Businessman, President of Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company. Born in St Louis, Missouri on December 29, 1865, August was the eldest son of Lilly (Anheuser) and Adolphus Busch. After completing his studies at Lyon Free School in St Louis, Missouri, he attended Morgan Park Military Institute in Chicago, Illinois and the Kemper School of Boonville, Missouri. He then spent several years in Germany and New York City learning brewing techniques and the brewing business. August Busch began his career at Anheuser-Busch by serving as a brewer’s apprentice for three years and then, by successive steps, he advanced within the company learning all facets of the business. August married Alice Ziesemann on May 8, 1890 and they had five children: Adolphus, Marie, Clara, August A, and Alice. After the death of his father,  Adolphus Busch, on October 10, 1913, August became president of Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company. He guided the company through three major crises—World War I, Prohibition and the Great Depression. In order to survive the turbulent times, he began to diversify the company’s products. August patented the first diesel engine, which he installed in the brewery to increase production. During World War I, a subsidiary was formed to produce the engine for U S Navy submarines. To support the war effort, the Busch family purchased sufficient war bonds to finance two bombers; each of them was named “Miss Budweiser”. In November 1918, President Woodrow Wilson signed the bill instituting Prohibition in 1920. Unable to brew beer, August diversified the business into related products: malt syrup, for home beer production; a refrigerated car to transport perishables; corn products; baker’s yeast; ice cream and soft drinks. Even though most of these products were discontinued after Prohibition was repealed in 1933, his legacy of diversification is a hallmark of the Anheuser-Busch Companies today. After suffering in extreme pain for over 6 weeks with heart disease, dropsy and gout, August A Busch Sr. took his own life on February 10, 1934 with a self-inflicted bullet to the abdomen.  Adolphus Bush III succeeded his father as president of the company. (bio by: Vickie Clark)  Family links:  Parents:  Adolphus Busch (1839 – 1913)  Elizabeth Lilly Anheuser Busch (1844 – 1928)  Spouse:  Alice Edna Zisemann Busch (1865 – 1958)*  Children:  Adolphus Busch (1891 – 1946)*  August Anheuser Busch (1899 – 1989)*  Siblings:  Eddie Busch (1864 – 1879)*  August Anheuser Busch (1865 – 1934)  Adolphus Busch (1867 – 1898)*  Peter Busch (1869 – 1905)*  Anna Louise Busch Faust (1875 – 1936)*  Carl Busch (1882 – 1915)* *Calculated relationshipCause of death: Suicide by gunshot