JUDGE HERMAN E. HAASS, of Hondo, is a native son of Texas, where he has spent his entire life. He is now serving as county judge of Medina county and is numbered among the prominent and influential citizens of this section of the state. He was born in Medina county, December 22, 1866, and comes of German ancestry. Herman E. Haass spent his early boyhood and youth in Castroville, assisting his father in his business affairs, and at the age of twelve years he learned the printer's trade. He later was engaged in the stock business on his own account for three years, but abandoning that pursuit, then engaged for a similar period in the profession of teaching, during which time he studied law. In 1889 he passed the examination and was admitted to the bar of Medina county. He located for practice in Castroville, since which time he has practiced successfully before all the courts of this county. At one time he was engaged in the publication of the Castroville Anvil, a local newspaper, while in 1890 he became a candidate for county judge. He was defeated in this election, but in 1894 once more became a candidate for that office, being then elected, and by reelection he has continuously filled the office to the present time, discharging his duties in the most efficient and creditable manner. He has also served as notary public and has ever been prominent and influential in Democratic ranks. He acted as chairman of the Democratic county committee, and the first primary election was held under his arrangement. The party has never held county nominations. Both the Democratic and Republican parties claim the county but at the present time all the county offices are filled by representatives of the former party.
During the years of his active connection with the profession of law, Judge Haass has also found time for other interests, having for a long period been engaged in farming and fruit-raising. He is also a stockholder in the National Bank of Hondo and is well and favorably known in financial circles in this part of the state. He is public-spirited in a marked degree and gives his co-operation and support to every movement which is instituted for the betterment of his city or county. He takes much pleasure in outdoor sports, his chief enjoyment being that of fishing. He is a worthy and consistent member of the Lutheran church, and is a Royal Arch Mason, serving as secretary of the blue lodge for many years.
In 1893 occurred the marriage of Judge Haass and Miss Lisetta Renken. who was born in Castroville, in 1873. The marriage of Judge and Mrs. Haass has been blessed with two interesting children: Silva, who was born December 31, 1894; and Edgar, born November 12, 1899.
Many persons are looking forward to the publication of a local history of Medina county, with Judge Haass as author. In addition to his other duties he is preparing a history of Medina county from the time of its first inhabitants. Through his connection with his brother, H. V. Haass, county surveyor, he has gained a general experience with affairs in Medina county, its people, its lands, land titles and history, which is second to none. Without doubt the promised volume will be a valuable contribution to the historical literature of this portion of Texas. [A Twentieth Century History of Southwest Texas, Volume 2, 1907, page 174 – 177]

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