Born in the principality of Lippe-Detmold, Germany, December 10, 1846, and was a son of Frederick and Sophia (Kloopping) Kuhlemeier. He immigrated to America with his parents in 1853, they settling in Freeport Illinois. August received his primary education in the city schools of Freeport, and later attended a private school. He began his business career as a clerk for a dry goods house in Freeport, continuing in that vocation for six years, and then traveled as agent for the German Insurance Company of Freeport. At the expiration of that time he was made general agent for the company for the territory embraced within Iowa, Nebraska and Dakota. Mr. Kuhlemeier proved himself a most competent manager, and succeeded in building up an extensive and permanent business for the company. On being appointed to the western agency, he removed to Burlington in 1870. Until the 15th of June, 1885, Mr. Kuhlemeier continued his connection with the German Insurance Company, until he was appointed United States revenue collector, for the 4th District of Iowa, by President Cleveland. He has been a democrat since the liberal movement in 1872, when so many republicans left the old party. Mr. Kuhlemeier served in various official positions prior to be appointed revenue collector. He represented the district in the Iowa legislature and served several times in the Burlington city council. He was chairman of the democratic committee and had always taken an active interest in political matters. He was an inveterate sportsman and was an active member of both the Lone Tree and Crystal Lake clubs. At Charles City, Iowa, June 13, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Lena Cramer, daughter of R. H. Cramer, Esq.