The 1910 Federal Census shows August and Bertha living at 515 Millman Street in Peoria. August lists his occupation as bookkeeper for a distillery company. The census states that he emigrated to the US in 1892 in Pennsylvania.

On Sept 12, 1918, 'Gus' Sieks registered for the draft. That was two months before the first world war ended. According to Lillian, He was in full Army gear and ready to ship out when they declared the war over on Nov 11, 1918. Gus Sieks showed on his draft form that he was self employed as a coal dealer with offices at 302 Cedar Street, Peoria, Illinois. At that time his home was shown as 201 Helen Street in Peoria.

Although his army draft form shows his first name as Henry, all other records show him as August Henry Sieks. He reportedly had a brother in Chicago named Heinrich August Sieks. Research still ongoing.