Peter and Anna Maria Hess
Information comes from the family files at the Campbell County Historical Society in Alexandria. Additional information in blue added by Jim Birch 6 May 2013
Peter Hess was born February 13, 1840 in
Mittel-Grundau, Hesse, Germany, the son of Johannes Friedrich Hess
(1804-1868) and Ann
Elisabeth Weinel (1809-1845). His mother died January 21, 1845. Peter emigrated
to the United States with his father in 1856 and settled on a farm at Pond
Creek (now Claryville). His father died April 3, 1869.
Children of Johannes Friedrich Hess and Ann Elisabeth Wegmann
1. Heinrich Hess b-11 Aug 1831
2. Margaretha Hess b-29 Jan 1833; m-Wilhelm Kuchler 15 Jan 1857; d-1899
3. Katharina Maria Hess b-28 Nov 1834; m-Heinrich Kuhl 14 Dec 1859; d-6 Aug 1910
4. Wilhelm Hess b-23 Mar 1836; d-9 Mar 1837
5. Susanna Maria Hess b-1 Jan 1838; d-25 Feb 1840
6. Peter Hess b-13 Feb 1840; m-Anna Maria Wink 7 May 1863; d-17 Sep 1908
7. Johann Friedrich Hess b-14 July 1841; m-Mollie Barnosky
8. Susanna Maria Hess b-11 July 1843; m-Nichlaus Brickler 20 May 1860; d-8 Aug
1928
9. Wilhelm Hess b-8 Jan 1845; m-Catherine Minehart; d-18 Apr 1921 in Middletown
Oh
Peter married Anna Maria Wink 7 May 1863; she was born 26 Nov 1846 in Langenselbold, Hesse, Germany, the daughter of Conrad Wink (1824-1890) and Anna Catharina Eichelmann (1808-186?) Anna died 16 May 1891 and was buried in the Hess family plot at Alexandria Cemetery. The Wink family arrived in New Orleans Louisiana on January 26, 1855 aboard the ship Judith from Le Havre France. They settled in Alexandria. Following the death of his wife, Conrad Wink went to live with his son-in-law Petter Hess, in Claryville.
Peter and Anna Hess purchased a 68 1/2 acre farm in Claryville from the James Taylor estate for $950. Peter earned a reputation as one of the wealthiest and best known farmers in Campbell County. He became wealthy not only by farming but by raising and selling horses. One mare in particular was the foundation of his fortune. He sold $2000 worth of fine horses from her and the mare gave birth to a colt at the age of 27 years but the mare died shortly afterwards.
Peter was also a prominent figure in Campbell County politics. Although he was a Republican he was elected Treasurer of Campbell County on May 7, 1901 by the Democratic Fiscal Court after a bitter month long fight to elect a treasurer. He was unanimously re-elected Treasurer on April 7, 1903 and on April 4, 1905. He third term ended on April 7, 1907. He salary as Treasurer was $500 per annum and a bond of $25,000. He was also twice a candidate for Sheriff, but was defeated by Frank Betz and later by Julian Plummer.
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Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 November 1905, page 9
COUNTY TREASURER HESS STRICKEN
Peter, Hess, County Treasurer, was stricken with paralysis Monday and is reported i a serious condition at this home in Claryville. The paralytic stroke affected his entire left side and also his sight and speech. Mr. Hess is a wealthy farmer and has figured prominently in politics.
He was elected County Treasurer by the Fiscal Court after a three weeks balloting in a bitter contest. He is now serving his second term, having been elected the last time without opposition. Mr. Hess was twice a candidate for Sheriff on the Republican ticket, but was defeated each time, once by Frank Betz and again by Jule Plummer.
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Peter Hess was stricken with paralysis during his third term as Treasurer, which entirely disabled his left side and impaired his sight and speech. Although in feeble health, he died unexpectedly on September 17, 1908 at his home in Claryville. Services were held at St Paul's Lutheran Church in Alexandria and he was buried in the Alexandria Cemetery.
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Kentucky Post, Friday, 18 September 1908, page 5
Peter Hess, 69, county treasurer of Campbell co. died yesterday at his home in Claryville. He was stricken with paralysis some time ago and has been in bad health since. The funeral will place tomorrow afternoon, with services at St Paul's Lutheran Church, Alexandria.
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Children of Peter Hess and Anna Maria Wink
1. Henry Hess b-25 Dec 1864; m-Anna Elizabeth
Fausz 27 Feb 1889; d-31 Mar 1948
2. William Hess b-27 Feb 1867; d-31 Mar 1867
3. John Hess b-9 Aug 1869; m-Anna Meyers Turner 9 Nov 1906; d-1 Nov 1958
4. Anna Marie Hess b-12 Nov 1870; m-Frederick J Racke 27 Feb 1889; d-8 Sep 1928
5. Peter William Hess b-13 Dec 1872; m-Augusta Rodenberg 13 Dec 1904; d-5 July
1927
6. Katherine Margaret Hess b-8 June 1875; m-Herman Frederick Yung 29 Apr 1897;
d-3 July 1924 in Blue Ash Oh
7. Elisabeth Hess b-19 Oct 1878; m-William George Yung 10 Apr 1902; d-16 Jan
1950
8. Emilie Hess b-18 Oct 1879; d-18 June 1880
9. Louise Hess b-22 Dec 1880; m-John Schroath 18 June 1905; d-12 June 1932
10. William Conrad Hess b-18 Nov 1883; m-Anna Clara Racke 27 Oct 1907; d-31 Aug
1966