For some time now, several researchers have concluded that George Hughes's(who married Rhoda Garrett) father was probably Edward Hughes:
Edward HUGHES b: Abt 1715 d: Bef 1752
+ Elizabeth GRIGSBY b: Abt 1710 d: Abt NOV 1783
While surfing and reading various documents last night I ran across something that caught my attention and my imagination. Here is what I found:
From the Colonial papers of North Carolina, Rowan County which later became Rutherford Co.
The first Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions met somewhere in the county in June, 1753. The place of its meeting is unknown.l The court chose a site for the public buildings of Rowan... and Edward Hughes was directed to obtain a grant of forty acres from Earl Granville's agents for this purpose. John Dunn and John Whitsett were appointed to see that the land was laid off in a suitable manner, and the latter was awarded the contract for 57 Col. Rec., IX, 927; State Rec., XXIII 973. 58 Col. Rec., IX, 116, 117, 461, 506. 59 Col. Rec., IX, 91-92. 60 Col. Rec., VII, 487. 61 Col. Rec., V, 162, 320, 575. 62 Col. Rec., VII, 539. 1 Rumple, 35
Prior to 1770 the following men served as sheriff of Rowan, in the order named: David Jones, Edward Hughes, Benjamin Miller, William Nassery, Francis Locke, Griffith Rutherford, Andrew Allison, and William Temple Cole.5
Some researchers believe that Edward Hughes died in 1752 and others say his death date is unknown. Perhaps by 1752,he had moved to Rowan, later Rutherford County. This could explain the Rutherford connection. This could of course have been a different Edward as well, perhaps a son.
There are differing reports as to where Edward's wife Elizabeth died. Some say VA and some say W. VA. She could have gone elsewhere after his death.
If you have information, ideas or comments, please post them. What I am giving is speculation, but I would love to have it proven one way or the other.