He entered service into Company G April 20, 1861.

Taken prisoner of war outside of Baton Rouge while on picket October 5th, 1863.

Released from Libby prison July 2nd, 1864.

Entered service with the 44th Wisconsin Infantry August 26, 1864 along with younger brother Edwin Pendleton Hughes until the end of the war. He enlisted with a different middle initial "H". Following the war this reenlistment was found out and he was brought up on charges for reenlisting after being released as a POW. The charges were eventually dropped and he received his pension

He is also a brother of George Robert Hughes.

He was 5' 6"; complexion, light; color of eyes, blue; color of hair, red and occupation was a Printer.


The following is from his obituary:
Eleazer M. Hughes, aged 82 years, eldest son of late Col. James Hughes, died in New richmond last Saturday.

Mr. Hughes went with the first company from here in 1861, was taken prisoner and spent some months in Libby prison. After being exchanged he came back to Hudson where he re-enlisted and was assigned to Co. A, 44th Regiment Wis. Infantry.

Since the war he has lived most of the time in Boardman working at his trade of paperhanger.

He leaves besides the widow, two sons and two daughters.

The funeral was held in Boardman under the direction of the New Richmond G.A.R. Post. The comrades from Hudson were Anon Swanson, Garry Greene, Theodore Young and J.A. Andrews. The three latter served in the same regiment with Mr. Hughes.

He married Matilda Warner New Richmond, Wisconsin, November 26, 1876. Matilda was the daughter of Adam Warner and Marion Warner.