HESS:

Hiram Hess and his wife, Mary (Fitzwater) Hess, with some sons and daughters, born in Fayette County, or farther east in old Virginia, were the first of this family to settle in Roane County; they came about the year 1852, made their home first on head waters of Poca in what is now Smithfield District. Hirams son, George, says Hiram Hess was the stone mason contractor who built the stone work of the Gauley bridge destroyed soon afterward in the Civil War. The names of the sons and daughters of the family, so far as we are informed are as follows:

Hannah, who married Solomon Brannon, mentioned in the Chapter: Smithfield District, also in Chapter: Spencer District.

Ephraini, later known as Captain Ephraim Hess, a soldier of the Civil War ,1861 to 1865 (mentioned in the Chapter: History of the County); also served in the war against the Indians known as the Nezperce War. On March 25, 1890, he married Sophronia Murphy, of Spring Creek, his age then 40, her age 20; they have made their home in the far West for many years, where, we are informed, they reared a family of children.

Evaline, daughter of Hiram and Mary Hess, married Henry Giles, lived many years near and in Spencer.

Frances, daughter of Hiram and Mary Hess, married Andrew Keffer, January 12, 1877.

George Hess, son of Hiram and Mary (Fitzwater) Hess, married, February 19, 1880, Henrietta, daughter of Marshall Glaze of Spring Creek; to George and Henrietta were born and by them brought up the following Sons and daughters: Floral, who married Dr. Ross Dodson, December 17, 1919, his age 37, her age 37; they make their home in the City of Charleston, West Virginia.

Beryl, who married George W. Wells, 1915, his age 27, her age 23.

Hobert and Harry, young bachelors; and Kate, who married Howard Marsh.


Source: History of Roane County, West Virginia, 1774-1927 William H. Bishop, Esq. p 548-549
Submitter: Sandy Spradling, November 28, 1999