UGUST BERGMAN, Mayor of the city of Freeport, and one of the most highly respected citizens of Stephenson County, is a native of Germany. He was born in the village of Meinburg, on the 27th of September, 1835. His parents were Cort and Minnie Bergman. The father died when August was a lad of but seven years of age.

The record of the life of the gentleman whose name is given above, is briefly recorded as follows: He attended school in his native country much of the time from the age of six to fourteen years, and at the age of sixteen he and his widowed mother sailed for America. They arrived in New York and came from there to Freeport, landing here in 1852. Young August was an industrious lad, and realizing the necessity of doing something to assist in defraying the family expenses, he engaged in a brickyard, where he faithfully followed the trade of brick-making for nearly eight years. In the year 1864 he engaged in the livery business, and three years later began to handle agricultural implements. His capital was limited, however, and he could conduct this business only on a small scale, which he did in a rude building in company with his brother-in-law, Frederick Dorman.

The firm of Bergman & Dorman was composed of enterprising, hard-working men, and naturally it became well known in the community; its trade rapidly increased and its borders extended until their establishment for the sale of agricultural implements became one of the largest in the Northwest. Their large and commodious brick block, fronting on Bridge and Van Buren streets, is occupied by them, being well stocked with the best and most complete variety of goods in their line to be found in this section of the State. Their names have not only become familiar with the people of this county, but are known in adjoining counties as most highly reputable and enterprising business men. Their livery barns are large and commodious, and the comfort of their horses is carefully looked after. Their buggies, hacks and carriages are the latest style and of the best manufacture. They use from twenty-five to forty horses in their business, besides the number they buy and prepare for the Eastern markets. They have fitted up some of the finest teams ever seen on the streets of Freeport.

Besides being a close and attentive business man, Mr. Bergman has rendered much service to the public. As early as 1864, he was elected Street Commissioner, and later was chosen Alderman, which office he occupied for six years and it may be justly said with much credit to himself. In 1878 he became one of the Directors of the German Insurance Company, one of the solid institutions of Freeport. In 1885 he was elected Mayor of the city, and so satisfactory was his administration that in 1887 he was chosen his own successor.

Mr. Bergman was united in marriage, April 12, 1864, to Miss Mary Scharer, a Maryland lady. To them have been born a family of seven children, namely, August H., William, Mary, Minnie, Ida, Emma and Bertha.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888)