My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in History of Allen and Woodson Counties, Kansas by L. Wallace Duncan and Chas. F. Scott, published by Iola Register, 1901.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

REV. O. P. AUGUSTINE, who for eighteen years has served as post master of Coloma and is a well known representative of the business interests of this locality as well as of the work of the church, was born in Stark County, Ohio; October 1, 1824. His parents, John and Margaret (Wishard) Augustine, were both natives of Pennsylvania. In early life the father largely devoted his time and attention to political interests and to military service. He was one of the loyal defenders of his country in the war of 1812, was made a brigadier-general and served throughout the Black Hawk war. A recognized leader in public thought and opinion, his views carried weight in political circles and in 1840 he was chosen a presidential elector, casting his ballot for William Henry Harrison. His high standing in the public regard is indicated by the fact that for twenty-one years he represented his district in the state legislature. He was also sheriff of his county for four years. He resided in Ohio from 1807 until 1852 when he removed to Illinois, where his remaining days were passed, his time being devoted to agricultural pursuits. He died in 1871, at the ripe old age of eighty-two years, and his wife departed this life in 1845, at the age of sixty-one. This worthy couple were the parents of nine children.

O. P. Augustine, however, is the only survivor of the family. He received a common-school education and was reared to rural life, assisting in the labors of the farm from his early boyhood. When he had reached adult age he was married in Ohio, November 7, 1844, to Miss Agnes A. Webb. In 1852 they removed to Illinois, where Mr. Augustine purchased and operated a farm, coming thence to Woodson County, in 1871, Here he two claims of 80 acres each, five and a half miles north of Yates Center, and is now in partnership under the firm name of O. P. & O. W. Augustine, dealers in stock and farming and are doing a good business, making large purchases and sales.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Augustine were born four children: Mary Agnes, who died in infancy; John Wesley, now in Oklahoma; Elizabeth, J., at home, and Oliver W., who has charge of the farm. The family is one of prominence in the community and the members of the household merit and receive the high regard of friends and neighbors. In his political views Mr. Augustine is a stalwart Republican. He filled the office of coroner of Woodson County for six years and through long periods has served in the township offices. Eighteen years ago he was appointed postmaster of Coloma and has since occupied that position, discharging his duties in all these offices with due regard to the trust reposed in him and with promptness and dispatch. For thirty years he has been a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in 1899 he engaged in preaching in Oklahoma. His religious faith and belief are the actuating motive of his life and guide him in all his relations with his fellow men.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 204 biographies included in History of Allen and Woodson Counties, Kansas by L. Wallace Duncan and Chas. F. Scott, published by Iola Register, 1901, Iola, Kansas.  For the complete description, click here: Woodson County, Kansas History and Genealogy

View additional Woodson County, Kansas family biographies here: Woodson County, Kansas

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.