August Claessens

August Claessens
Member of the New York House of Representatives from the 17th district
In office 1918–1920
Preceded by	Martin Bourke
Succeeded by	Nathan Lieberman
Member of the New York House of Representatives from the 17th district
In office 1922–1922
Preceded by	Murray Felenstein
Succeeded by	Meyer Alterman

August "Gus" Claessens (June 17, 1885 – December 9, 1954) was an American socialist politician, best known as one of the five New York Assemblymen expelled from that body during the First Red Scare for their membership in the Socialist Party of America.

Claessens was three times a candidate for United States Congress, running on the Socialist ticket in 1914, 1924, and 1934. He later served as Executive Secretary and National Chairman of the Social Democratic Federation, a factional offshoot of the Socialist Party.

August Claessens was born in Berne, Switzerland on June 17, 1885. He was raised by his mother and a step-father, the latter of whom worked as a house painter. His family emigrated to America in 1890 and he grew up in New York, educated in both Roman Catholic and public schools.

Claessens went to work at age 14 and worked variously as a newsboy, grocery clerk, and shipping clerk.

Claessens took part in self-directed study through the Cooper Union and the Rand School of Social Science in New York City. While at the Rand School Claessens became interested in socialism and the Yiddish language, both joining the Socialist Party of America and becoming proficient in Yiddish by 1909. Claessens would actively participate in the predominantly Jewish socialist movement in New York City for the rest of his life.

Well equipped by his Rand School training, Claessens was soon engaged as a public speaker and organizer on behalf of the organization, touring coast to coast. He also was a frequent speaker at public meetings of the Workmen's Circle (Arbeiter Ring), a predominantly Yiddish-language fraternal benefit organization.

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