Byron, Bess, 81, Farmer, Political Leader, Passes

Byron Bess, 81, retired farmer and veteran Warren county political leader, died at his home in the 11th district, near Centertown. Services were Tuesday morning at 9:30 o’clock at the Oak Grove Baptist Church. Rev. W.J. Thompson, Baptist minister, officiated and burial was in the Oak Grove cemetery. Mr. Bess native of Warren county, was born near Irving College October 7, 1870. He was a son of I.P. Bess and Balzora Dearing Bess and he was married in 1898 to Miss Mattie Davenport, also of Warren county. She died five years ago. Mr. Bess moved with his family from the Irving College section to the 11th district when he was 16 years of age and had resided there since.

For a number of years Mr. Bess was active in the political life of Warren county and although never a candidate for public office, he was at one time a member of the county school board. He was a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Bess is survived by Benton Bess, Indianapolis, Ind., George, Harry, Clark and James Bess, Centertown; two daughters, Mrs. T.L. Hillis, Centertown, and Mrs. W.W. Smartt, Murfreesboro; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Cates and Mrs. W. M. Arledge, Centertown; a half-brother, John Bess, McMinnville; a half-sister, Mrs. Cora Clark, Ohio. Also six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Arrangements by High Funeral Home.

Southern Standard, McMinnville, TN. Fri, 18 Jan 1952, p. 1.
[Contributor:  Maxine Reggio, 2000]