Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1872-02-10
CAPT. JAMES HUGHES !;
Or, "Inclc Jimn'y Xu9hrS" as he 'ras
.fomihu|y co1jrt1-
lSECoND PAi>T. !

In l7SG, when Mr.. Hughes moved
to Emmitsburg, then known as "Pop-
lar Fields" the population consisted
of six families, viz: Richard Jennings,
first merchant; Adam Hoffman, halter;
John Rogers, tavern-kceper; Michael
Smith, blacksmith; Frederick Beard,
carpenter, and William Shields, (Mr.
W. Emmit at the time lived on his
farm near town. Capt. Jennings
built the first house in the village, one
story frame. This house was only
taken down a few years ago, by the
heirs of Joachim Elder, to whom the
property was brqucathed by their
-granlmoLer Mrs Lucy Hughes,
(tolmcrlv Mrs. Richard Jennings -
The first brick house was also built
by Capt. Jennings, on the same lot
and still remains KS Il monument OF
ancient times.
The town was then built near the
Square, except Mr.. ". Shields house,
his WAS situated whore Mr.. Peter
IIoke'S restaurant now stands. James
and Joseph Hughes built the two
houses now occupied by their losren.
dants, Mrs. Eussry and James A. Nl-
der. Here, they engaged in the nrr-
camille business and hullt houses on
the lots,now owned by Mr.. George W.
Rowe and Jesse S-abrooks and also
two log houses on the lot where til"
Western Maryland Hotel now stands.
They We're afterwards converted into
one, called tie Eagle Hotel. Some
of these houses have been taken down
and rebuilt. About this time the two
brothers dissolved partnership.
Mr.. James Hughes then built the
second brick house in the village,
where DR.. Robert Amman, Jr., now re
sides Mr.. Hughes was determined
to erect a line house, for those times J
with porchet above and helow-the
mechanics and others prophccicd that
high porch could not he made
strong enough TO stand but Mr..
Hughes differed with them in opinion.
He therefore went to Washington and
obtained drawing of a high porch.
He would persevere in the erection Of
ii and had the pleasure Of seeing his
efforts crowned with success. This
house and rorchcS which cost him so
much anxiety, wai in good repair in
1868, when unfortunate y, with many
other houses was burned down.
This venerable edhce was the era
die of the Catholic Church. Mr..
Hughes had Il room set apart for di-
vine service, where once a month, all
the Catholics Of the ncighborhood as
sembled; and were edited by prac-
teal sermon. The parish Priest al
ways resided in Frederick, but was
gratefully entertained by Mr.. Hughes
family.
In the year 1856, the male inhabit-
ants Of the village and vicinity assem-
bled at Hockersmth's S tavern, ! J miles
below the town; in order to have its
name changed from Poplar Fields
This was the on y tavern in the neigh
borhood and Is known as the farm of
Mr.. Samuel Mottcr.
Accordingly, honest John McGurg-
an, being called to preside--Proposod
that the new town be christened by
the name Of Emmitsburg after VIII
liam Emmit, who had the good taste
in selecting SO boautiful location.-
The name was adopted without a dis
senting voice. All present cIapped
their hands, threw pp their hats and
hurraed for Emmltsburg. The com
panv had quite u jovial time, drank
the health Of the newly baptiscd and
norriIy returned home with sangline
: expectations Of the rapid growth Of
their village.
There is scarcely doubt that hon
est John McCurgan in bcstowing the
name of Emmit on this little valley
town, beneath tho green mountains
brow tlOUrhi Of his yu native | lr