Edward Gassman, a rising young farmer of Erin Township, spent his boyhood and youth at his present homestead, which was built by his honored father, and where our subject first drew breath Feb. 1, 1857. He was made acquainted with the various employments of the farm early in life, attended the district schools, and kept his eyes open to what was going on around him in the world, thereby obtaining a practical knowledge of men and things. In these laudable efforts to acquit himself as a man he was amply assisted by his parents, Frederick and Wilhelmina (Henke) Gassman, who were of German birth and parentage, and crossing the ocean early in life, became residents of Stephenson County many years ago. Frederick Gassman possessed all the substantial traits of his industrious German ancestry, and after building up a good homestead in this county, departed this life on the 10th of July, 1886. His first wife was Miss Mary Rosenstiel, by whom he became the father of three children - Charles, Hermina and Louisa. The youngest daughter, Hermina, is the wife of Rev. William Beseman, and resides in North Grove, Ogle County; Louisa married Edward Brickner and died in Waddams Township, this county, in May, 1886; Charles is farming in Erin Township. The mother of these children died while still a young woman, and Frederick Gassman was married to the mother of our subject, formerly Miss Wilhelmina Henke, in August, 1847. Of their seven children the record is as follows: Henry is married and a resident of Harlem Township; William went to California in 1872, and continues on the Pacific Slope; Matilda became the wife of Augustus Kloss; Paulina is the wife of Frederick Rach, a prosperous farmer of Erin Township; Edward is farming on the old homestead; Anna married Charles Lesseman, who is farming in Kent Township, and Amelia is the wife of Eugene Smith, a resident of Lena. Edward Gassman had the management of the homestead some time previous to the death of his father, and after this event purchased the interest of the other heirs, about 1883. Since that time he has carried forward the improvements instituted by his honored parent, and bids fair to keep up the reputation of the estate. His marriage with Miss Paulina Polker took place at the home of the bride in Erin Township, Dec. 24, 1880. Mrs. G. is the daughter of Simon and Wilhelmina (Klaas) Polker, who are now residents of Jo Daviess County. She was born June 19, 1862, was carefully trained at home by her excellent parents, and received the advantages of the district school. Of her marriage with our subject there have been born three children - Albert S. F., Dalma W. and Samuel C. Our subject uniformly votes the Republican ticket, and with his estimable wife is a member in good standing of the Evangelical Church.

Cotnributed by Carol Parrish Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 546.