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(July 10, 1820-March 28, 1891) A native of North Carolina, Hugh Ochiltree migrated to Texas in 1840. Settling first in Nacogdoches, he studied law in the office of his cousin William Beck Ochiltree, who became a prominent Justice and Texas statesman. In 1843 he moved to San Augustine, where he married Margaret Ann McKnight. During the Mexican War, Ochiltree volunteered for service and participated in the Battle of Monterrey. Shortly after the war he moved to Sabine Pass and operated a warehouse business with John G. Berry. In 1852 Ochiltree moved to Madison, now Orange. Here he established a mercantile and later developed a commission business in cotton, sugar, and molasses. His wife died in 1855 and the following year he wed Mary Josephine Shaw. An active Mason and a charter member of Madison lodge No. 126, Ochiltree was also a leader in public service. He served as Madison's first postmaster, as an Orange County Commissioner, and as county clerk. In addition, he was instrumental in the support of deep water ports on the Sabine and Neches rivers. During the Civil War he was provost marshal of Orange. His active leadership was vital to the early growth and development of the city. |
