Robert Patterson Hughes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Patterson Hughes
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Ness County Echo (Ness City, Kansas), March 15, 1902
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| Born | April 11, 1839 Canonsburg, Pennsylvania |
| Died | October 27, 1909 (aged 70) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Buried |
Grove Street Cemetery, New Haven, Connecticut
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| Allegiance | Union United States |
| Service/ |
Union Army United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1903 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Unit | U.S. Army Infantry Branch U.S. Army Inspector General's Office |
| Commands held | 199th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment Inspector General of the United States Army (acting) First Separate Brigade, Military Department of the Visayas First Military District of the Philippines Military Department of the Visayas Department of California |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War American Indian Wars Spanish–American War Philippine–American War |
| Alma mater | Jefferson College (attended) |
| Spouse(s) | Clara Henrietta Terry (m. 1876-1891, her death) |
| Relations | Alfred Terry (brother-in-law) |
Robert Patterson Hughes (born April 11, 1839, died October 27, 1909) was an important American military leader. He served in the army for over 40 years, from 1861 to 1903. He rose to the high rank of major general.
Born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Robert went to school and even taught for a while. He left college to join the Union Army during the American Civil War. He quickly showed his leadership skills, becoming a colonel by the end of the war. After the Civil War, Hughes joined the United States Army. He took part in the American Indian Wars and worked closely with his brother-in-law, Major General Alfred Terry.
By the mid-1880s, Hughes became a major and started working as an inspector general. This role meant he checked how well army units were working. During the Spanish–American War in 1898, he was promoted to brigadier general. He served in the Philippines with Major General Elwell Stephen Otis. Hughes stayed in the Philippines during the Philippine–American War, leading the Military Department of the Visayas.
After returning to the United States, Hughes was promoted to major general. He commanded the Department of California. He retired in 1903 when he reached the age of 64. Robert Patterson Hughes passed away in Philadelphia on October 27, 1909. He was buried in Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven, Connecticut.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Robert Hughes was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania on April 11, 1839. His parents were Samuel L. Hughes and Manilla (McClelland) Hughes. He grew up in western Pennsylvania, attending public schools in Hopewell. He also studied at academies in Cross Creek and Buffalo.
After his studies, he became a school teacher and taught in local schools. He then attended Jefferson College in Canonsburg. However, he left college before finishing his degree. He decided to join the military when the American Civil War began.
Joining the Army
Robert Hughes joined the Union Army on April 25, 1861, at the start of the American Civil War. He began as a private in the 12th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. This unit served for three months. He was discharged with his unit on August 5, 1861.
On October 11, 1861, Hughes joined the 85th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment as a first lieutenant. He was promoted to captain on May 20, 1862. Later, on December 6, 1864, he left this unit to join the 199th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. The next day, he became the lieutenant colonel, which meant he was the second-in-command.
When his commander was promoted, Hughes took charge of the regiment. He served until the war ended on June 28, 1865. He was recognized for his bravery during the Union Army's attack on Fort Gregg in Virginia. For this, he received a special promotion to colonel.
Post-Civil War Service
After the Civil War, Robert Hughes continued his military career in the United States Army. On July 28, 1866, he became a captain in the 18th United States Infantry. He was promoted to major on March 2, 1867, for his good conduct at Fort Gregg. On July 5, 1870, he moved to the 3rd United States Infantry.
Hughes took part in several American Indian Wars, including the Great Sioux War of 1876. During this time, he worked as an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to his brother-in-law, Major General Alfred Terry. General Terry led one of the army groups fighting Native American tribes in Montana. Hughes even wrote about the actions of George Armstrong Custer during the Battle of the Little Bighorn. He worked with General Terry for eleven years.
On February 19, 1885, Hughes was promoted to major and became an inspector general for the 3rd Infantry Regiment. He continued to work in the Army's Inspector General department. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on March 11, 1885, and colonel on August 31, 1888. He even acted as the Inspector General of the United States Army for a time.
Service in the Philippines
During the Spanish–American War, Hughes served in the Philippines. He was part of the staff of Elwell Stephen Otis, who commanded the Eighth Army Corps. On June 3, 1898, he was promoted to brigadier general. He became the chief of staff for the corps on June 23.
Hughes also served as the provost marshal (military police chief) for the city of Manila. In February 1899, a large fire threatened Manila. Hughes led the army's efforts to fight the fire and was praised for his actions. He later commanded the First Military District.
Hughes stayed in the Philippines during the Philippine–American War. In May 1900, he was part of a U.S. group that talked with Filipino fighters. On May 25, 1900, he was named commander of the Department of the Visayas. He was promoted to brigadier general in the regular army on February 25, 1901.
Later Career and Retirement
After returning from the Philippines, General Hughes commanded the Army's Department of California. He received his final promotion to major general on April 1, 1902. Robert Hughes ended his military service in April 1903. This was because he reached the mandatory retirement age of 64.
After retiring, Hughes lived in the Overbrook area of Philadelphia. He was involved in military organizations like the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He was also active in the United Spanish War Veterans. A local post in Buffalo, Pennsylvania, was named in his honor.
Death and Legacy
Robert Patterson Hughes passed away at his home in Philadelphia on October 27, 1909. He was buried in Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven, Connecticut. This was his wife's hometown.
In 1910, Fort Hughes was named after him. This was a military post on Caballo Island in Manila Bay, Philippines. Fort Hughes was an active U.S. Army post through World War II. Today, the Philippine Navy controls the island. You can still see parts of the old forts and batteries there.
Family Life
In 1876, Robert Hughes married Clara Henrietta Terry (1835-1891). Clara was the sister of Major General Alfred Terry, who was also Robert's brother-in-law. Robert and Clara did not have any children. After Clara's death in 1891, Robert often visited her family in Connecticut.
