From the "The Village of Harlem: Its People, Homes and Business – 50th
Anniversary Souvenir 1856 to 1906"
"One of Harlem's substantial citizens, an old settler is Mr. August Meseke who was born in Germany in 1860, and came to Harlem with his parents in 1866. he attended Harlem's public schools. When nine years of age he began working during the summer school vacations for Mr. N. Armbrust, the florist. In 1872 the began work for Gale & Blocki, the druggists, where he was employed for three years. He then became inbubed with the idea that farm life was the ideal occupation, and he left his adopted village, went to Iowa and remained on a farm for several years. Returning to Chicago he was employed for a number of years at Northwestern freight house. He also spent five years in the wholesale grocery store of J. B. Inderriden & Brother. In 1890, desiring to engage in business on his own account, he opened a saloon at Sterling and Des Plaines Aves., which he conducted with success for five years. Selling his business, he became a member of the police force where he remained for several years. In 1901 he was engaged as a conductor on what is now the Chicago and Oak Park Elevated Railway, where he is at the present time.
"Mr. Meseke has lived practically all his life in the village, and has been successful in his various undertakings. he belongs to several social and benevolent societies, and is consider one of Harlem's best citizens.
"He was married to Miss Johanna Apple, a daughter of one of Harlem's old settlers. They have four living children -- Ida, George, Johanna and Arthur. They live in a fine home at 132 Rockword St.