From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, publ. 
1894 - Page 214-217
 
AUGUST TANCK, a notary public and conveyancer, of Watertown, was born in Holstein, 
Germany, on April 22, 1833.  His parents, August F. and Catherine (BOCK) TANNCK, are still 
living in that country, and the father is now retired.  In the land of his birth our subject was reared 
and in its public schools acquired his education.  His early life was spent as a clerk in the custom 
house of Holstein, where he was employed until he had attained his majority.  He then 
determined to make his home in America, and in 1854 crossed the broad Atlantic, landing in New 
York City.  He remained there for about two months, learned the cigar-maker's trade, and on the 
expiration of that time came to Wisconsin, locating in Watertown, where he was employed as a 
cigar-maker by Ernest GROSSMAN, with whom he continued  for about two years.  He then 
resolved to engage in business for himself, and with the capital he had acquired, purchased a 
stock of groceries and began operations along that line, continuing in the same for two years.
 
Mr. TANCK was married in 1857, the lady of his choice being Miss Rosa SCHENERMAN, by 
whom he had two sons and one daughter: August, who is now serving as clerk of the Circuit 
Court of Jefferson County; William, who occupies with position of postmaster of Lowell, Dodge 
County; Fred, Amiel, Alex, Elizabeth and Lydia.  The mother of this family was called to her final 
rest in 1868, and in December 1869, Mr. TANCK was united in marriage with Miss Margaret 
SCHENERMAN, who has borne him three sons and one daughter.
 
His fellow-citizens, appreciating his worth and ability, have frequently called upon our subject to 
serve in positions of public trust.  He was elected and served as city marshal for two years, after 
which he filled the office of deputy sheriff of Jefferson County for two years.  He then retired from 
public life, and began the manufacture of cigars, to which business he devoted his energies until 
the close of the war.  He next opened an office as notary public, and at different periods has 
served as city assessor and city clerk.  In 1887 he was elected county treasurer of Jefferson 
County, and with promptness and fidelity discharged the duties of that office for one term.  He is 
at present Inspector of Illuminating Oils.  He was alderman from the Fifth Ward for two years, and 
for a long period has been prominently identified with the political interests of Jefferson County.  
Every trust reposed in him is faithfully fulfilled, and his fidelity to duty in public office has won him 
high commendation.  He is a leading and influential citizen, who supports the best interests of the 
community, and in the history of his adopted county he well deserves a place.
 
Submitted by Carol