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August Werner was born in Bergen, Norway, on December 5th, 1893. In 1913 he received a B.S. from the College of Agriculture in Stend, Norway, and he graduated from the Masters School of Music in New York in 1924. Werner was a professor in the School of Music at the University of Washington from 1931 to 1965. He taught voice lessons, gave recitals, and made appearances in opera productions at the university. Werner also directed the Norwegian Male Chorus and the Ladies' Chorus in Seattle, as well as the Chanters of the Nile Temple Shrine. In addition, Werner acted as director in chief of the Pacific Coast Norwegian Singers' Association. Werner performed as a baritone both in the United States and in Europe. He sang as a soloist with symphony orchestras, churches, and choirs. He also performed as an invited soloist at special events in his communities.

Werner was also an artist. He painted landscapes of Norway and scenes from Norway's history. Among his creations as a sculptor are a bust of Beethoven at the University of Washington and a cast-bronze statue of Leif Eriksson, unveiled in 1962, which overlooks Shilshole Bay Marina in the Ballard area of Seattle, Washington. Werner was decorated by the King of Norway with the Order of St. Olav and as a Knight of St. Olav by the King of Sweden. He died in 1980.