merchant, businessman, b. Colberg, Germany. He migrated to the U.S. and to Milwaukee with his brother, FREDERICK WILLIAM KICKBUSH, b. Colberg, Germany, in 1857. In 1860 he and his brother settled at Big Bull Falls (now Wausau) where they had previously purchased land. From 1860 to 1867 the brothers engaged in a trading partnership, and in 1867 August returned to Germany where he induced a group of his countrymen to emigrate to Marathon County. For a number of years after returning, August engaged in brick manufacturing and the lumber business, but in 1888 sold these interests and devoted himself to promoting his wholesale grocery firm. He was also vice-president and director of the First National Bank of Wausau for a number of years, and president of the Central Land Company and the Ruder Brewing Co. He was twice mayor of Wausau (1872, 1874). His son, ROBERT KICKBUSH, b. Wausau, became a junior partner in his father's wholesale grocery firm, and in 1892, when his father retired, took over management of the business. He continued in this capacity until his death, and had numerous other business interests in Wausau. After August and Frederick William Kickbush discontinued their partnership in 1867, Frederick engaged in the manufacture of sashes and blinds (1867-1882). He later built both a flour and feed mill, and also operated a general merchandise store until his retirement in 1905. He held various offices in Marathon County, was state assemblyman (1878), and served as consul in Stettin, Germany, during President Cleveland's second administration. L. Marchetti, Hist. of Marathon Co. (Chicago, 1913); Commem. Biog. Record of the Upper Wis. Cos. . . . (Chicago, 1895); Wis. Legis. Manual (1878); Wausau Daily Record-Herald, Dec. 16, 1926; WPA MS.Learn More
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[Source: Dictionary of Wisconsin biography]
