August was born in Wurttemburg, Germany to Christian Carl Obenland and his wife, Maria Magdalena Krehr. He was born on July 29, 1881. August was one of 10 children born to Christian and Maria.

The family left Germany in the spring of 1884, on the steamship the Pennland. Traveling with the family was Christian's cousin, 23 year old Friederika Dorthea Obenland. The trip originated in Antwerp, Belgium. The Pennland was part of the Red Star line, in service from 1881-1903.

The Pennland arrived in New York harbor on May 9, 1884. The Obenlands then traveled to Clay County, Kansas, where they settled in the town of Clay Center.

As an adult, August was known around town as "Long August." This is because there was another August Obenland living in Clay Center at the time. This other man was August's cousin. August was tall, so I assume that's how the name originated.

On September 2, 1918, August registered for the draft for WWI. At the time he was living in Clay Center, Kansas at 407 Lane Street. At the time, he was unemployed. August is listed as being tall, of medium build, with brown eyes and black hair.

The 1920 Census lists August as living with his mother and sister Emma in Clay Center. His occupation was listed as a clothing merchant.

August never married. He died on October 12, 1926 in Shelby County. Tennessee. He either went there on business or pleasure because his death certificate listed him as a "non resident" of Shelby County. The certificate is #3036. August's death certificate lists his occupation at the time of his death as a dog trainer. The informant on the death certificate was his brother-in-law, Carl A. Hammel. August did race greyhounds, so that is probably where the occupation of dog trainer came from. He was also a men's clothing merchant in Clay Center.