Born in Czaraholand, Germany (lower south-eastern Bavaria area). Carpenter who served in the German army; a photograph survives of him on a horse in uniform. His sabre or bayonet was passed to Aunt Edith Lorenz, then to Dick. Married Ottilie Emelia Kunkel in Germany on January 9, 1881. Emigrated to the United States with his wife and friends from the Kunkel, Raatz, and Seeland families, settling in Elkhart, Indiana on 12th Street next to the railroad tracks — described as 'homesteader' land that was free for settlers. Worked at the New York Central Railroad roundhouse one block from his house, where locomotives were repaired. After Ottilie died of Bright's Disease in 1903, raised the four surviving boys himself; the youngest, Herbert, was 7 at the time. Spoke only German. At the time of his death (1928, age 73) lived one block south of his son Henry's family on Oakland Avenue. Never became a US citizen.
Occupations
- carpenter (Germany)
- soldier, German armed services
- foundry man / blacksmith, New York Central Railroad (Elkhart, Indiana)
Immigration
From Germany to 12th Street, Elkhart, Indiana, around 1884-1890.
Traveled with: Kunkel family (wife's family), Raatz family, Seeland family.
Sources disagree on year. Notes 1986 say 1889/1890; reminiscences 1995 say 1884. Marriage date 1881-01-09 in Germany is consistent with either timeline.
Citizenship
non-citizen at death — Alien registration card from 1917 with August's photo on it survives in family possession.