Surnames: Hughes, Morris, Folstad, Hoover, Jenks, Berger, Green, Jackson, Wing, Hoffman, Ouimette, Peterson, Thomas

----Source: ABBOTSFORD TRIBUNE (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 24 NOV 1938

Hughes, Owen (31 DEC 1847 - 20 NOV 1938)

Owen Hughes, a pioneer of Abbotsford, was born at Hollyhead (Holyhead), North Wales on December 31, 1847. At the age of 13 he was apprenticed in a round house at Hollyhead of the London and Northwestern Railroad, which is now part of the London, Midland and Scottish Railroad.

On May 29, 1867 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Morris. They came directly from Wales to Minneapolis in 1881 where Mr. Hughes worked on a stationary engine. This type of work made him ill and he and Mrs. Hughes came to Abbotsford for his health.

For a short time he worked in a saw mill and then much improved in health went back to his profession - railroading.

In 1883 he secured a position as engineer for the Wisconsin Central Railroad and his run was between Abbotsford and Ashland. He continued with the Soo Line until 1903 when he retired.

The next year they built their home on the corner of Highways 29 and 13.

During the years of his retirement Mr. and Mrs. Hughes made two trips back to the land of their births. In 1934 Mrs. Hughes passed away after having lived together happily for 67 years. After Mrs. Hughes’ death Mr. Hughes made his home with Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Folstad and lived with them until his death.

Mr. Hughes was initiated in the Masonic Order in Hollyhead in 1872 and is a charter member of the blue lodge at Abbotsford and a member of the Royal Arch Chapter at Medford and the Knight Templar Commandery at Neillsville. He served as Master of the blue lodge at Abbotsford for two years and as Master attended grand lodge sessions. He served two years as Patron of the Eastern Star at Abbotsford and was presented with a master jewel jointly by the blue lodge and Easter Star Chapter.

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in division 80 presented him with an honorary badge for his 40 years of membership.

A charter member of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Hughes had the honor of being chosen its first elder.

Mr. Hughes maintained his interest in community affairs, attending his church, lodge meetings, even school meetings to the last. After a short illness at his home he passed away Sunday morning, death having been caused by complications of old age. He would have been 91 years old on December 31st.

Funeral services were conducted at 1:30 from the house and 2 o’clock from the Presbyterian Church on Wednesday afternoon. Dr. E. L. Hoover officiated. Aldro Jenks of Wausau sang two songs "Sun of My Soul" and "In the Garden". Mrs. Wm. Berger was the accompanist. Masonic Rites were conducted for Mr. Hughes and the flowers were carried by members of the Eastern Star.

The acting pallbearers were all Past Masters of Abbotsford Lodge No. 298 F. & A. M. They were Ralph Green, Frank Jackson, Frank Wing, Charles Hoffman, Nelson Ouimette and Nelson Peterson. Interment followed in the Abbotsford cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. Owen Thomas of Oak Park, Ill., attended the funeral. Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Hughes had been sisters.