Person:Hieronymus Wessel (1)

Lensmann Wessel, spent his youth mostly in Nordland and Finnmark, first as a sailor and later as a clerk for storekeeper Müller at a yearly salary of 400 kr. During this service he was one of the first to found establishments in Vardø in order to take advantage of the rich capelin (�Slodde�T) fisheries in those days. In 1862 he has appointed as lensmann in Vardø and its surrounding area and from 1869 lensmann in Verdal. He was tall (3 �Salen�T, about 190 cm) and strongly built handsome and good looking man with authority and esteem. He didn�ut need to use many words to be heard. However, beneath the strong and robust exterior was a sensitive and soft kind heart, which often resulted in good advice and aid to the needy. He had an unlimited trust amongst the people in the District and had nearly all positions of trust, like being a member of the city council for 30 years, member of the boardof directors at Verdal Sparebank from 1896 till 1911 and was for many years the chairman of the board. He was also member of a committee that negotiated with the owners of the Verdal goods for buying the estate. He was also accountant in the bank from 1879 till 1912. Because of his position he had a thorough knowledge of the people and conditions in the county. This resulted in that he organized his work and his association with people so that everything went on in a warm and peaceful manner. He was always against going to strong means. He was a festive speaker and singer. Many will remember his beautiful full bass voice from in church services, which he seldom missed. He was so very representative that one could not be without his attendance and where he came, there was always festivities surrounding him. Lensmann Wessel was awarded the �SBorgerdåd�T medal in silver. He was also given an honorary pension by the Norwegian Parliament ("Storting") for his contribution (aid and money) in connection with the Verdal avalanche in 1893. He helped the victims with favorable loans in the capacity of his connection to the local bank.