JOHN HUGH HUGHES. GRANVILLE, NEW YORK
New York. - In looking over the Welsh American of January 1st, I noticed a few lines on the death of John H. Hughes, of this city. The late Mr. Hughes was a man of exceptional musical ability, and should not be passed on such brief notice. Wherever the automatic banjo is used the name of John H. Hughes is attached to it. He was the man who arranged all the music, and not alone for that instrument, but a large portion of the automatic music publisher in this city was arranged by this quiet, unassuming, but brilliant Welshman.His appearance at one of the Sty. David's Day society smokers, when he aroused all present by his rendering of Welsh music, and in which all joined, will not be forgotten; also at "Glyndwr" lodge he was a welcome member, and many a social hour was passed with "Johnny" Hughes, playing welsh selections, and all the members gathered around the piano, Mr. Hughes was a son of Hugh Hughes, Pant, Bethesda, North Wales and his boyhood days were passed in that old town.
As a young man he played the organ and led the singing in "Tanymarian" chapel, and is mentioned in his book. He came to this country in 1887, and located in Granville, and worked in the quarries, but later moved to Meriden Ct., where he commenced his life work. He came to New York eighteen years ago and entered the employ of the Connorrised Music company and was with that firm when he died.
Through his ability as an arranger of classical music that firm became known the world over. He was a member of Trowel lodge of Free Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Glyndwr lodge of Ivorites. He had been in failing health for several months and in bed about four weeks, but the end came suddenly, passing away on December 14th, at the age of fifty two years, and was buried December 17th, in Woodlawn cemetery.
The funeral services services were conducted by his pastor, the Rev. Rowland Hill, pastor of the Willis Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, of which the family are members. Afterwards GLyndwr lodge conducted the service of the order, which was effectively read by Past "Uwch Lywydd" W. H. Williams. There were delegations from other lodges, including the Order of the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Hughes is a past matron.
Mr. Hughes leaves to mourn his loss, hisfather, aged ninety, who still resides in the old home; Mrs. Hughes; a son Bert; and one daughter, also a brother, who redides at Bryneglwys, North Wales, another brother, Owen H. Hughes of Middle Granville and a sister, Mrs. Daniel Jones, Granville.