Walter B. Hess, one of the pioneers of this county, died at the home of his son, Wallace, near this city, April 4th, 1904, aged 84 years and 10 months.
He was born in Cayuga County, N.Y., and when about six years old, moved to Canada with his parents, where he grew to manhood and in 1838 was married to Miss Athalinda Pelton, and in 1839 they came to Illinois and settled in this county. He became a successful farmer, and at the time of his death owned 570 acres of good land, and was one of our substantial citizens in every respect.
His first wife died and he was subsequently married four times. His second wife was Johanna Wells Richards Hess, Mrs. Lucy Ensign was the 3rd, Mrs. Anna Barns the 4th and Mrs. Adosia Doran, the 5th. Besides his faithful wife, he leaves six children and about fifty grandchildren to mourn his loss.
His sons are, Wallace, Charles, Mahlon, Walter Jr., of this place and Emery of Independence, Kansas. His only daughter, Mrs. C.J. Wells, lives near this city.
Mr. Hess was brought up a member of the Quaker or Friends Church, but as there was no church of his choice here, he never joined the church. He was a man of good principles and decided in his opinions. His influence was always for the right and the people of this community have felt the good effects of the upright life of this man.
The funeral was held at the M.E. church Thursday, and Rev. Pittenger preached the sermon from the text, "Let me die the death of the righteous."
The burial took place at the Shrontz cemetery.

Credit: The Momence Progress April 8, 1904 page 1. A copy of the article is available on Facebook at Momence Genealogy Corner.

Note: Walter's 1st wife's maiden name was Pelton. 2nd wife was Johanna Wells Richards Hess. She married Walter after the death of her 1st husband, Andrew Hess, Walter's brother. Information provided by: Find A Grave contributor Doug Stiverson

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Walter Blakeley Hess is Athelinda Pelton's husband and the father of
- Mary Hess b. 1838
- Elmina Hess b. 30 Dec 1840
- Jacob Hess, b. 1842
- Rhoda Hess, b. 1844
- Charles Hess, b 28 July 1846
- Mahlon Hess, b 1 Feb 1849
- Alice Hess, b 14 Jan 1950
- Wallace Hess, b 18 Jun 1852
- Walter Hess, b 18 Jun 1852 (twin)
- Emory Hess, b 1856
- Emma Hess, b 1856
Walter Blakeley Hess is the son of Jacob Hess b 24 Feb 1787, Otsego, NY and Elizabeth Scramlin b abt 1797 Mohawk Valley, NY