James H. Hughes

This article is about the lawyer and politician from Delaware. For other uses, see James Hughes (disambiguation).

James H. Hughes
United States Senator from Delaware
In office January 3, 1937 – January 3, 1943
Preceded by	Daniel O. Hastings
Succeeded by	C. Douglass Buck
Delaware Secretary of State
In office 1897–1901
Governor	Ebe W. Tunnell
Preceded by	William H. Boyce
Succeeded by	Caleb R. Layton
Personal details
Born	James Hurd Hughes (1867-01-14)January 14, 1867 Felton, Delaware, U.S.
Died	August 29, 1953(1953-08-29) (aged 86) Lewes, Delaware, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Caroline Taylor
Residence(s)	Dover, Delaware, U.S.
Profession	Lawyer

James Hurd Hughes (January 14, 1867 – August 29, 1953) was an American lawyer and politician from Dover, in Kent County, Delaware. He was a member of the Democratic Party who served as U.S. Senator from Delaware.

Early life and family

Hughes was born in Kent County, Delaware, near Felton, the son of Rebecca (Hurd) and Ebenezer Hughes. He attended the Collegiate Institute in Dover, taught school for a few years, studied law, and was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1890. Along with his law practice, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits and banking.

Political career

Senator James H. Hughes (D-Del.), Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. George Schwartz, mother of Welch, George Schwartz, his stepfather, and Lieutenant George Welch with F. D. R. at the White House, May 25, 1942

Hughes served as the Delaware Secretary of State from 1897 until 1901. He ran for governor of Delaware in 1916 but was defeated by Republican John G. Townsend Jr., a businessman from Selbyville, Delaware. Twenty years later, in 1936, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Daniel O. Hastings. During this term, he served with the Democratic majority in the 75th, 76th, and 77th congresses.

Hughes lost his bid for a second term in 1942, losing the Democratic Party nomination to E. Ennalls Berl. In all, he served from January 3, 1937, until January 2, 1943, during the administration of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. After completing his term in the Senate, he returned to the practice of law. All the while, from 1905 until his death, he was a director of the Farmers' Bank of Delaware.

Death and legacy

Hughes was married to Caroline Taylor. Their great-granddaughter is actress Perrey Reeves.

Hughes died at Lewes and is buried in the Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Cemetery at Dover.

His home, Wheel of Fortune, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Almanac

Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1. U.S. Senators are popularly elected and take office January 3 for a six-year term.

Public offices
Office	Type	Location	Began office	Ended office	Notes
Secretary of State	Executive	Dover	1897	1901	Delaware
U.S. Senator	Legislature	Washington	January 3, 1937	January 3, 1943	class 2

United States congressional service
Dates	Congress	Chamber	Majority	President	Committees	Class/District
1937–1939	75th	U.S. Senate	Democratic	Franklin D. Roosevelt		class 2
1939–1941	76th	U.S. Senate	Democratic	Franklin D. Roosevelt		class 2
1941–1943	77th	U.S. Senate	Democratic	Franklin D. Roosevelt		class 2

Election results
Year	Office		Subject	Party	Votes	%		Opponent	Party	Votes	%
1916	Governor		James H. Hughes	Democratic	24,053	47%		John G. Townsend Jr.	Republican	26,664	52%
1936	U.S. Senate		James H. Hughes	Democratic	67,136	53%		Daniel O. Hastings	Republican	52,469	41%

References

• Carter, Richard B. (2001). Clearing New Ground, The Life of John G. Townsend, Jr. Wilmington, Delaware: The Delaware Heritage Press. ISBN 0-924117-20-6.

Images

• Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

External links

• Media related to James H. Hughes at Wikimedia Commons
• Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Delaware's Members of Congress
• James H. Hughes at Find a Grave
• The Political Graveyard