The original post is from 2005 (6 years ago), but if you are still around, I am definitely interested in what you have found regarding August Bendig. My grgrgrandfather, Wilhelm Bendig was born in West Prussia in 1842. Wilhelm named his first born son August (born 1867).

I haven't been able to locate church records in West Prussia on the Bendigs, but August Bendig definitely sounds promising.

Let me know if you want to exchange information.