August Bagge is living upon the homestead in Bremen township and in connection with his brother is operating that farm, which consists of three hundred and seventy-five acres of land. He was born in this county on the 20th of February, 1875, a son of Joseph and Mary (Berning) Bagge. The father was born March 19, 1851, at Lehmden, Oldenburg, Germany, and there spent his youthful days, attending high school in pursuit of his education.

      He came to the United States in 1870 and at once made his way to this county, where he worked as a farm hand for five years, after which he purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres, which was the family home until 1893, when he sold sixty-five acres thereof. He then bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 10, Bremen township, and built a fine house, good barns and other needed buildings. He later purchased eighty acres on section 15, and other land has since been added to the property, so that the farm now comprises three hundred and seventy-five acres. The father was progressive and successful as a farmer and was also active in public affairs. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and he held a number of local offices, including that of township trustee and assessor. He was likewise manager of the Bear Grove Creamery. He was called to his final rest on the 18th of July, 1914.
   

   On February 10, 1874, Joseph Bagge married Miss Mary Berning, near New Vienna, Iowa, Father Conrad Schulte officiating, and to them were born nine children: August; Mary, the wife of Henry Schniders of Bancroft, Iowa; Emma, the wife of John Domeyer, assistant cashier in the Farmers State Bank of Dyersville, Iowa; Rosa, now Mrs. Barney Lasche, of Oyens, Iowa; John and Joseph, both at home; Henry and Frank, deceased, the former dying when nineteen years of age, and the latter when eleven; and Henry, the second of the name, who died in infancy.
  

   August Bagge was educated in the district schools near his home and was well grounded in the fundamentals of learning. Through helping his father with the farm work he received much valuable training in agriculture, which he has turned to good account since reaching man's estate. He still makes his home upon the farm which belonged to his father and with the aid of his brothers is operating the place. He is industrious and not only plants his crops in good season but takes excellent care of them during the months when they are growing, and as a result gathers abundant harvests. He also raises stock, which he sells upon the market and which returns him a good income. His labors are directed by sound judgment, and he manifests the same quality in the investment of his capital, his resources increasing year by year. He has resided in this county during his entire life and has not only won material prosperity but has aided in the agricultural development of his locality. Those who know him most intimately hold him in the highest esteem and recognize most clearly his many admirable traits of character.