AUGUST BRAND , who is one of the pioneers in the carriage-making business in Springfield, was born in West Prussia, Germany, in 1835, his natal day being the 10th of December. He belongs to the Teutonic race, which for many centuries has continually sent its sons westward to subdue the land and plant the seeds of civilization and progress. The name of Brand is old and honored one in Germany. The grandfather of our subject was in the government employ for many years as game and timber overseer. Frederick Brand, the father of our subject, was also in the employ of the German government, entering that service when he was twenty-one years of age and being there retained until 1865, when he came to the United States. He located for a time in Quincy, Illinois, and then removed to Springfield, purchasing a home on Fourth street, where his remaining days were passed. He was a highly educated man and his life was not only useful, but also successful. He passed away at the age of seventy-two years and his wife, Mrs. Amelia Brand, died in Springfield at the age of seventy-three. All of their sons, eight in number, became residents of Springfield, but their only daughter married and remained in Germany. The sons are August, of this review; Fred, who was in the service of the king in Germany and is now living in that country; Herman, of Springfield; Charles, who is a mechanic in the employ of the Sattley Manufacturing Company of this city; Henry, also of Springfield; William, who was in the employ of a clothing company for a number of years and is now retired in Danville, Illinois; Rudolph, who is connected with his brother Herman in business; and Louis of Chicago. After coming to this state the father sent for his family and the sons at different times joined him in the new world. All have become useful citizens who have been an honor to the family name.

August Brand obtained his education in the schools of the fatherland, where he continued his studies until fourteen years of age. He was then apprenticed to the carriage painter's trade for term of three years, not only giving his services to his employer, but also paying him one hundred and fifty dollars for the instruction. He was twenty-five years of age when, in 1860, he bade adieu to friends and fatherland and came to the new world. In Germany he had been employed as second foreman in the large concern where there were eight hundred and sixty-three workmen. On reaching America he proceeded to Quincy, Illinois, where he remained for a brief period and then came to Springfield, where he entered the employ of Mr. Miller, one of the leading and prominent business men of the city. He worked on his fair exhibits and afterward entered the services of Mr. Booth, whom he served as head painter for a number of years. In fact, he practically established the carriage business for his employer. He was one of the most trusted, faithful and capable representative of the Booth factory, with which he remained continuously until his employer went out of business in 1883. The following year Mr. Brand purchased the old stock of Mr. Booth and entered into partnership with Mr. Goenke, this connection being maintained until 1902. They established their plant in the old Booth shop and afterward Mr. Brand began operations in the shop at his present locating, where he engaged in the manufacture of carriages, in finishing work and also conducted a salesroom. The business gradually grew until it became very lucrative and extensive, and today Mr. Brand is one of the pioneers in the carriage-making business in the city. He constructed the first fire marshal's wagon used in Springfield, and he still does a general manufacturing and repair work and fills special orders. He receive many orders from surrounding cities, and he has ever given to his business his personal supervision, so that he has known exactly what kind of work has been turned out. His output has enjoyed an excellent reputation for durability as well as fine finish, and because of this his trade has ever been large and profitable.

Mr. Brand purchased a home in Springfield in 1863, and by his marriage in 1865 he chose as his wife Miss Elizabeth Paseux, who was born in France and was brought to the United States in her girlhood by her father. He had been on of the officers in the engineering department of the French army. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brand have been born six children, but two died in infancy. Those still living are Fred, who is in the employ of P. F. Kimble, and is married and has two children, Ralph and Mabel; Henry, who is with his father and is married and has a daughter, Huldah, the wife of M. A. Peterson; and Amelia, who is the wife of Frank Horn, by whom she has a daughter, Mary. The children were all born in Springfield, and enjoyed good education privileges.

Mr. Brand has ever given his political support to the Democracy, save at local elections, where no issue is involved, and then he votes independently. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and he belongs to Constantine Legion, No. 1, S.K.A, which he joined on its organization and of which he is now the recorder. In the state legion he was lieutenant commander in 1901, and he represented Legion No. 1 in the grand body for ten years. He is also a charter member of Mozart Lodge, A.O.U.W., has passed through all of it chairs various times, and is now treasurer. He was formerly a member of the German Clubs of this city, and is now an honorary member of the Arion Club. Mr. Brand is always in favor of public improvements and in church and charitable matters he has always been a liberal contributor. In matters of citizenship he has ever been found loyal in support of all tending to benefit the municipality and its people.

In early life, Mr. Brand learned decorating, and in this line of work was employed on the castle of Brunswick. He also painted carriages for the vice king of Egypt and did the decorative painting work in the palace car for the emperor of Austria. Gradually he extended his labors into the field of the artist painter and produced many oil paintings of much merit. He won the first premium three different times at the state fair held in Springfield, and his artistic capabilities are excellent and his love of art is marked. He also devotes considerable attention to the cultivation of flowers, showing an attractive side of the nature of an energetic business men. Such is the biography of one of Springfield's foremost citizens. For more than thirty-five years he has participated in the business life of this city, and during that entire time he has so conducted all affairs intrusted to him as to merit the confidence and esteem of the entire community, and not word of censure has ever been said against his actions.