Cass County Connect
Cass County Judge
Travis Ransom
CASS COUNTY PIONEER PROFILE
This week’s Cass County Pioneer is the founder of one of Cass County’s historic communities. Reece Hughes was born on October 26, 1811, in Bedford County, Tennessee. Hughes first came to Texas, then a part of Mexico, as a young man of eighteen years old. He came as part of a large group of buffalo hunters, but hostile encounters with Native Americans forced him to return to Tennessee.
He traveled back to Texas, the independent Republic, in 1838, accompanied by his brother, Robert. Driven by tales of buried treasure along Trammel’s Trace, the Hughes brothers established a homestead near a deserted Choctaw village in what is now Hughes Springs.
The homestead was also near an iron-bearing spring, whose waters were believed to have healing properties. It was named Chalybeate Spring.
Hughes married Elizabeth Rose, daughter of William Pinkney Rose, an influential man with ties to the Regulator- Moderator War. Hughes’ homestead expanded into a profitable plantation, and Hughes enjoyed success in other business and philanthropic endeavors.
At its pinnacle, Hughes was one of the largest landowners in Cass County, and his cotton crops surpassed all others. Despite the plantation’s reliance on slave labor, Hughes was opposed to secession, leading him to be ostracized by many Confederacy supporters. This eventually caused Hughes to lose a large portion of his wealth, as many of his assets were seized.
The town of Hughes Springs formed around the Chalybeate Springs and Hughes’ plantation in the late 1870’s. Reece Hughes passed away on October 18, 1893, leaving behind a legacy as a foundational figure in the establishment and development of Hughes Springs, Texas.
Cass County Pioneer Profile by: Texas A&M-Texarkana Graduate Student Misty Golden
Employment Opportunities
Part Time - Veteran Services Officer - The VSO is a Cass County employee that will aid any county resident who served in the armed forces of the United States, and any orphan or dependent of the person, to prepare, submit, and present any claim against the United States or a State for benefits to which the person may be entitled under United States or State law.
Custodian - Responsible for maintenance of assigned county buildings and upkeep of the grounds. Perform all duties as required to maintain a good and clean environment. This includes but is not limited to dusting; sweeping; mopping, stripping, and waxing floors; cleaning and maintaining restrooms .
Blade Operator - Effectively operate various sizes and models of self propelled motor graders to spread and level dirt, gravel, stone, and other road materials to rough and fine grade specifications in construction and maintenance of county roads.
T-Line Driver - Ark-Tex Council of Governments Pay is $15.45/hour. This position is responsible for providing transportation services to all individuals, including persons with disabilities, in a safe and timely manner. This position must operate and maintain the T-Line vehicles.
Licensed Vocational Nurse - Community Health-Core-Atlanta:
The LVN serves as a clinical member of Crisis Stabilization Unit treatment team. The LVN is responsible for using the nursing process to meet the needs of clients according to the professional standards of nursing care.
Registered Nurse - Community HealthCore-Atlanta: Under the general direction of the Director of Nursing (DON) and the RCSU RN Nurse Manager is responsible for utilizing the nursing process to meet the needs of patients in the Rapid Crisis Stabilization Unit (RCSU) (involuntary extended observation unit and voluntary crisis residential unit) according to the professional standards of nursing care.
District Maintenance Specialist - TxDOT-Atlanta: responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining bridges across Northeast Texas. If you enjoy working outdoors, solving problems, and making a difference in your community, this is your chance to build a career with purpose. TxDOT offers competitive pay, great benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
Atlanta Fire Department - Firefighter/EMT positions: Paramedic Preferred. If applicant is EMT, applicant must obtain paramedic certification within two years from date of hire. If applicant is paramedic only, applicant will be sent to the fire academy.
Cass County Property Fraud Alert Program Cass County Property Fraud Alert Program notifies landowners of actions filed that impact their property title at the County Clerk’s Office. Click the button to sign up. It’s free!
Reach out to my office — P.O. Box 825 Linden, TX 75563 Phone: 903-756-5181, Ext. 0 Fax: 903-756-5732