J. F. Hess

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His father,.Jacob F. Hess, who was also a native of the Old Country, was a miner by occur)ation and was employed in the iron mines of (Termany for many 3-ears. The numerous advantages to be derived from a residence in the United States, and particularly in Ohio, where many of his countrymen had made homes, were brought to his notice, and he decided to trust himself to Neptune's tender mercies and seek a home for himself in the New World. In 1846, he came with his family to America and made his way to Ohio, where he settled in Mnssilloii. He entered the coal mines, and this was his principal occupation until his death in 1853. He was married in his native country to Miss Catherine Bomerlin, a native of Baden, and she was his faithful helpmate and counselor until his death. She received her final summons in Massillon in 1884. Both parents were of the good old German Protestant stock, and were classed among the representative citizens of Stark County. Their entire family of five children grew to mature years, and three are now living. The children were as follows: Christine (who became Mrs. Snyder) died near Albion, Calhoun County, Mich.; Catherine died in Massillon; J. F., our subject; Philip, a skilled mechanic, in the employ of Hess, Snyder & Co., and Leonard, a partner in the firm of Hess, Snyder & Co.

Our subject's boyhood days, until nearly twelve years of age, were passed amid the beautiful scenery of the River Rhine, and his playmates were of his own nativity. Li the spring of 1846, the family went to Havre de Grace by way of Brazil and Paris, and made the journey in a large wagon, or what was termed in the United States in early day's a "prairie schooner," drawn by four horses. They took passage at Havre de Grace on the steamer "South Carolina," and fort'-nine days later landed at New York. They then came up the Hudson River to Albany, where they took the Erie to Buffalo, thence by steamer to Cleveland and by canal to Massillon.

The little schooling our subject received had been in the German language, and after reaching this country he picked up the English language without an instructor. All the knowledge he received in this way was by application and oljservation, but being naturally very apt and studious he became unusually well posted on all subjects. Almost as soon as he reached Massillon, he entered the coal mines and there worked for six years, after which he was apprenticed to learn the tinsmith trade with Patridge & Co., with whom he remained one year, then went with James JacolM, remaining with him from 1852 to 1857. In the spring of the latter year, he started for California by way of the Isthmus, and after reaching San Francisco remained there a short time engaged in his trade in order to rc)lenish his purse, With i'ORTRAlT AND two others, he then went North to the Cisque Mountains. Oregon, where he began prospecting and mining in place diggings for over three yeai-s. in which he met with considerable success. He lived in regular miner's style, and when not engjiged in mining was hunting wild animals that everywhere abounded. Indians were frequently seen but they were very peaceable and friendly, and he visited several Indian camps along the coast. While engaged in mining, our subject also ran a blacksmith shop in connection, and mine-s would come from four to six miles to have their tools sharpened. Thev were at times obliged to go quite a distance for provisions and supplies. At one time, when it w.as Mr. Hess' turn to go for provisions, the snow was ten feet deep and the place where he w:is to get his supplies was eight miles away. Not having any snow shoes, he made a pair from hoops taken from a tub, covered them with canvas and had very little trouble in making the trip. Newspapers were seldom seen in those days, but when they were received were read and re-re.nd many times. He paid $1 a paper for two years when they could be bought for fifty cents apiece.

In the fall of ISliO. he returned to Massillon. Ohio, stopping on the w.iy a short time at mexico and Aspinwall. Panama. After reaching Massillon, Mr. Hess followed his trade, and in partnership with a Mr. Smith, began dealing in stoves, etc.. on South Erie.Street. This partnership Lasted about three years, when Mr. Hess started in business for himself on North Erie Street, and later his brother Leonard became his partner, and they conducted the business under the firm name of.1. F. Hess A- Brother from 1866 to 1882. Tiiey added plumbing and gas fitting, and in a few months were doing the most extensive business of any firm in the city. They built the brick block Nos. 9 and 11, and Mr. Hess now owns that. They also started a stove foundry at the corner of Erie and North Streets, and continued both enterprises until 1882. when they sold their tin store to Snyder it Schworm. and their plumbing and gas fitting department to Knapp iv- Dillon. In 1882, they formed a partnoi-ship with Snyder Bros, under the name of Hess, Snvder A- Co.. and Ihev now carry on the manufacture of hot air furnaces, cook and heating stoves, as well as a machine and repair shop. They have met with remarkable success and have the largest enterprise of the kind in Massillon. Aside from this, Mr. Hess is the owner of considerable I cal estate in the city, and has a very comfortable and ])pleasant home on Oak Hill, where he owns several acres and has a lx\iutiful yard and drive.

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As printed in Portrait biographical record of Stark county, Ohio. Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the Unit (1892). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.