Calhoun County, AL – A reader’s discovery as they walked through the woods close to Coldwater Creek has revealed an undiscovered chapter in local history. The discovery sheds some light upon the history of Chesley Hughes who was the first to settle in Coldwater and a hero from the War of 1812.
Attracted into the notice of Calhoun Journal by an observant reader The neglected and overgrown graveyard plot for the family of Chesley Hughes is a tale of Chesley Hughes, who was born in the year 1782, in South Carolina, and his important contributions to the early growth of the Coldwater region.
Chesley Hughes was an American War of 1812 hero, died on February 15, 1845, and left his mark on Calhoun County, Alabama. The cemetery that was abandoned, hidden into the forest, is a poignant memory of the sacrifices of early colonists as well as the significance of protecting their memories.
The cemetery, also named Hughes Cemetery, serves as the final resting place, not just for Chesley Hughes, but also for His wife Margaret Hendrick Hughes. The couple, who were pioneers in the growth of this region, had 13 children each contributing in their own ways to the development and history of Calhoun County.
A list of kids which includes Denarbus William “Narvie” Hughes, Harley Jackson Hughes, Margaret Melissa Hughes, Rassellas Prince “Rass” Hughes, George Commodore Perry Hughes, Maranda Hughes, Amanda Hughes, Jasper Coffee Hughes, Mary Ann Hughes, Marcus DeLafayette Hughes, Martha Benton Hughes, Infant Son Hughes, and Missouri Martin Van Buren Hughes and reflects the family’s deep connections to the community.
The re-discovery of this historic cemetery offers a chance for people to revisit its history. A person who discovered the cemetery was a voice of manyothers “It is very sad that history has been lost.” The deteriorated condition of the cemetery is an opportunity to take action for local preservation efforts in order to ensure that the stories of pioneers such as Chesley Hughes last for future generations.
In the course of time, as Calhoun County reflects on its past as it reflects on its past, efforts to repair and preserve sites such as those in the Hughes Cemetery become crucial in conserving the rich history of the area. The story about Chesley Hughes, his wife and family is an illustration of the determination and determination of the early pioneers who laid the basis for the communities we live in today.
