Firm had cattle ranching, mercantile, and mining interests. The long term business partners would also become brothers-in-law when they ended up marrying sisters. Hughes marriage came on May 27, 1862 when he wed Atanacia Santa Cruz. The couple had 10 children. Hughes became one of Tucson's richest residents and was an organizer for Tucson's first bank. Politically, Hughes was elected to the 2nd Arizona Territorial Legislature but declined to attend. He was a member of the Tucson city council for seven years and refused to accept the position of mayor. He served as Pima County sheriff and county treasurer. In 1871, Hughes was appointed Arizona Territory's adjutant-general by Governor Anson P.K. Safford. That same year he was allegedly involved with the Camp Grant Massacre, supposedly providing supplies to the assailants but not participating in the attack itself. Called "Uncle Sam" by the citizens of Tucson, Hughes became known for his philanthropic activities. He donated land and money for the construction of both churches and schools as well as donating to the poor and grubstaking prospectors. Hughes was a 32nd degree mason and one of the organizing members of the Arizona Pioneers Historical Society. Hughes died on June 20, 1917 in Tucson. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery.