Thomas Hughes (1788-1860)
Thomas Hughes (c1788-1860) of the Oxmantown Iron Foundry, North King Street, Dublin
1827 'SHANNON NAVIGATION COMPANY -The Trustees of this Company have now the pleasure of announcing the completion of their Steam Vessel, the "Mountaineer", Captain M'Elheren, and the satisfactory result of the trial of this vessel across Lough Derg, on Wednesday last, in the afternoon of which day she proceeded from Portumna to Killaloe, and on the following afternoon, with a strong-head wind, returned to the former place, having fully satisfied the best expectations of the Trustees who accompanied her.
This beautiful vessel was built in Dublin, under the immediate inspection of the Trustees, who have spared neither expense nor pains to render her in every respect applicable to the service, for which she intended, and having been constructed in the strongest manner and possessing upwards of a forty-horse power, they can with confidence anticipate an uninterrupted plying of their Trading Vessels between Limerick and Dublin, at all seasons of the year. ..... The simplicity of construction and the great power of the Engine which was built by Mr. Thomas Hughes, of North King-street, Dublin, on an improved principle, added to the circumstance of its being the first Marine Engine constructed in Ireland, are subjects of much gratification to the Trustees, and of the highest commendation to Mr. Hughes for his skill and Ingenuity.' [1]
1837 Advertising for sale a 6hp steam engine; he was also selling chairs and benches suitable for "gardens and pleasure grounds".[2]
1850 Thomas Hughes' business address given in the Dublin City Directory as 84 and 103 North King (steam engine manufactory and foundry).
c.1858, Richard Turner took over the foundry of Thomas Hughes at 103 North King Street. c.1860 he transferred ownership of the foundry to his son William Turner, who expanded the foundry into two adjacent buildings (Nos.104 and 105). He continued in business there until his death in 1888 [3]
1860 May 14th. Died. 'May 14. at the residence of his son-in-law. Lower Mount Street, of disease of the heart, Mr. Thomas Hughes, late proprietor of the Oxmantown Foundry, North King Street, aged 72 years.'[4]