August Seils
August Seils has been for many years a resident of Crawford county and has performed his part in the development of its agricultural resources. He was born in Germany, September 16, 1844, and received his early education in his native land. After arriving at manhood he learned of the possibilities in America for ambitious young men and came to this country, making his home for a while in Chicago.
While in that city he was married, later removing to Crawford county, Iowa, and beginning upon his own account on a farm of eighty acres, which he purchased before leaving Chicago. He improved the place and after five years sold it and bought eighty acres in Hanover township, to which he added eighty acres more, making a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. After cultivating the land industriously for six years and largely adding to its value he sold it, and on July 30, 1901, purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which is now the family homestead. It is located on section 19, Hanover township, and is one of the desirable properties of this section, the title now being in the name of Mrs. Seils.
In November, 1875, Mr. Seils was united in marriage to Miss Anna Berendt, who was born in Germany, October 20, 1854, a daughter of John and Louisa (Schuppmann) Berendt, both of whom were natives of the fatherland. The mother died in Germany but Mr. Berendt came to America in 1870. After living for a short time in Baltimore, he removed to Chicago, where he entered the employ of the McCormick Machine Company and later engaged in the liquor business. Subsequently he sold out and came to Iowa, living with his daughter until his death, which occurred in January, 1891.
There were four children in his family: Carl, who is now living in Germany; Edward, of Chicago; Robert, who married and died leaving a family; and Anna, now Mrs. Seils.
Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Seils, namely: Louisa, who was born June 7, 1878, and is now living at home; Edward, who was born September 17, 1880, and is now in charge of the family homestead, which he is managing with excellent judgment; John, born June 17, 1882, who learned the carpenter's trade and is living in South Dakota; Carl, who was born June 8, 1885, and is also living at home; and Theodore, who was born September 30, 1890, and is at home. The family are members of the Lutheran church.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.