August E. Niederhoff an Autobiography

Peals from a Small Potato, the autobiography of August Evan Niederhoff is being published for the benefit of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and future generations. When I reread his book, many years after it was written, I was intrigued by the fascinating life he had led. I think his story offers an example his descendants should know about and should share with their children. It is the story of a first-generation American, born early in the twentieth century, to a poor (by current standards) but stable and loving family and the successful life he attained through education, hard work, intellectual curiosity, persistence, and faith in the face of adversity; a compelling love of life; and a passion for travel. He was not a perfect human, as he is the first to declare, but he is an inspirational one. His story is told with humor and a wealth of personal detail that is amazing. All of his adult life, he kept a small diary of his daily activities, recorded his experiences with snapshots and 8 mm movies, wrote detailed letters to his wife and sister, and collected memorabilia from his adventures. These, along with his remarkable memory, provide ample documentation for his autobiography. The richness of these resources contributes to an understanding of the man and the times in which he lived.