CHARLES L. HESS
Charles L. Hess, a successful farmer and large stockraiser, was born in Rockingham County, Va., September 3, 1850, and received his education in the schools of that county. He was a resident of Virginia during the War of the Rebellion. In February, 1876, he removed to Tazewell County, where he worked by the month for a few years, and then purchased a farm on Section 32, Hopedale Township. This tract he cultivated and otherwise improved, and, selling the place, bought another farm on Section 26 and 27, one-half mile west of the village of Hopedale, where he now resides.
Mr. Hess was married in Hopedale, during the year 1887, to Miss Laura Strange, who was born November 1, 1864, in Menard County, Ill. She was the daughter of C. W. and Anna (Turner) Strange, who came from Kentucky at an early day and settled in Menard County, where the father engaged in farming. He, with his wife, has passed away.
Mr. Hess has a family of three children, whose names are: Virginia, Mary Ethel, and Eunice Charlotte. He is a Democrat, and, in his religious belief, a Methodist. He has for several years satisfactorily filled the position of School Director, and is a member of the Order of Woodmen, No. 3007.
Joseph Hess, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Augusta County, Va., in the year 1810, and married Anna Rowdybush, daughter of Whiteside Rowdybush, a native of Switzerland. She was born in Rockingham County, Va., 1812, and died in 1874. Mr. Hess resided in Virginia until he was quite old, and then became a resident of Illinois, living with his son until his death in 1899.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 1021