August Wollin was born in Germany and at some point in his early years would immigrate to America either with his parents or as a young adult. Currently I do not have information about his immigration records or whether or not his parents came to America as well. He would eventually settle in Wisconsin where he would meet and marry Wilhelmina Gronert. Together they would have five children: Theodore, Ella, Emil, Willie, and Lena.

Between 1885-1890 the family moved from Wisconsin to Carver County in Minnesota. They would settle and work in the villages of Carver, Norwood, Waconia, and the Chaska areas.

Life in those days was surely hard, especially for farmers and those employed in manual labor trades. Alcohol played a huge role in Augusts life, as is evident from this early newspaper article.

Notice to Saloon Keepers and others.
Norwood Times - July 14, 1892

"You, and each of you, are hereby notified to not sell, or give to August Wollin of Norwood, Minn.,
any intoxicating liquors, of any kind.
Take warning, as the law will be enforced by the undersigned town board of Young America township.

Dated at Norwoord this 7th day of July 1892.

Herny Vogler, Ch.
John Glaeser, Sup.
Herny Lindert, Sup."