General Joseph Hughes Resting Place

This little family cemetery is located on the Mt. Zion Cemetery Road, off of S. R. 654 North in northern Crittenden County. 

Joseph Hughes played an important role in the early history of Crittenden County.  The Hughes family had deep roots in the early days, even when Crittenden was still a part of Livingston County.   He was the son of Thomas I. Hughes and Nancy Roe Williams Hughes.  

The Hughes family history states that he was a general in the War of 1812, thus the General on his tombstone.

Joseph was present at the first county court held at Cross Keys Inn, the home of Samuel Ashley, on April 4, 1842.  (Located near the present day Crooked Creek Church.  The spot is marked by a historical marker)

He was a justice of the peace in Livingston County as early as November 1823, and also served as a member of the state legislature from Livingston County before Crittenden County was formed, then when Crittenden county was formed, (Jan. 1942) he was appointed county treasurer, and he was also the first man in the newly formed county to solemnize the rites of marriage.

Joseph, at this time, was the oldest magistrate of the county(but was only 53) and by virtue of his office he would have been sheriff, but Joseph declined the post and recommended W. B. Hickman to be appointed in his stead.

Joseph married Mary Sellers on Jan. 12, 1809 in Livingston County. 

Also buried here are: 

• Louisa J. Crow, Born Sept. 16, 1839 and Died July 10, 1892.  She was the daughter of Francis and Adaline (Lynn) Gill.
• Martha P. W. Nunn, Born Jan. 31, 1819, Died Dec. 24, 1851.  Daughter of Joseph and Mary Sellars Hughes and wife of Otha Nunn.  Her full name was Martha Percenia Washington Hughes. (Could have died from childbirth, from child listed below)
• Martha P. W. Nunn, Born Dec. 3, 1851 and Died July 9, 1852.   (Daughter of Martha and Otha Nunn)

There are likely more of Joseph's family buried at the location, since no stone has been located for Joseph's wife, Mary Sellars Hughes, and she and Joseph had several more infants who died as infants and there are no stones for any of them.