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Roland Hughes was born in Plattsburg, Missouri, March
20, 1855, the son of Colonel John F. Hughes, who was killed in the
battle of Independence shortly after being brevetted
brigadier-general. The boy Roland was just eight years old at
the time, and with his mother and brothers began the work of making a
living on the farm. He worked early and late, but manage to
secure some schooling, and later in his teens contrived a course in
William Jewel College at Liberty. He then taught school for a
while in Clinton County, and with the money thus saved read law in the
office of Governor Ingles in Plattsburg, and was admitted to the bar
in 1876. His first act was to sell the reversion in his mothers
dower interest in the farm, buying it in for her. Lawyers denied
that it could be done, but the Supreme Court upheld the youthful
Roland in his generosity. He began the practice of law in
Plattsburg, and his ability soon brought him into political
prominence. He was elected twice to the office of Prosecuting
Attorney, and the nature of the man was admirably shown by his
disposition of the salary. The first term's pay went to build a
house on the farm for his mother, and the second to educate his two
younger brothers.
Mr. Hughes came to Kansas City in 1887, and
formed a partnership with General Byron Sherry, which continued until
the latter's removal from the city.
The firm of Witten & Hughes was then
formed, which continued until the election of Mr. Hughes to the office
of Prosecuting Attorney in 1902.
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