William S.Hughes, male, age 69, married 43 years born in Wales, parents born in Wales, farmer,  owns farm
Catherine Hughes, age 57, married 43 years, 12 of 13 living children, born in Wisconsin 
Jane A. Hughes, age 21,female,single, born in Minnesota
Susie Hughes, age 19, female, single, born in Minnesota
Hugh Hughes, age 18, male, single,born  in Minnesota,
Cesiah Hughes, age 16, female, single, born in Minnesota

Property
Gov't Lot 2 Section 4, Township 108, N of Range 29 W--60 Acres

Obituary  Lake Crystal Union  July 9, 1913
  It is with great sorrow that we must record the departure of William S. Hughes, Butternut Valley, Minnesota, which took place early Tuesday morning, July 1, 1913, after suffering much pain for nearly a week, culminating in the end in a paralytic stroke which brought him relief, and thrust his family into deep sorrow, and set the whole neighborhood in a state of bewilderment and gloom.
  Mr. Hughes was born in a place called Ty-Cochyn, Llanrhyddlad, Anglesey, North Wales, Feb 7, 1841, (not in 1842 as published in the book called "History of the Welsh in Minnesota," page 207."  As many others in those days, he was obliged to leave home, young and "paddle his own canoe."  More fortunate than many, however, he was given a fair chance to acquire education and this chance was not offered him in vain.  He was taken as "apprentice teacher in the British school of the parish at the age of thirteen, and later found employment with a Commission merchant in Liverpool, England.  From thence he migrated to America in 1864, finding employment, almost at once, as book-keeper for a business firm in Utica, N.Y.  This vocation he followed until the spring of 1865, when he moved father west, settling down in Butternut Valley, Minnesota.  Here he purchased a farm, built a small house, married Miss Catherine Williams. daughter of H.R. Williams. of what is now known as the township of Cambria but then was a part of the township of Butternut Valley.  And it is on this same farm that he spent the remainder of his life on earth, with his large family of 12 children (three having preceded their father to the other world.) enjoying all the comforts that this world can give, the fruit of his untiring labors and leaving all in comfortable circumstances--nine of the children being married and having homes of their own.
  He was a unique person, standing by himself, and different from all others.  He was a talented man, and this talent he built indifferent in times.  He held many offices in this town, and for three succeeding years was County Commissioner.  Three years ago, was nominated at the Primary for Representative in his district, and without a doubt, was the most capable candidate in the field, but was defeated, not because he was inferior to the other man, but because the other man was a saloon keeper, while Mr. Hughes was strictly an anti-saloon man and this dark blot will remain in the annals of the district, increasing its shame, and possibly will remain on the conscience of many a Christian, who preferred to cling to a party, rather than to stand up for principle.
  In his neighborhood, he was the council of all, and when in need of advice, it was to him they went and as a rule they never regretted of [asking] his advice.
  After joining Bethel Church, which he did on January 3, 1908, and even before becoming a member, he was the same--our leader and council.  He was the deacon of the deacons, (tho not elected a deacon) and the Bishop of his pastor.  Bethel will be a strange church for us all now, without Mr. Hughes there, always at his post and taking an active part in the Sunday School and all other services.
  Nor must we neglect to make mention of his rare talent as a poet.  Had he the desire, he could easily be in the first rank, for his compositions were not merely a jingle written in metric form, but thoughts tumbling as if it were into existence in each line, and as if one strove to excel the other.
  He was a self-made man, and an all around man, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
  The funeral services were held at Bethel Church, Saturday plm. July 5, 1913, conducted by pastor Rev. Jones D. Jones, assisted by the Rev. D. Edwards, Lake Crystal, W.E. Evans, Mankato and Dr. John C. Jones, Chicago,  The burial took place at Jerusalem cemetery.
  He leaves in sorrow his widow, and 12 children, namely, Mary, wife of Ernest Hughes, Norfolk, Nebraska; Nell, wife of L.J. Lewis, Lake Crystal; Kate wife of Edward Owens,California; Maggie, wife of Gomer Jones; Jane, wife of Calvin Owens;Winnie, wife of G.M. Roberts;Sue, wife of David W Davids, Sioux Pass, Montana; Robert Hughes, Lake Crystal; Richard Hughes, Judson; William Hughes, Butternut Valley; and Hugh and Cesiah in the old home; also two brothers, Messrs. John and Robert S. Hughes in this county and three sisters in Wales.  There are also nine grandchildren.  May God in his tender mercy watch over his dear ones all, and make them a blessing.

Catherine Williams Hughes

                                                           Catherine Williams Hughes

                                                                                  

 Catherine William Hughes  

History of Blue Earth County

  Tom Hendricks

 

Catherine ('Williams) Hughes was born 15 April 1852 to Hugh R. Williams and Margaret Williams, of Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin.  The family came to Minnesota in the fall of August,1855 (Brother Richard's obituary say they came to Minnesota three months after he was born, which would make it July) with other Welsh families of Wisconsin.  They settled on the Richard Morgan farm, (Richard's obituary says the George Wagner farm) building a sod shanty on the southwest corner of the town of Cambria, Minnesota.  It was said that their house was one of the first two houses built in that town.  On the 1860 census records it lists the value of the Williams Estate as $250.00.

Catherine was the first of four other children in the Williams family.  The other children after her in order of birth are : Mary; Richard who bought the family farm in 1881 from his father and mother; William,  and Elizabeth.  At present nothing is known about her early childhood or late adulthood.  

  Catherine married William Salisbury Hughes, July 23 1867 in Blue Earth County, Minnesota.  It is also known that Hugh R. Williams was present at the marriage, it is believed her mother died some months earlier that year.  There were a number of Williams families living in Cambria during this time period.  The closest Margaret Williams I can find is listed as living in Wales with a birth date in 1822.  Her father is listed as Prithand or Prichard.  This is merely speculation.  It is also not known where Catherine's mother or father are buried.  Stories about the family say that possibly the mother is buried on the homestead claim in Cambria.

  After the Dakota conflict, several of the pioneer citizens took matters in their own hands and wanted to hold a trial to condemn 38 Sioux warriors of crimes that ranged from rape to murder.  Her father, Hugh R. Williams,  took part in the war.  He was enlisted as a Butternut Valley guard during that time.  He also drove the carts to hang the Indians in Mankato.  The Welsh Settler book written in 1895 gives a small detailed account of what happened to the Indians and their fate.

  Hugh R., along with about a dozen other Welshmen, led the carts to haul the  Indians to their death passing through New Ulm.  Catherine's courageous part in the uprising was fleeing the savage attack of the Indians by running to New Ulm with her baby brother Richard in her arms.

  The only other recollection family members remember about Catherine Williams is that she baked bread in round loaf  pans which she would butter up, cut down the middle with a razor sharp knife, towards herself.

  She died on 22 May 1914 almost one year after her husband died.  She lived to be 62, and lived with her son Hugh S. Hughes, the youngest of the twelve children.  Her cause of death is listed as "acute dilation of the heart and mental insufficency," which she had for two days and two nights.  Some family members say she died of a broken heart.  She too, is buried in Jerusalem Cemetery, Lake Crystal, Minnesota.

  She did leave a will in which her youngest son, Hugh S. Hughes, received the family farm.  It was Government Lot Two in Section Four in Township One Hundred Eight North of Range Twenty-nine West, containing 60 acres of land, more or less, according to the government survey thereof.  This will was made May 27, 1914.

Census Record

1860 US Federal Census,Minnesota,Blue Earth,Butternut Valley P184

Hugh Williams, age 38, married, farmer, born in Wales, worth $ 250,

Margaret Williams, age 35, married, born in Wales

Catherine Williams, age 8, born in Wisconsin

Mary Williams, age 5, born in Wisconsin

Richard Williams, age 4, born in Wisconsin

William Williams, age 3, born in Minnesota

Elizabeth Williams, age 1, born in Minnesota

 

1865 State Census of Minnesota, Blue Earth, Genesco #48

Hugh Williams,

Margaret Williams

Catharine Williams

Richard Williams

Elizabeth Williams

Ellen Williams

1870 US Federal Census, Minnesota,Blue Earth, Butternut Valley

William S Hughes, male, age 29, married to Catherine, farmer, real estate worth  $3300, personal worth $673, born in Wales

Catherine Hughes, age 18, keeping house, born in Wisconsin

Richard Hughes, age 1,born in Minnesota

Mary Hughes, born  3/12,born in Minnesota

1875 Minnesota State Census, Blue Earth, Butternut  P 210
William S. Hughes,male, age 35, married, born in Wales, parents b in Wales
Catherine Hughes,age 23, born in Wisconsin, parents born in Wales
Richard S Hughes, male, age 6, born in Minnesota
Mary Hughes,female, age 5, born in Minnesota
Robert S. Hughes, male, age 3, born in Minnesota
Catherine Hughes,female, age 1, born in Minnesota,

