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ALBERT HENRY HESS, retired farmer and builder, now living in Gipsy, in Montgomery township, is in various connections one of the best known citizens of his part of Indiana county, his active business and public life having brought him into contact with most of the residents of that section. He was born in this county Nov. 27, 1843, son of Simon J. and Louisa (Reed) Hess, natives of New York who came here in 1842, settling in Montgomery (now Grant) township. The father was a carpenter and builder all his life, and also followed farming, having a farm of 150 acres. He died at the age of seventy-two years, the mother at the age of sixty-five. Albert Henry Hess received his education in the public schools, and as soon as he was able began to assist his father in his building operations, being thus employed until he entered the service during the Civil war. On Aug. 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company D., 135th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving with that regiment until May 30, 1863. He reenlisted July 1, 1863, joining Company E, 53rd Pennsylvania Regiment. Mr. Hess saw field service at the various battles of the Army of the Potomac, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Poe River, Spotsylvania, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, siege of Richmond, Ream's Station (where he was wounded in the foot), White Oak Road, Five Forks, Amelia Court House and Appomattox. Entering the service as a private Mr. Hess rose to be sergeant major and was eventually promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, being mustered out as such June 30, 1865. He participated in the grand review at Washington, D. C. Returning to his home in Grant township, Indiana county, Mr. Hess settled down to farming and also followed building, in which line he was in great demand, building nearly all the barns for miles around in his active days. He retired April 1, 1904. He has taken considerable part in local affairs, having served as road supervisor and on the election board at almost every election, and though a Republican in principle and interested in the success of his party he is independent in his support of measures and candidates. In the fraternal circles of this section he is well known, being a past grand in the I. O.O.F., a third degree member of the Knights of Pythias, and a member of the P. O. S. of A.
On Nov. 10, 1871, Mr. Hess married Margery E. Lydick, of Indiana county, daughter of James and Margaret (McConnahey) Lydick, farming people, all of North Mahoning township, this county. Mrs. Hess and her parents were all born in Indiana County. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hess: Ray L., who is in business as a hardware merchant at Indiana, Pa.; Laura L., now the wife of John T. Kane, a merchant of Glen Campbell; Blair D., contractor and builder, of Gipsy, Pa.; Frank W., a foreman on the railroad, living in Gipsy, Pa.; Bertha M., wife of C. D. Buchanan, a traveling salesman, of Gipsy, Pa.; and Maud, now the wife of Charles Judge, manager of the Burnside Supply Company, of Glen Campbell. Mr. and Mrs. Hess are members of the Christian Church and he is one of its most earnest supporters, having held the office of elder for fifteen years.  MASTER INDEX |