Bio: Hughes, Owen & Elizabeth

Surnames: HUGHES FOLSTAD

----Source: ABBOTSFORD, WIS. CENTENNIAL BOOK - 1973

Hughes, Owen & Elizabeth

Mr. and Mrs. Owen Hughes were both born in the town of Holyhead, North Wales. They were married there May 29, 1867 and came to America in 1881, first settling in Minneapolis, and then in Abbotsford in 1882, where they continued to live until the time of their death.

Mrs. Hughes died in 1934 after having lived with her husband for sixty-seven years. After her death, Mr. Hughes made his home with Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Folstad until he died at the age of 91.

When he came to this country, he worked on a stationary engine. When he came to Abbotsford, he worked for a short time in a sawmill, and then, secured a position in 1883 as engineer for the Wisconsin Central Railroad. His run was between Ashland and Abbotsford, and he continued with the railroad until in retired in 1903.

The following year they built their home on the corner of highways 29 and 13. At one time, Mr. Hughes held much property in Abbotsford, several houses and lots. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers presented him with an honorary badge for his forty years membership in Division eighty.

A charter member in the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Hughes had the honor of being chosen the first elder. It is believed he gave the church the site east of the drug store.