Johann Conrad Hess hotel and inn
Originally supposed to be a stone one and a half story hotel and tavern originally warranted in 1743 and patented in 1796. It is included in Historic Structures of Williams Township. It was common in the days for taverns to hold the Orphans Court business. SInce Conrad was a justice, it is possible some could have been held here.
| WILL OF JOHANN CONRAD HESS Probated at Easton, Northampton Co., PA July 5, 1773: I, Johann Conrad Hess, of New Brittain Twp. Buck Co. and Province of Pennsylvania, being not yet critically ill, but of sound mind and understanding, for which I am thankful to God, being mindful of my mortality, bequeath my undying soul to ghty God who gave it to the earth, to be buried in a Christian way and manner by herein after named Executors and to my worldly possessions with which it has pleased Almighty God to bless me with in this life, I make this my last will and testament, which shall be as follows: My plantation lying in Williams Twp., Northampton Co., Pa., with all my money and household goods, I give to my beloved wife, Maria, as long as she lives and does not remarry, but if she remarries, she shall have only one of the above, and the children whom I shall leave behind shall have each one eighth if they are still living. The funeral expenses must be paid first and aftward all my debts are to be paid. I hereby name my children according to their ages: Anna, my daughter; John William my son; Maria, my daughter; Christian, my son; Johannes, my son; Jeremiah, my son; Elizabeth, my daughter; and Frederick my youngest son, whom with their Mother I turn over to God and hope they will always lift their eyes to him. And it is my heartfelt wish, as already stated that my wife shall have all my possessions which I leave at my decease to be hers as long as she lives and it shall not be taken from her, as long as she does not marry again. BUT IF SHE MARRYS AGAIN, she shall have one third of my estate, and after her death what remains shall be divided in equal shares among the above named children, but my Oldest son William of his second share shall have not more than one eighth of a shilling, and if he should go to law, he shall have nothing. I name my wife Maria and son William as Executors to execute my last will and testament, written and declared before me on the aforesaid mention year of our Lord and Master 1773. Johann Conrad Hess [Seal] Witnesses: Jacob Ratzel George Schell NOTE: Conrad died before Feb. 6, 1797, when his will was probated. Maria probably died sometime before 1790 because Conrad is listed as living alone in the 1790 Census of Williams Township, PA. |
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| Will probated | 06 Feb 1797 | South Easton, Northampton, Pennsylvania  |
McKenzie Family History 
Interesting! Jeremiah Hess Sr. was my Great, great ,great etc. Grandfather and I have relocated to the area not far from Jeremiah’s family Homestead in Wapwallopen.
That is always interesting. Seems like we’re often drawn to home even when don’t know about it.
I live at that residence currently, and have for twenty years. My wife was born in the home. I swear it’s haunted,
Wow~ That is exciting information. Rita