Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Daniel Hess. Records, 1882-1912. Accession 28166, Business records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Acquisition Information

Purchased 1974.

Biographical/Historical Information

Daniel Hess (b. 1836) moved to his farm near Leavells, Spotsylvania County, Virginia, in June 1888. Prior to that time he operated a business in New York, as a manufacturer, importer, and wholesale dealer of musical instruments and supplies. Initially, Hess attempted oenoculture at his farm known as the Sunside Vineyard. He later changed to dairying and butter production under the trade name Daniel Hess' Crystal Creamery. Hess also raised sheep, chickens, and other farm produce for sale. He continued his interest in music through teaching, church choirs, and amateur bands. In 1896 Hess attempted to organize the Bryan and Sewall Silver Band for the Democratic presidential campaign.

Scope and Content Information

Records, 1882-1912, of Daniel Hess of Spotsylvania County, Virginia, and New York. Includes ledger, journal, and letter book relating accounts of Hess' music supply house in New York and his Spotsylvania farm. Entires related to Hess's music business record the sale of string, woodwind, and brass instruments. Entries related to his farming operations are for the purchase and sale of farm and dairy products and for the wine produced at Sunside Vineyard.

Correspondence included in the letter book concerns his personal affairs and farm in Spotsyvlania County, Virginia. Numerous letters are written in German. Several letters refer to Hess's nephew Johannes Hess, an importer in Sydney, Australia. A copy of the charter of the University of Fredericksburg and an agenda for an organizational meeting concerning the university are also recorded. Several letters discuss Hess's involvement in the activities of Fair View Chapel and its minister, Rev. J.G. Gordon.