The father of our subject soon after reaching the latter city hired a team, and in company with Charles, John, Henry, Christian and Fredereick Rosenstiel, started overland to Freeport, Ill. They were to pay their driver $40 for his services, but when half the journey was accomplished he refused to proceed unless they would double the price originally agreed upon. It was "Hobson's choice," so they paid over the money reluctantly, for the companionship of their driver and his services as a pilot, since the men of the party proceeded on foot the entire distance. After reaching their destination they took up their winter quarters near Bobtown, in Waddams Township. Mr Gassmann the following spring rented a farm in Waddams Township, which he occupied one year and then purchased a tract of land on section 1, in Erin Township, upon which he settled and continued for the balance of his life. He departed from the scenes of his earthly labors July 10, 1886, after building up a good homestead and providing comfortably for his family. The wife and mother also died on the homestead, Aug 15, 1848, many years before the death of her husband, and he subsequently married to Miss Wilhelmina Henke, who still survives. Of the first marriage there were born three children: Charles, of our sketch; Louisa, who became the wife of Edward Brickner, and died in Waddams Township in May 1886, and Hermina, the wife of Rev William Bessemin (Biesemeier), a resident of Ogle County.

Our subject was born in Germany Aug 17, 1840, and was but an infant when his parents came to this country. He remained with them until twenty-two years of age, and after the outbreak of the late Civil War, enlisted, Aug 13, 1862 in Co A 92nd Ill Mdt Inf and served until the preservation of the Union was established. He endured great hardships and suffering and returned from the army completely broken down in health, having gone through a severe sickness in the hospital at Bowling Green, Ky. He remained with his comrades, however, and was mustered out in Chicago, Ill, reaching his home July 9, 1865. As soon as able, he engaged in farming which he has since followed successfully. His property includes 158 acres of valuable land with good improvements, and for the last twenty years he has been quite prominent in local affairs. Socially he belongs to Goddard Post No 258, GAR at Lena.

The marriage of Charles Gassmann and Miss Mary Lesseman was celebrated at the home of the bride's parents in Kent Township Jan 14, 1870. Mrs Gassmann is the daughter of Charles and Mary (Dietzalmeier) Lesseman, now deceased, and a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this Album. She was born in Kent Township Aug 1, 1849, and by her union with our subject became the mother of eight children, one of whom, Mary died in infancy. Those surviving are Alfred, Josephine, Alvin, Flora, Daniel, Nettie and Freddie. Mr Gassmann has served as Highway Commissioner three terms, filled the offices of Assessor and Treasurer one term, and at present is School Trustee. Politically, he votes the Republican ticket, and with his estimable lady, belongs to the Evangelical German Church.

While near Aiken, SC the 92nd Illinois was surrounded by the rebels and a large number were taken prisoners. During the fray the rebels and Union men became considerably mixed and engaged in a hand-to-hand combat. One of the rebels came up behind our hero and seizing him by the collar demanded his surrender. Mr Gassmann hit his would-be captor over the head with a musket, causing him to let go of his hold, and then made good time toward a place of safety. During eight months of his service he was detailed as forager for the officers, and while on the march from Atlanta to the sea and in the pursuance of his duty three or four miles from the headquarters of the Union army, he was encountered by a squad of nine rebel soldiers who considered it a very easy matter to effect his capture. They came toward him with a great deal of shouting and noise, but otherwise then striking at him with their guns did not injure him, and finally were so good as to stand aside and let him pass about his business. He exhibited no fear, and determining to sell his life as dearly as possible, had fired at them and wounded one of their number. When he found there was a possibility of escape he urged his fleet horse onward and soon placed himself at a safe distance.

"Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Illinois" Chicago Chapman Brothers 1888

Edward Gassman and Paulina Polker

"Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Illinois" Chicago, Chapman Brothers 1888

The ten children of our subject's parents are as follows: Charles; Louisa and Nina both dead; Henry, William; Matilda (Klaas); Pauline, deceased; Edward, Annie (Leseman), Amelia (Smith).

Edward Gassman was born February 1, 1857, at the old homestead where he grew to manhood, attending the district schools and during the summer giving his attention to the duties of the farm, thereby perfecting himself for the responsibilities which he now sustains so easily. Upon arriving at the age of maturity, Edward Gassman took charge of his father's farm, and in 1883 he purchased the farm of his father and became sole possessor of the old homestead which he still retains. His father and mother continued to make their home with him until their respective deaths in 1886 and 1893.

Mr Gassman was married December 24, 1880 to Miss Paulina Polker, a daughter of Simon and Wilhelmina ((Klaas) Polker. Simon Polker was born in Germany, September 9, 1829. He was a stone mason by trade. When a young man he left his native land, sailing from Bremen and land in New York, whence he came direct to Illinois where he took up a claim of 225 acres of land in Jo Daviess county, and when settled in his new home, sent for his parents who spent their declining days under his roof as honored guests. Mrs Polker, a native of the province of Westphalen, Germany was born August 9, 1830. She came to America in 1857 in company with two of her brothers, and was married to Mr Polker in Jo Daviess county. Of this union four children were born: Minnie, wife of Henry Heimerdinger; Pauline; Simon, who resides with his parents; and Louisa who died young. Mrs Gassman was born in Jo Daviess county, January 19, 1862. By her union with Mr Gassman she is the mother of eight children: Albert F S, born September 29, 1881; Dalma W, born Jun 23, 1883; Samuel K, born February 18, 1885; Arthur E born Jun 27 1888; Oliver A born July 3, 1890; Walter C born February 21, 1892; Elmer J K, born August 9, 1896; Paul A, born September 18, 1898. Mr Gassman and his family are members of Salem Evangelical church, of which he has been director, and takes an active interest in church work, having been instrumental in remodeling and improving the church and parsonage, and has been twice elected delegate to the Evangelical Synod of Northern Illinois. Mr Gassman has a fine farm of 185 acres which he utilizes for the specialty of stock raising, his annual output being in the neighborhood of one hundred hogs and twenty-five cattle. He raises Poland China hogs exclusively, and has secured the largest share of premiums offered in his class exhibited at the fairs. He also has a fine assortment of chickens and geese which have always taken first place when on exhibition. Mr Gassman is a stanch republican, but has never served his party in any official capacity.

"In the Foot-Prints of the Pioneers of Stephenson county, Illinois: A Genealogical Record" Pioneer Publishing Co, Freeport, Ill 1900

Charles C Lesemann married Anna L Gassman, on the 24th of March, 1881. She was a native of Stephenson County, having been born in Erin Township, April 2, 1858. To them have been born two children -- Edwin C and Laura M. Mr. Lesemann, since the death of his father, has had the management of the old homestead, and under his care, the standard of the farm has been kept up. Mr and Mrs L are members of the Evangelical Church. Mr L belongs to the Republican party. He is Director of the schools of his district, which office he has filled for six years.

"Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Illinois" Chicago Chapman Brothers 1888