The history of this highly respected citizen, who came to Lena in the spring of 1865, is substantially as follows: His birth took place in the province of Westphalen, Germany, Dec. 14, 1842, on the farm of his father, Simon Klaas, a native of the same locality, where he spent his entire life. The parental household included six children, of whom two brothers and three sisters of our subject came to America at the same time, and are now located as follows: William and Harmon are farming in Erin Township, this county; Wilhelmina became the wife of Simon Polker, and lives on a farm in Jo Daviess County; Caroline, who married Gottlieb Koller, died in Jo Daviess County, about 1861; Louisa married Henry Polker, and also died in that county.

Mr. Klaas attended school in his native Province from the time he was seven until fourteen years old. His brother William and sister Wilhelmina having then determined to emigrate to the United States, he joined them, leaving the Fatherland in March, 1857, and landing in New York forty-nine days later. They proceeded directly Westward, reaching Freeport on the 18th of May, where our subject commenced working on a farm at $6 per month. In the winter he attended school, working nights and mornings for his board. Three years were thus spent, and he then learned the trade of a brickmaker, which he followed until August, 1862. The Civil War being then in progress, he enlisted in Co. G, 92nd Ill. Mtd. Inf., and served with credit as a Union soldier until the Rebellion was practically ended. He marched with his comrades all through the South, and participated with them in most of the important battles of the war, serving for a time under Gen. Kilpatrick and going with Sherman’s army on its march to the sea. Although experiencing privations, hardship and many hairbreadth escapes, he came out without a wound, and received his honorable discharge in July, 1865. There were no better men in the army than the faithful and reliable German soldiers, as is seen by the record of those who distinguished themselves on the battle-field. A large proportion of them came to this country during their youth, and were most earnest in their efforts to uphold its laws and institutions. Mr. Klaas considers his army experience as one of the most valuable and creditable of any in his life, and may be pardoned for cherishing his war record as a priceless reminiscence of the past.

Returning from the army, Mr. Klaas worked for his brother William, on the farm of the latter near Eleroy, until the spring of 1866, and then resumed his trade, which he followed until the fall of 1868. In the spring of 1869, in partnership with Francis Baker, he established a brickyard at Lena. They continued together one year, and Mr. K. then purchasing the interest of his partner, has conducted the business alone since that time. His yard and buildings are equipped with all the necessary machinery for turning out this indispensable article of building material, and his business is steadily increasing. His straightforward methods of doing business, his promptness in meeting his obligations and the quality of his work, commend him generally to the residents of this section, where he has built up an enviable reputation as a business man and a citizen.

The wife of our subject, who became the sharer of his home and fortunes in the fall of 1869, was Miss Matilda, the daughter of Frederick and Wilmine (Hinkey) Gassman, who was born in Erin Township in 1851. Her father was born in Germany and came to Erin Township during its first settlement. Our subject and his wife are the parents of five children, named respectively, Emile, Eleanora, Albert, Alma and Arthur. Mr. Klaas uniformly votes the Democratic ticket, and with his wife is a member in good standing of the German Lutheran Church.

We take pleasure in presenting elsewhere a handsome view of the home and surrounds of this substantial citizen of Stephenson County.

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