HESS, Fredric C. 1838-1916

HESS, CLINE

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 9/28/2016 at 10:19:20

Melrose Pioneer Dies At His Home In Conrad

F. C. Hess, Old Soldier and Pioneer Settler, Passed Away Saturday at His Home

Lived In Grundy County 50 Years

Funeral Service Was Held from the Alice Church Monday, Rev. Elliott Officiating

In the passing of F. C. Hess of Conrad last Saturday Grundy county lost one of its earliest pioneers, for Mr. Hess had lived in the county for fifty years. Mr. Hess settled in Melrose township in May 1866 and he was intimately connected with the growth and development of that part of the county. For the past nine years Mr. Hess has lived in Conrad. The following obituary was handed the Republican by an intimate friend of the family and gives in detail the story of Mr. Hess's life here.

The funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2:30 at Alice church, conducted by Rev. Elliott, the pastor. Burial was made in Alice cemetery.

Obituary
Knew ye not that there is a Prince, A Mighty Man fallen this day in Israel. 2nd Samuel 3:28

Fredric C. Hess was born in Nigold, Wortenburg, Germany, April 29, 1838, and died in his home in Conrad, Iowa, November 25, 1916, aged 78 years, 6 months and 26 days.

Frederic C. was the third son of Mr. Lewis and Marie Hess. He was stirring and energetic; quiet of manner; a lover of home; a great and princely man.

He, with his two older brothers, left Germany when he was sixteen years old, their voyage was long, they were forty-nine days on their way, landing in New York City without a dollar in his pocket.

He spent six months working at his trade, after this he came to Carroll county, Illinois where he labored on the farm until in August of 1862 when he was married to Tobitha A. Cline, the oldest daughter of Elder Jacob M. Cline, a pioneer minister of the Church of God.

Only a few days after their marriage he enlisted in the 104 Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company C, and served this country in three years of faithful service as a private in the front ranks. The stories of his war experiences were always thrilling, though not boastful, yet they manifest the spirit of bravery and faithfulness for this noble cause.

Shortly after the war he moved his family from Carroll county, Ill., to Grundy county, Iowa, making the trip over land by covered wagon, reaching here fifty years ago last May. He purchased and located on the place which is now known as the Hess farm in Melrose township. Those were pioneer days, filled with trials and experiences of hardship and toil. They were poor and the times were hard and everything was high. They gave use of the best part of their dwelling house for school services during the day time, boarding the teacher, Mrs. Josie Hall now of Eldora, Iowa. Here Mr. and Mrs. Hess made their home, raised their family and were loathed to leave the old homestead nine years ago when they came to Conrad.

Mr. Hess was enterprising, ready to help any progressive movement, or assist the weak or unfortunate brother. Always among the first in the community to encourage any new thing that would be a benefit to the community.

A few years ago, feeling the burdens of life weighing upon him and wishing to serve his children in the best possible manner he divided a large portion of his property equally among his children, retaining only such as he deemed necessary for his home needs.

Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hess--four sons and four daughters; one son and one daughter have preceded him to the other world. The children are Louie R. Hess of Grundy Center, Charles H. of Marshalltown, John M. of Oskaloosa, Mrs. George Harris of Grundy Center, Mrs. Willis G. Daggett and Mrs. May H. Primrose of Conrad, Ia. Father Hess had an active christian experience. He was a charter member of the Church of God at place which was organized fifty years ago this month. Since that time he has been active, holding many responsible positions, serving as Elder and Deacon and other like positions, filling each with good acceptance. He was unwavering in his religious duties in the home and in the church, always standing firmly for what he believed to be right.

The family alter was a source of daily strength for his soul, here the family and community were daily lifted to the Throne of God in prayer.

Politically he was a republican and had no small influence over others. He did not seek publicity but was honored by the position of County Supervisors which position he filled in his usual puctual manner.

His hope was steadfast and his faith was safely anchored in Jesus. He taught a Sunday school class in the Presbyterian church since coming to Conrad and to this trust he was faithful--less than three weeks before his death he was there in his accustomed place.

He leaves to mourn his departure a devoted wife with whom he has shared his joys and sorrows for nearly fifty-five years, six children, thirty-two grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Lizzie Hess of Mt. Carroll, Ill., and Mrs. Mary Sauers of Frederickshaven Germany and a host of friends.

--The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 30 November 1916, pg 1, 8