The Bonham News
Friday, May 27, 1904
pg. 7

MAYOR IS ARRESTED
Sherman, May 20 - J.W.M. Hughes, mayor of the town of Whitesboro, Grayson County, was arrested this morning upon a Federal indictment returned by the Grand Jury at Sherman, charging him with being engaged in a conspiracy to set at naught the civil rights bill by the expulsion by force and intimidation of certain negro residents of the town and vicinity of Whitesboro.  His appearance bond placed at $2,500, which he at once furnished before United States Commissioner J.F. Holt and was released.
Mr. Hughes is an old and honored citizen of the community in which he lives, and has been mayor 4 terms.  His detention took place at 9 o'clock this morning, and as soon as word reached Whitesboro several prominent citizens came to his assistance at once, surety was secured here before their arrival.