It might well be said that the success of Herman Hess should be measured by his friends rather than by his wealth, although in business affairs he has made for himself a creditable position and now occupies an enviable place in financial circles in Meriden, being the president of the Meriden National Hank. He has become even more widely known, however, as a public official and one over whose record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. He has long filled the office of city clerk and his record has throughout the entire period been most creditable. Meriden is proud to number him among her native sons. He was here born April 4, 1861, his parents being Frederick and Johanna (Yobke) Hess. His father was one of the first citizens of German birth to settle in this part of Connecticut and for eighteen years he was employed in connection with the mechanical department of the Meriden Britannia Company, working as a burnisher until his death. His life, honorable and upright at all times, gained for him the respect and goodwill of those with whom he came in contact. At the time of the Civil war he proved his loyalty to his adopted country by joining the Union army and participating in many hotly contested battles in the south. He was afterward an honored member of Meriden Post, G. A. R., and both he and his wife were consistent followers of the German Lutheran church, in which they held membership. The death of Frederick Hess occurred in the year 1898.

Herman Hess attended the public schools of Meriden only until he reached the age of eleven years, when he felt it necessary to provide for his own support and secured the position of cash boy in the store of W. H. Babb. That he was faithful, capable and loyal is indicated in the fact that he remained in that store for five years, winning various promotions in the meantime and displaying the elemental strength of his character through devoting his evening hours to study at home in order that he might better qualify for greater responsibilities in life. In the course of years he has become a most well informed man, adding to his knowledge through reading, study and experience. In 1877 he secured a clerical position with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, serving in the freight offices of the company both in Meriden and in New Haven, while for one year he was connected with the ticket department. In 1882 he was made bookkeeper for the Meriden Malleable Iron Company and for five years was associated with that concern, winning a well merited reputation as a skillful and accurate accountant. In later years he has figured prominently in financial circles. He became a director of the Meriden Savings Bank and was elected to the directorate of the Meriden National Bank, of which he afterward became the vice president and is now the president and as such is directing the affairs of the institution. He has acquired intimate and accurate knowledge of the banking business and is actuated in all that he does by a most progressive spirit.

Mr. Hess is perhaps even more widely known because of his public service, which began in 1883, when he was elected to fill a, vacancy in the office of city auditor. In 1886 he was chosen town clerk and registrar of vital statistics, and at the following city election in the same year he was called by popular ballot to the office of city clerk and has been reflected each subsequent year to date. Such is his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him that he was nominated by both parties in 1892, although it was well known that he received his first nomination from the democratic party. He has ever labored untiringly for the interests of the city and in office carefully systematized the duties devolving upon him, his work being most thoroughly done. In fact, his efforts have come to be regarded as invaluable and a contemporary biographer spoke of him as one who "has naturally become one of the leading citizens of the town and no resident enjoys perhaps a larger personal popularity."

On the 28th of May, 1883, Mr. Hess was united in marriage to Miss Eugenia De Crosby Pomeroy, a daughter of Norman W. and Ruth Ann (Norwood) Pomeroy. They have become parents of two children, but the younger, Ruth Imogene, died in 1887, the surviving son being Raymond Pomeroy.

Mr. and Mrs. Hess attend St. Paul's Universalist church. He is prominently known as a Mason, his membership being in Meriden Center Lodge, No. 97, F. & A. M.; Key-stone Chapter, No. 27, R. A. M.; Hamilton Council, No. 22, R. & S. M.; Pyramid Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; and is a thirty-second degree Mason, being a member of the New Haven and Bridgeport bodies of the Scottish Rite. He is a past commander of St. Elmo Commandery and he belongs to Meriden Center Lodge, No. 08, I. O. O. F., and to Myrtle Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. He is also connected with the Elks, with the American Order of Foresters, with the Meriden Turn Verein, with the Home Club and the Colonial Club. In fact, his interests are broad and varied and at all times his influence is on the side of progress and improvement. There is perhaps no citizen of Meriden who has for a longer period filled public office and the record of none has been more fearless in conduct, honorable in purpose and stainless in reputation.