CHARLES GASSMANN, a substantial, well-to-do farmer of Erin Township, is the son of Frederick and Mary (Rosenstiel) Gassmann, natives of the North of Germany. The father of our subject was born March 17, 1814, in the agricultural district of his native Province, where he was bred to farm labor and where he remained until his marriage. Miss Mary Rosenstiel became his wife in the summer of 1842, and the following years, after becoming the parents of one child, they gathered together their household effects and embarked on a sailing-vessel for the New World. After a voyage of eighteen weeks, they landed at Baltimore, Md., whence they proceeded to Wheeling, W. Va., and from there not long afterward to St. Louis, Mo.

The father of our subject soon after reaching the latter city hired a team, and in company with Charles, John, Henry, Christian and Frederick 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 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 was subsequently married to Miss Wilhelmia Henke, who still survives. Of the first marriage there were born three children: Charles, of our sketch; Louisa, who become the wife of Edward Brickner, and died in Waddams Township in May, 1886; and Hermina, the wife of Rev. William Bessemin, 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, 92d Ill. Mtd. 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, G. A. R., 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. 27, 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, S. C., the 92d 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 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 than 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.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. 1888