Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers. "An Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties") Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905. p. 540. JOHN SCHASSEN one of the most extensive and prosperous farmers of Sherman county, Oregon, resides in a most eligible location six miles northwest of Kent. He was born in Germany, June 4, 1862, in the province of Hanover, the son of John and Margaret (Witte) Schassen. Both parents are natives of the province of Hanover, where they at present reside, on a farm. Having received a good education in the district schools of his neighborhood our subject came to the United States in 1884, and at once went to Sherman county, Oregon, where he joined a friend who had gone there some time before. The same year Mr. Schassen took up land under the homestead laws, and being almost entirely without capital, worked for wages, but continued to gradually improve his land, and, from time to time purchasing more, until he now owns one thousand four hundred and forty acres. One thousand acres of this he cultivates and raises some stock, usually wintering some fifty, or sixty head of cattle and a few horses. In 1901 he suffered the loss of his residence which was burned. Soon after this he erected in its place a large two-story, "L" house in which at present he resides. At The Dalles, in 1886, our subject was married to Margaret Patjeus, a native of Germany, born in Hanover province. She was the daughter of Andrew and Lizzie Patjeus. John Schassen, our subject, has one brother and three sisters ; Henry, a hotel-keeper, in Assel, Hanover; Trinchen, wife of Deiderich Wilkins, of Germany, who, is a pilot; Annie, wife of Johannes Stomberg, a merchant of Kiel, Germany ; Emma, at home in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Schassen have five children: John, Emma, Annie, Lillie and Minnie, all at home with their parents. Fraternally our subject is a member of the A. O. U. W., of which he is G. V., Politically he is a Democrat, though in no sense an active politician. He was school director for a period of ten years. He is a man of excellent business ability and has acquired a good competence in the way of this world's goods, is industrious, energetic and influential in the community in which he resides. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2007 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.