The Sunday Gazetteer
Sunday, September 12, 1897
pg.1

DEATH OF JUDGE HUGHES
He Passes Away After a Brief Illness

The Gazetteer regrets to chronicle the death of Judge W.J. Hughes, which occurred at his home on Gandy street September 4th.
About 2 months ago the Judge had a serious spell of illness, but his strong constitution brought him through all right, and his friends anticipated that he would be spared to t hem many years yet.
The Judge frequently remarked before his first illness that his health was perfect, and it seemed that a second youth had returned.
His first spell of sickness sapped his vitality, and when taken sick a second time, his faunted strength left him; he being sick just one week.
Judge Hughes was born in Bradley county, Tennessee in 1827.  In his young days he was elected sheriff and tax collector of his county.   He was one of the largest and most successful merchants of that section for a number of years.
In the winter of 1882 he moved to Denison and engaged in the grocery business, being a member of the firm of Culver & Hughes, later Hughes & Knox.
Later on the Judge entered political life, which seemed congenial to his taste.  He served the people honestly and faithfully as Justice of the Peace for 4 years.  Within the past few years the Judge became disgusted with office seeking, and declined all overtures in that direction.  It can be said to his credit that he always consulted a popular expression before he consented to become a candidate.   The office sought him.  He had a  perfect contempt for the methods employed to get into office.  As a Judge he was stern, inflexible and just.  He was incorruptible and inflexibly honest.  No attorney ever attempted to cajole Judge Hughes.
All those who knew and appreciated Judge Hughes will fell unfeigned sorrow at his death.  He was a good man, a good citizen.  His funeral occurred at the Fairview cemetery.  A large number of citizens paid their last respects.   He leaves a wife and 3 children.