My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL HESS, an influential citizen of Three Oaks, and one of the prominent farmers of Berrien County, was born in Switzerland on New Year’s Day, 1832. His father, John L., was born in the Canton of Schaffhausen, northern Switzerland, February 18, 1809, and was reared to manhood in his native place, where he married Miss Elizabeth Peier. This lady was likewise a native of Switzerland, and died leaving two children, Samuel and John, the latter being a resident of La Porte, Ind. The second marriage of John L. Hess united him with Miss Magdalena Rusi, their union being a childless one. In 1851 the senior Mr. Hess emigrated to America and sojourned for a time in Lewisburg, Pa., whence he removed to Chicago. Later he went to Blue Island, Ill., and was employed on the railroad for about six months, coming from that place to Berrien County, Mich., and locating in Three Oaks Township, where he purchased land and engaged in farming. He remained on that place until his death, which occurred Septembers, 1888. He had been a successful farmer, having cleared a tract of sixty-five acres and converted it into one of the finest farms in Three Oaks Township. While in Switzerland he served in the militia and was for ten years in the artillery. After emigrating to the United States, he adopted the principles of the Democratic party and remained faithful to that political organization as long as he lived. In his religious connections he was identified with the German Lutheran Church.

At the time of emigrating to America the subject of this sketch was nineteen years of age. In the Old Country he had learned the trade of a shoe-maker, at which he was employed in Lewisburg, Pa., Chicago and Blue Island, Ill. When his father came to Berrien County he accompanied him hither, but after a sojourn of one year returned to Blue Island, where he stayed for twelve months. From that place he went to Niles, where he remained until October, and from there came to Three Oaks and established a shop, which he conducted until the fall of 1868. During that year he was elected Treasurer of Berrien County, and soon afterward entered upon the duties of that position, which he held for a period of six years, being twice re-elected and serving with credit to himself and to the universal satisfaction of the people. Upon the expiration of his term of office he returned to Three Oaks, where he embarked in the boot and shoe business, establishing a store, which he conducted until a stroke of paralysis, in April, 1877, forced him to retire. A few months later he purchased the farm upon which he now resides and which consists of ninety acres of well-improved land. In addition to this property he owns the old homestead, comprising sixty-five acres in an excellent state of cultivation.

At New Buffalo, Mich., on the 11th of September, 1856, Mr. Hess married Miss Minerva K. Plimpton, a native of Akron, Ohio, and the daughter of Rev. Billings Plimpton, a native of Massachusetts, and a prominent minister in the Methodist Church. Five children were born of this union, four of whom are now living. Henry L. is engaged in the general mercantile business at Three Oaks. Charles O. is the owner of a meat market at this place, in partnership with John Burkart. John M. is a salesman for a Chicago house. Anna E. is the wife of Frank W. Wells, Principal of the schools at Concord, Jackson County, Mich. Samuel W., on New Year’s Day, 1892, went out hunting with two other boys, by one of whom he was accidentally shot and killed, at the time lacking only a few days of being eighteen years old.

In his political affiliations Mr. Hess is a Republican. He has served as Constable, Town Clerk, Supervisor for three terms. Township Treasurer for two terms, member of the School Board, County Treasurer for three terms, and has also officiated as Justice of the Peace continuously since 1862, with the exception of the time when he was Treasurer. His interest in politics has always been active, and he has frequently been chosen to represent his party in the Congressional and county conventions. In his social connections he is identified with the Masonic fraternity and is a prominent member of the lodge at Three Oaks.