1880 US Federal Census, Minnesota,Blue Earth, Butternut Valley
William S. Hughes,  male, age 39, white, married farmer, born in Wales
Catherine Hughes, female, age 28, born in Wisconsin
Richard Hughes, age 11, born in Minnesota
Mary Hughes, age 10,born in Minnesota
Robert Hughes, age 8, born in Minnesota
Catherine Hughes, age 6, born in Minnesota
Margaret Hughes, age 4,born in Minnesota
Ellen Hughes, age 2, born in Minnesota
William Hughes, age 6/12, born in Minnesota

1885 Minnesota State Census,Minnesota,Blue Earth,Butternut Valley
William S. Hughes, male, married, age 43, born in Wales
Catherine Hughes, age  33,born in Wisconsin
Richard Hughes, age 16, born in Minnesota
Mary Hughes, age 15, born in Minnesota
Robert Hughes, age 13,born in Minnesota
Catherine Hughes, age 11,born in Minnesota
Margaret, Hughes age 9, born in Minnesota
Ellen Hughes, age 7, born in Minnesota
William Hughes, age 5, born in Minnesota

1900 US Federal Census,Minnesota,Blue Earth,Butternut Valley  Ed 3 SH 9
William S. Hughes, male, age 59, born  Feb 1841,married 33 years, born in Wales, parents born in  Wales, immigrated in 1864, in US for 36 years,  farmer
Catherine Hughes, age 28, born in Wisconsin
Richard Hughes, age 31,male, age 31, born Apr 1869,single, born in Minnesota, father born in Wales, mother born in Wisconsin
Kate S. Owens, age 26,female, age 26, born Apr 1874, single, born in Minnesota, daughter of William and Catherine, parents  born in Minnesota
Margaret Hughes, age 24, born April 1876 in Minnesota
William Hughes, age 20, single, born Mar 1880 in Minnesota, farm labourer
Winnifred Hughes, age 14,female, born in Minnesota, at school
Jane Alice Hughes, age 11, female, born Dec 1881,single, born in Minnesota, at school
Susie Hughes, age 10, female,single,born June 1890 in Minnesota, at school
Hugh Hughes, male, age 8, born Oct 1891 in Minnesota, single,at school
Cesiah Hughes, female, age 6, single, at school,born in Minnesota
Edward Owen, age 28 born in Wales

1905 Minnesota State Census,Blue Earth,Butternut Valley P 451
William S. Hughes, male age 64, born in Wales, parents born in Wales
Catherine Hughes, age 52, female, born in Wisconsin, parents born in Wales
Margaret Hughes,female, age 29, born in Minnesota, father  born in Wales, mother in Wisconsin
William S. Hughes,male, age 25, born in Minnesota, father born in Wales, mother in Wisconsin
Winnifred Hughes, female, age 20, born in Minnesota, father  born in Wales, mother in Wisconsin
 Jane Alice Hughes, female, age 16, born in Minnesota,father born in Wales, mother born in Wisconsin
Susie Hughes,female, age 14, born in Minnesota, father born in Wales, mother in Wisconsin
Hugh Hughes, male, age 13, born in Minnesota, father born in Wales, mother born in Wisconsin
Cesiah Hughes,female, age 11, born in Minnesota, father born in Wales, mother born in Wisconsin


1910 US Federal Census,Minnesota,Blue Earth,Butternut Valley P242
William S.Hughes, male, age 69, married 43 years born in Wales, parents born in Wales, farmer,  owns farm
Catherine Hughes, age 57, married 43 years, 12 of 13 living children, born in Wisconsin 
Jane A. Hughes, age 21,female,single, born in Minnesota
Susie Hughes, age 19, female, single, born in Minnesota
Hugh Hughes, age 18, male, single,born  in Minnesota,
Cesiah Hughes, age 16, female, single, born in Minnesota

1915 Minnesota State Census, Blue Earth, Butternut Valley  P 451
Catherine Hughes, age 53, born in Wisconsin, parents born in Wales

Obituary  Mankato Free Press  29 May 1914  From Friday's Daily
    Mrs. Catherine Hughes, the widow of William S. Hughes of  Butternut Valley, died at her home at three o'clock this morning,  very suddenly.  She had been up and around half an hour before  she died.  Mrs. Hughes was sixty-five years old and is survived  by twelve children, eight daughters and four sons.  Mrs. Griffith Roberts of this city is one of the daughters.  Most of the other  children live in the vicinity of Butternut.
     Mr. Hughes died last July and since that time Mrs. Hughes has lived with her son, Hugh Hughes.  She was a member of the Bethel  Church in Cambria.'