Joseph Hughes, Quartermaster

Joseph Hughes was born at Holyhead on the 7 April 1866. He was the son of Hugh and Elizabeth Hughes (nee Williams) and the husband of Ellen Hughes (nee Owen). They married at Holyhead on 21 March 1892. In 1901 they lived at 2 Millbank Gardens, Holyhead. By 1911 the family had moved to 27 Llaingoch, Holyhead and comprised Joseph Hughes (44), Ellen Hughes (42), William John Hughes (18), employed as a Steward, Hugh Hughes (15), employed as an Errand Boy, Joseph Hughes (7) and Emrys Hughes (2). There was also an elder daughter, Elizabeth (Lizzie). His widow Ellen lived until the age of 81 years and died in 1949.

He worked for the LNWR for 30 years. He was Senior Quartermaster on the Connemara. Joseph was reported to be a strong swimmer, and the family recalls that he managed to swim to shore and died there of fatigue coupled with hyperthermia. Another family memory is of his son Joe going to the harbour to meet his father off the ship, as was his usual practice, to be told to “Go home as your father will not be coming home today”

His wife, Ellen, received compensation of £4 a month.