Thomas Hughes, born in Belfast, Ireland, married in that county, came to the United States, and settled in Troy, New York, where he died.
(II) Edward William, son of Thomas Hughes, was born in Troy, New York, where he died in 1897, aged forty years. He is buried in St. Mary's cemetery. He was educated in the schools of Troy, and learned the trade of bricklayer, at which he worked for several years. He was of superior character and made his influence felt among his fellows. He entered into the political life of his ward and was elected to fill many of the local offices, was elected alderman of the first ward, and later represented ward two in the city council. He was a Democrat and gained advancement by merit. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He married Annie Austin, born in Troy. They had one child,
- Mary C., married Dr. Kivlen, of Troy.
Mrs. Annie (Austin) Hughes was a daughter of Laurence and Mary (Reed) Austin. Laurence Austin was born in the south of Ireland, came to the United States, settled in Troy, New York, where he died. He married Mary Reed, born in Ireland, daughter of James Reed, born in Tipperary, Ireland. The Reeds settled in Rockford, Illinois, where they married and descendants still reside. Laurence and Mary (Reed) Austin had five children:
- Annie, aforementioned as the wife of Edward William Hughes;
- Ellen, deceased, was the wife of Frank Dusenbury, and left one son Laurence;
- Catherine;
- Mary, wife of William McCracken;
- Michael, deceased.