Biographical Sketches

HENRY N. ESS

One of the prominent lawyers of Kansas City and a native of Audrain county, Missouri, was born March 23, 1840. He is a son of Henry and Katherine (Fall) Ess, the former a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, the latter of Virginia. Mr. Ess, Sr., emigrated to America about 1829, or 1830, unaccompanied by friends or relatives, and was a number of weeks in making the voyage. He landed at New Orleans and continued his journey into the western country. In 1839 he located in Audrain county, Missouri, in the western part of which he purchased a farm and entered other lands, in all about 600 acres. This section of Missouri at that time was almost in primeval condition, but little improvement having been made. Here he made a permanent home and improved his land. His death occurred in February, 1855. Mrs. Ess departed from this life in 1858.

Their only child, Henry N., was reared on the farm. He attended the common schools when a lad, and when old enough assisted his father in the work of the farm till the latter's death. He then attended Middle Grove Academy in Monroe county, Missouri, for 2 years. Subsequently he taught school at Milton, Missouri, for 2 years. In 1859 he entered the State University, and graduated in the academic course in August, 1863. He then became tutor in mathematics for 2 years at the same institution, and during this time read law under the direction of Bagle Gordin, Esquire.

In 1865 he came to Kansas City and entered into a partnership with J. V. C. Karnes, Esq., the firm name being Karens & Ess. This partnership proved an advantageous one in every way, and continued for 21 years, when Mr. Ess withdrew. In 1888 he received the nomination for circuit judge at the hands of the republican convention, but was defeated with the remainder of the ticket. In the practice of his profession and in his business undertakings he has been successful. As a lawyer he is the equal of any at the Jackson county bar.

He has been twice married - first to Miss Fannie C. Skinner, in December, 1872, who died in September, 1873. His 2nd marriage was consummated with Miss Phoebe Routt, in June, 1875, who has borne him 1 son and 2 daughters: Fannie L., Marion P. and Henry N., Jr. Mr. Ess and his estimable wife are members of the Unitarian church.

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This page was last updated August 2, 2006.