HESS, MRS. MARY, has proven in her successful work at farming and dairying that her sex is fully competent to conduct large interests and provide for those dependent upon them. Mrs. Hess was born in Germany, January 28, 1861, a daughter of Christian and Margarette (Gunder) Blum, farming people, who were born in Germany. When she was twenty-one years old, Mrs. Hess came alone to Cass County from Germany, and on May 14, 1883, married Henry Hess, who was born in Germany, May 14, 1845, a son of Henry and Catherine (Bellhour) Hess. During Mr. Hess' lifetime they lived on a farm near Concord for eighteen months; then moved to one near the Stock school in Cass County, but a year later went to Beardstown and bought a home, going then into the dairy business, but as Mr. Hess' health failed, they returned to farm life. The change did not prove beneficial, however, and he died, leaving his widow with seven children, the oldest being but ten years old. Many women would have been discouraged, for the long illness of Mr. Hess had reduced their finances, and when left a widow she had to commence at the bottom. She was brave and resourceful, however, and continued in the dairy business and engaged also in farming. As her children grew older, they gave her assistance, so that she made visible progress, and now owns a very valuable farm of 394 acres on which she still carries on farming and dairying. Mrs. Hess also owns 160 acres in Beardstown South Drainage District. The Lutheran church holds her membership.

Mr. and Mrs. Hess had seven children, as follows: Louis C., Charles F. W., Hattie M., Frank J., Zelma M., Rudolph and Mabel E. Mrs. Hess is a very industrious and capable business woman and deserves full credit for what she has accomplished in the face of so many serious discouragements.