Joseph Hughes, one of the live business men of Williamsburgh, was born October 28, 1850, and was a son of George N. and Rachel (Griffith) Hughes. The father was a native of Kentucky, born December 8, 1823, and came with his parents at an early date, to Johnson County, and settled in Nineveh Township, where he now lives. The mother was a native of Ohio; she was born on April 6, 1824, and came with her parents to Johnson County while yet a child. Our subject was reared on a farm in Johnson County. He received a good common school education, and at the age of twenty-one years he began life for himself as a farmer, which he continued fifteen years, and on January 1, 1886, he opened up a drug store in Williamsburgh, which business he still continues. On November 9, 1876, he was united in marriage to Susan J. Prichard, a daughter of C. D. and Cassa (Featherngill) Prichard. Susan J. was born September 6, 1856. In polities, he is an ardent democrat, and was the nominee for trustee of his township, at the April election of 1888, being elected by a majority of thirty-four votes. He is recognized as one of the leaders of his party in his township.