MILTON J. HESS, one of the representative and efficient business men of Hellertown, who is also well known throughout Northampton County, was born August 19, 1847, in the village where he now resides. Here his primary education was gained in the common schools, after which he prepared for college at Allentown Seminary. In 1866 he entered Franklin and Marshall College, from which institution he was graduated three years later with the degree of A. B. In 1872 the degree of M. A. was conferred upon him by the college.

At the close of his literary studies, Mr. Hess embarked in the drug business in Bethlehem, Pa., where he was proprietor of a retail drug store for the ensuing seven years. In 1876 he returned to Hellertown, where he formed a partnership with his brother, Jeremiah S., in the lumber and coal business, and the connection then formed has since continued. The firm does a large business in lumber and coal, and for reliability of transactions is favorably known throughout the county. With the public affairs of Hellertown Mr. Hess has been closely identified, and has represented his fellow-citizens in a number of responsible positions. Elected Burgess of Hellertown in 1883, he served acceptably in that capacity for ten years, retiring from the office in 1893. While a resident of Bethlehem he was a member of the School Board. In his social connections he is identified with Hellertown Lodge, F. & A. M., and Zinzendorf Chapter. He is identified with the German Reformed Church, to the maintenance of which he is a liberal contributor. Politically he is a Democrat, firm in his allegiance to party principles.