arbella arrington hughes
1880-1959
Life Story
Arbella Arrington Hughes was born on June 1, 1880, in the Altare community of Newton County, Mississippi, to Allen Arrington (1855–?) and Adeline Chapman Arrington (1854–?). She grew up in a rural farming household during a period of significant social and economic transition in the American South.
In 1898, she married John Hughes (1874–?), and together they established their home in the Altare community. Their union was blessed with twelve children, who would form the foundation of a large and enduring family line:
- Eva Hughes (1898–?)
- Adeline Hughes (1900–1919)
- Annie Hughes (1902–1918)
- Joe Hughes (1905–1988)
- Mattie Mae Hughes (1906–1966)
- Callie Mae Hughes (1907–1970)
- Cleveland Hughes (1910–1998)
- Lula Hughes (1913–?)
- Ella Hughes (1914–?)
- Mary Hughes (1916–?)
- Maybelle Hughes (1918–1919)
- Minnie Hughes (1920–2004)
Arbella completed the third grade of elementary school and, like many women of her generation, contributed significantly to the operation of the family farm. She worked as an unpaid farm laborer while also maintaining the household and caring for her large family.
In later years, after she and her husband were no longer able to farm, they resided with their grandson, Thomas Love, as recorded in the 1950 U.S. Census. As her health began to decline, the couple relocated to Chicago, Illinois, to live with their children and seek better access to medical care.
On October 7, 1959, Arbella passed away at the home of her daughter, Callie Mae Willis, in Chicago, at the age of 79.
Arbella’s religious life was deeply rooted in the church. She became a member of Altare Baptist Church early in life and later transferred her membership to a congregation in the St. Cloud community after the family relocated there. She was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.), whose chapter presided at her graveside service.
Following her death, Arbella’s body was transported by train back to Newton County for burial in her home community. Until her funeral, her body lay in state at the home of her son, Rev. Joe Hughes. Funeral services were held at Altare M.B. Church, with Rev. J.S. Spinks officiating, assisted by Rev. J.F. Moore, A. Moore, and Robinson.
Arbella was survived by her husband, John Hughes; five daughters — Mattie Mae Williams, Callie Mae Willis, Minnie Williams, and Mary Hughes, all of Chicago, and Everlene Hardy of Vicksburg; two sons — Rev. Joe Hughes and Cleveland Hughes, both of Newton; four sisters — Virgie Mosley of Chicago, Henrietta Lindsay and Janie Porter of St. Louis, Missouri, and Carrie Ann Arrington of Ellisville; and two brothers – Aaron Arrington of Newton and James Arrington of Denver, Colorado.
Her burial in the Altare M.B. Church cemetery marked her return to the community where her life began — a homecoming that symbolized her enduring connection to family, faith, and the land that shaped her life.
Resting Place
Altare Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1880 Federal Census
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, Arbella A. Hughes Obituary, Thu, Oct 15, 1959 ·Page 8
- The Newton Record, Mrs. Callie H. Willis Obituary, Wed, May 06, 1970 ·Page 2
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
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