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Below is a family biography included in the book,  Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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MILTON J. HESS, one of the representative and efficient business men of Hellertown, who is also well known throughout Northampton County, was born August 19, 1847, in the village where he now resides. Here his primary education was gained in the common schools, after which he prepared for college at Allentown Seminary. In 1866 he entered Franklin and Marshall College, from which institution he was graduated three years later with the degree of A. B. In 1872 the degree of M. A. was conferred upon him by the college.

At the close of his literary studies, Mr. Hess embarked in the drug business in Bethlehem, Pa., where he was proprietor of a retail drug store for the ensuing seven years. In 1876 he returned to Hellertown, where he formed a partnership with his brother, Jeremiah S., in the lumber and coal business, and the connection then formed has since continued. The firm does a large business in lumber and coal, and for reliability of transactions is favorably known throughout the county.

With the public affairs of Hellertown Mr. Hess has been closely identified, and has represented his fellow-citizens in a number of responsible positions. Elected Burgess of Hellertown in 1883, he served acceptably in that capacity for ten years, retiring from the office in 1893. While a resident of Bethlehem he was a member of the School Board. In his social connections he is identified with Hellertown Lodge, F. & A. M., and Zinzendorf Chapter. He is identified with the German Reformed Church, to the maintenance of which he is a liberal contributor. Politically he is a Democrat, firm in his allegiance to party principles.

In 1870 Mr. Hess was united in marriage with Miss Mary A., daughter of Aaron Bachman, of Lower Saucon, Northampton County. They are the parents of five children, namely: William J., deceased; Howard Samuel, who is a member of the Class of ‘95 in Lehigh University; Calvin R.; George, deceased; and Katie Eliza. The family is one of high social standing, and is worthy of the confidence and esteem of the people of the town.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in the book, Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company. 

View additional Northampton County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Northampton County, Pennsylvania Biographies

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