Charles Behrends Foss;
aka Claas Behrends Fass,

Born June 21, 1836 in Hanover, Germany. He was the son of Klaas Faß and Antje Gesche Margartha Eden (Aden).

Charles received his education in the public schools of Germany. At age 17 according to the Lutheran doctrine and teachings he was confirmed and joined the Lutheran church in Reepsholt Germany.

At the age of 21 he embarked on the ship Bremen at Antewerp and arrived in Illinois October 28, 1857, Charles was the only family member to leave Germany for America.

Charles Foss married Trinye Margaretha Eilers, the first marriage for both December 28, 1868, in Tecumseh, Johnson Co., Nebraska.

Charles enrolled in the Civil War at Petersburg, Menard Co., Illinois, August 4, 1862.
He was 5'10" tall, fair complexion, blue eyes and lt. brown hair.
Enlisting as a Private with Co. K, 114 Reg., Illinois volunteers.
Nov 1, 1864 he was promoted to Corpl. and January 1, 1865 promoted to 1st Sgt.
He participated in the battle at Jackson, Mississippi May 14, 1863 and through the siege at Vicksburg, Mississippi, was at the battle at Guntown June 10, 1864, the Battle at Nashville, Tenn. December 15 & 16, 1864 and also the siege at Spanish Fort, Ala.

Charles was wounded in the side of the head at the battle of Guntown, Ms., June 10, 1864, he was treated for the wound June 18th - 21st, 1864, then returned to duty.

He mustered out of service August 3, 1865 at Vicksburg, Mississippi.

When Charles mustered out of service he may have had a permanent limp which he acquired during the march from Vicksburg, Ms. to Milliken's Bend. His right leg became so swollen that he was unable to continue the march. Over time the swelling became an enlargement of the leg and at times prevented him from marching during his enlistment.

At age 56 he applied for pension because of this injury, stating that he was completely disabled. April 10, 1924, 8 months before his death and at the age of 87 years, he applied for and was granted an extra $22.00 a month pension for an assistant to help him get around.

He had stated in his application that for the past four years he had been helpless and needed constant attention of an assistant. It was after the Civil War that Claas B. Fass' name change occurred.

As he wrote in a General Affidavit in the matter of the application for pension No. 946773 "The reason my name appears Claas B. Fass in my discharge, and that I write it Charles B. Foss now as it appears in application for Pension; is because the Americans here called me Charles and I have been called by that name all the time for the last eleven years and liking it better as an American name I have written my name Charles; being the interpretation of Claas in German".

Charles passed away from old age, December 11, 1924.

Obituary:
"The Sterling Sun"
Thursday, December 18, 1924
page 1

ClAUS FOSS SUCCUMBES AFTER LONG ILLNESS

Was Early Settler in Johnson County
----Was Foremost Pioneer of
Sterling Community

Before us lie the remains of Claus Behrend Foss. In sketching a summary of his life, I desire to quote from a script which was penned by his hand.

"I was born in the Little Kingdom of Hanover Germany in the year 1836 on June 21, and baptized July 10 in the village of Wiesederfehn. I received my early education in the Public School and when 17, according to the Lutheran doctrine, and teaching, was confirmed and joined the church.

After this I Immigrated to America and settled in Illinois, where I lived on a farm until the Civil War broke out. I enlisted in Co. K. 114 Regt. of Illinois Volunteers, saw three years of service and received an honorable discharge in 1865.

I moved to Nebraska where I drove freight teams for the Government to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. In 1867 I was married to Margeretta Eilers. We made our home in Gage county where we reared a family of six children, 3 son and 3 daughters. In 1885 we moved to Johnson county and retired from farming in 1916, since then we have made our home in Sterling."

This is the clear and concise autobiography of the deceased. Yet short as it may be it portrays a life of great activity. He was a man of powerful physique and even in his declining years his halting step and bent frame could not deny the fact that once he was a tower of strength and a dynamo of energy. But the years exact their tolls and he, too, could not escape the debilities of old age.

My acquaintance with him does not reach back to the time that he walked about on the street, but I do know that he had a wide circle of acquaintances and friends, and enjoyed the visits they paid him and took delight in relating some of his experiences and adventures as a soldier and pioneer.
A week ago last Sunday he received a light stroke.

Because of his advanced age no hope was held out for his recovery. It had long been his earnest desire to be relieved and he too, realized that his time had now come. In the Sacrament of the Holy Altar he strengthened himself for his final battle, committed himself to the grace of his Savior and patiently awaited his Master's call.

Death came on Thursday forenoon at 10:30 and the weary wanderer entered the haven of rest for which he had longed for fervently.
He leaves to mourn his death, his aged widow and his six children: Mrs. Anna Mack, Haxton, Colo., Mrs. Henry Aden, Adams, Mrs. J. G. Agena, John, Edward and Theodore, of Sterling. Also 15 grandchildren and 3 greatgrandchildren. He also leaves two brothers in Germany.

His age at the time of his death was 88 years, five months and 20 days.
May he rest in peace.
Funeral services were held on Sunday from St. John's Lutheran Church. Rev. J. H. Moehl, pastor, officiating in German and English and the remains were laid to rest in the Sterling cemetery.

Source:http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ne/topic/military/CW/bios/necwbsd.htm