Aaron K. Hughes

Aaron Konkle Hughes (31 March 1822 – 4 May 1906) was a United States Navy rear admiral. He served as commander of the Pacific Squadron from 1883 to 1884. During the American Civil War, he commanded three Union Navy vessels.

Biography Hughes was born in Elmira, New York.

From January to June 1843, Hughes served aboard the receiving ship at the Norfolk Navy Yard. He was then assigned to the frigate in the Africa Squadron until Winter 1844. On 28 May 1844, Hughes was promoted to passed midshipman. From Fall 1845 to Spring 1846, he served aboard the frigate along the coast of Brazil. As prize-master, Hughes sailed the brig to Monrovia, Liberia where the 619 freed Africans were turned over to Rev. John Seys, the U.S. government agent there. He then sailed her to Norfolk, Virginia, where she was sold at auction for $3,500.

From December 1860 to April 1861, Hughes was assigned to the receiving ship at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Hughes retired from active duty on 31 March 1884, having reached the mandatory retirement age of sixty-two.

Personal Hughes was the son of John Hughes, who was born in Ireland, and Anna (Konkle) Hughes. His uncle, Aaron Konkle, was an attorney in Elmira, New York. His older brother, George Wurtz Hughes, was a civil engineer, U.S. Army officer and U.S. Congressman from Maryland.

Hughes married Anna "Annie" Humphreys (15 September 1823 – 6 August 1856). They had two daughters, one of whom died in infancy. After his wife's death, he married Marion D. Whelden (2 February 1838 – 11 March 1906). Hughes and his second wife are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.