James McHugh [1846-1898]: James was a first generation Irish-American, born to John and Sarah [Hickey] McHugh in Jo Davies Co., IL. The McHughs moved across the state line to Lafayette Co., WI about 1850. James grew up in Gratiot, but spent most of his adult life in neighboring Shullsburg. He married Louisa Wagner in 1874. The couple had 8 children, six growing to adulthood. James was a stone mason by trade. In 1896, James was diagnosed with spinal sclerosis. His right had would become paralyzed and he would become irritated easily. The family feared his sudden outbursts would cause them injury. James had been ill-tempered and may have been an alcoholic. He was placed in the State Hospital for he Insane. James died two years later and was buried in St. Matthew's Catholic Cemetery in Shullsburg.
Louisa Wagner [1849-1906]: Louisa was the daughter of John and Catherine [Laubscher] Wagner, born in Madison Co., MO. Her parents moved to Lafayette Co., WI about 1851. Louisa's father had died by 1855. She married James McHugh in 1874. Six years after James' death, Louisa moved her children to Chicago, where there were more opportunities. Eldest son, Jack, had opted for Galena and the cigar business. William had become a blast furnace foreman for Illinois Steel in Joliet in 1900. George, Charles and Frank all became machinists in Chicago. Daughter Josephine. would eventually marry Irishman Thomas Cox.
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