History of Atchison County, by Sheffield Ingalls,
(Lawrence, KS: Standard Publishing Company, 1916)
pp. 856 - 858

AUGUST MANGELSDORF*

August Mangelsdorf has been a citizen of Atchison for over half a century and has accomplished during that period two things which entitle him to recognition and even renown. He established and built up the Mangelsdorf Brothers Seed Company, one of the largest concerns of its kind in the West, and now managed by his sons. The other is the rearing of a large famlily of fifteen children. If Mr. Mangelsdorf had done no more than to bring into the world and rear his family of fifteen children, he would have been entitled to more than ordinary mention as one of the sturdy pioneer citizens of Atchison. He is now living a retired life at his beautiful place, " Homewood”, in South Atchison, and, while ostensibly retired, works constantly on his farm within and adjoining the city limits. While nominally the president of the Mangelsdorf Brothers Seed Company, he spends the greater portion of his time out of doors working about the grounds and fields of his estate. Mr. Mangelsdorf, while having lived a busy, and even strenuous life during his fifty years in business in Atchison, has no desire to "rust out," but believes that his health can be better conserved by plenty of exercise in the open air. His rugged appearance and keen interest in life bear testimony to the wisdom of his plan of living. He is one of the highly respected and substantial citizens of Atchison and has done his part in the task of making Atchison preeminent among the cities of the West. The great concern which bears his name was originated and built up by himself and is a monument to his enterprise and integrity, and Atchison is proud of him and the outcome of his life work.

Mr. Mangelsdorf was born in Arnim, Prussia, July 27, 1848. He was the son of Joachim Christoph and Anna Dorothea Mangelsdorf, who lived in Arnim until 1857, when they emigrated to America. The father died in 1850, and the mother married the second time to Andreas Stehwien. The family first settled on a farm in Gasconade County, Missouri, residing there until 1868, when they came to Douglas County, Kansas. Here they lived until the mother died, and then Mr. Stehwien came to Atchison to spend the remainder of his days with his children. Five children were born to Joachim Christoph Mangelsdorf, namely: Mrs. Anna Buhman, of Atchison; Henry, in New Mexico; Mrs. Dorothy Beurman, Lakeview, Douglas County, Kansas; William, deceased; August, with whom this review is directly concerned.