By: Kirk Walstedt, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

Michael McHugh was born on Sept. 22, 1850, on the family farm on Concession 5 in Maidstone Township. His parents, Michael Sr. and Ellen, were both born in Ireland — he in 1808 and she in 1809. They were among the early pioneers of Maidstone Township, immigrating from County Cavan in 1845 after a difficult seven‑week voyage on a sailing vessel.

Conditions aboard ships carrying immigrants from Europe to Canada in the mid‑19th century were often perilous, particularly for those with limited means seeking a new life. Many vessels were converted from cargo carriers into crude passenger ships with few comforts. The dark holds were overcrowded, and those travelling in steerage were confined to narrow wooden bunks, often no more than 18 inches wide and six feet long. As many as 300 people could be packed into a ship with poor ventilation.

Passengers were typically responsible for providing their own food — salted meat, fish and oatmeal — which frequently spoiled during the long crossing, leading to widespread malnutrition. The lack of proper sanitation and clean drinking water contributed to outbreaks of typhus and other contagious diseases. Upon arrival at ports such as Quebec, passengers were often quarantined, where illness spread rapidly and many died. So great were the losses that hundreds, if not thousands, were buried in mass graves.

Michael Sr. and Ellen were among the fortunate who arrived in Canada in relatively good health. They travelled directly to Maidstone Township, where several families from their home county had recently settled.

Michael Jr., the youngest in the family, grew up on the homestead and attended district schools. He later studied in Toronto to become a teacher, a profession he held for 25 years. In September 1873, he married Mary Jane McPharlin, daughter of Hugh and Margaret McPharlin. The couple had 14 children. Two daughters married into the McCloskey and Murphy families, both still familiar names in the Greater Maidstone area.

In 1874, Michael and Mary Jane sold a quarter‑acre lot from the family farm for the construction of Maidstone Township’s first town hall. The building was destroyed by fire in 1915 and replaced with a brick structure that served as the town hall until 1964. In 1984, the building was restored and became the Maidstone Bicentennial Museum, offering visitors insight into the township’s early history.

The couple remained on the original homestead for several years. In 1885, they purchased a large parcel of land on North Middle Road — now County Road 46 — in Woodslee. Their home was described as a fine brick residence with ample room for their large family.

In 1892, Michael was appointed Maidstone Township clerk and later served as one of Essex County’s auditors.

Mary Jane died on Nov. 4, 1909. After her passing, Michael remained in the Woodslee home. He continued as township clerk and county auditor for two more years before retiring to a quieter life on the farm. Many of his children lived nearby, keeping the McHugh home lively.

In June 1927, Michael’s youngest son, Francis, an attorney in Detroit, became seriously ill. His condition worsened over several weeks. Michael visited often, hoping for his recovery. On July 17, the family was notified that Francis was in critical condition. As Michael crossed the street to enter the hospital, he was struck by a vehicle and killed. Francis died later that same day. Their sudden passing was a profound loss to the McHugh family and the wider community.

Michael was remembered as “one of the leading instructors of the County of Essex and one of Maidstone’s most public‑spirited, ambitious men whose efforts had always been directed toward good municipal government and improvement.”

The Biographical Commemorative Record of Essex County, Maidstone Township: An Historical Review, and the Walstedt Archives were valuable resources in preparing this story.