The Lonesome End of a Pioneer

Richard Hughson, who was among the first settlers in this section of the Columbia River Valley, died at the McGregor hospital in this city last Saturday night. Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon in the Mueller Undertaking parlors by Rev. W. P. Osgood, of the Baptist church. Mr. Hughson was 78 years old and was a native of England. He has no relatives in the United States, but it is thought he has two daughters living in Liverpool. Mrs. Hughson died years ago when the daughters were small children. Leaving them in charge of a rector, the father went to sea, shipping out of Liverpool as a ship carpenter. He followed this life for years and visited ports in all parts of the world. About thirty-five years ago he left the sea while the ship on which he was employed was in Portland and entered the employ of the Northern Pacific railroad. He came to this part of the country when the Ainsworth bridge was being built. In the capacity of a day laborer Mr. Hughson was actively identified with the development of the valley from its first inception. He worked for the old company when the first canal was being constructed and after it was finished he became ditch walker for the Northern Pacific Irrigation company. Two years ago he came to Kennewick and has lived alone in the little cottage near the Catholic church. He sold rights of way for the North Coast railroad and still retained title to about 120 acres at the time of his death. The old man lived quietly and frugally and left an estate valued at several thousand dollars.