Samuel Hess, son of Reuben and Jane (halt) Hess, was born at Montgomery Station, Lycoming County, Pa., January 10, 1850, and received his education in his native State. His early life was that of the average farmer's boy. At the age of eighteen he began to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he served a two years' apprenticeship. In 1870 he engaged in railroading, becoming a fireman on an engine. After three and a half years of this service, running on the Eastern Division of the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad, a branch of the Pennsylvania line running to Sunbury, Renova, and Harrisburg, he was made a locomotive engineer and continued in that capacity until 1853, when he resigned. He then entered the service of the West Shore Railroad as a locomotive engineer and remained with that company until 189G, when failing health compelled him again to resign and give up railroading. He then engaged in the hotel business at New Durham, in the Town of North Bergen, Hudson County. During his long and active service on the railroad Mr. Hess made a first-class record, never being suspended, and always dischai ping his duties with the utmost fidelity, energy, and satisfaction. He was respected by both employers and employees, and gained a high reputation.

Mr. Hess was a prominent Democrat and for several years took an active part in politics. In 1878, while a resident of Sunbury, Pa., he served as a member of the Common Council. In 1896 he was elected a member of the Board of Education of North Bergen Township, Hudson County, N. J. His brother, J. T. Hess, was Clerk and Recorder of Lycoming County, Pa., while his uncle, Frederick Hess, also held important offices there. Samuel Hess was a member of the Sunbury (Pa.) lodges of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, of the Masonic fraternity, of West Shore Council, Royal Arcanum, of Cyprus Chapter, No. 33, Royal Arch Masons, of Union Hill, and of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers of Sunbury, Pa., until 1896.