Optional page text here. Frank M. Hughes

Frank M. Hughes

Possibly of the most beloved couples in the early days of Wylie were "Uncle Frank" and "Aunt Margaret" Hughes. Settlers were few and far between in the little settlement of Nickleville when they came here December 24, 1869.
Uncle Frank, a first cousin to Uncle Andy Burns, was born near Real Foot Lake,in Hardin County, Tennessee on January 8, 1825. The death of his father in 1837 turned this carefree boy into days of early manhood. He and his mother soon moved to McNairy County, Tennessee but later moved to Tippah County, Mississippi in 1845. In Tippah County Frank married Elizabeth Burns on January 4, 1846. To them were born six children. Uncle Frank outlived them all.
The next move made by the Hughes family made by the Hughes family was to Tishomingo County, Mississippi in 1849. After the death of Elizabeth, Frank wed Margaret Waters on January 8, 1867. To this union was born nine children.
This couple raised three children of Mr. Hughes sister, Mary Ann Cunningham. Mary Ann married Mareth L.D. Cunningham, 32nd Mississippi Infantry, Company C.
She died of overwork and exposure after Mareth did not return home from the war.
In 1861 Frank enlisted in Company C, 32nd Mississippi Infantry Regiment as 1st Lt. He participated in the Battle of Shiloh and other entanglements until failing health brought him home with an honorable discharge. After he got well, Frank returned to the Cavalry as a scout. At the fierce battle of Jonesbough, Georgia on July 28, 1864, he was promoted to Captain, an honor which he held until war's end.
Before coming to Wylie, Texas in 1869 Frank had asked his cousin, Andy Burns, to buy a plot of land for him, which Andy did. This one spot remained home to his family for many years. He bought and sold other properties and invested in many businesses, although he had little formal education. He was a very well-informed gentleman on community affairs.
Margaret (born 1841) died in Wylie, Texas in 1920. Frank died at his home February 2, 1919. Both are buried in the Wylie Cemetery. They had been members of the Primitive Baptist Church for 45 years and lived their religion.
At Frank Hughes funeral services four of his Civil War comrades attended, complete in arms and uniform. They presented the old flag of the Confederacy which Frank had followed throuh a war, and they also presented Frank's beloved Stars and Stripes, which he had been proud of in his last years.

Texans in the Civil War
The General Store