August BOSTEDT, one of the Commissioners of Pottawattamie County, was born in Barmstedt, Germany, July 8, 1859, a son of J. BOSTEDT, who was a well-to-do farmer of that place. He was the father of fourteen children, twelve of whom are now living, namely: August, William and Lizzie, are now citizens of Pottawattamie County; John, Lona, Fred, Katie, Henry, and Ernest are the children by his first wife; by his second wife there are William, August, Lizzie, Emma, Helen and Frederick. Their mother's maiden name was Mary MORRIS. The father died August 16, 1882, at the age of eighty-two years.

In 1880, at the age of twenty years, August BOSTEDT came to America, and after landing in New York came direct to Minden, Iowa, where he began work at the carpenter's trade, which he had learned in the old country. Politically Mr. BOSTEDT is a Democrat, and has taken an active part in political matters. He was elected Constable and served four years, and in 1889 was elected County Commissioner by the large majority of 1,300 votes, which office he is still holding, to the general acceptance of the people. Since July 4, 1890, he has built thirty-six bridges, which had been washed away by the floods of June, 1890, and which is an astonishing number for such a short time. Mr. BOSTEDT has the confidence and respect of the people on account of his sterling honesty and a desire to do what is right. He is descended from the sturdy old German stock, who have helped to build up America. He is a lover of good books, and a believer in self-education and cultivation. He was married April 23, 1887, to Mary GOETHJE, a daughter of Christ GOETHJE, and they have one child, Minnie.

Contributed by: Mona Sarratt Knight