Augustus Osborn Bourn was an American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 politician and the 36th Governor of Rhode Island.

Early life

Bourn was born in Providence, Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...

, on October 1, 1834. He was the son of George O. Bourn and Huldah B. (Eddy) Bourn and married Elizabeth R. Morrill February 24, 1863. He and his wife had five children. He graduated from Brown University

Brown University

Brown University is a private, Ivy League university located in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. Founded in 1764 prior to American independence from the British Empire as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations early in the reign of King George III ,...

 and later established a successful career in Rubber business, where he started in his father's company. He continued the business after his father's death and incorporated it as the Providence Rubber Company. He also founded the National Rubber Company, which later merged with the former company. He was also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Rhode Island Cavalry.

Political career

Bourn was a Republican and was member of the Rhode Island State Senate in 1876-83 and again in 1886-88. He held the governor's office from May 29, 1883 to May 26, 1885. During his administration, a constitutional amendment was proposed to extend suffrage to naturalized citizens. He was the author of this amendment. Later this constitutional amendment became well-known as the Bourn Amendment.

Bourn was an active member of the Freemasons.

Later years

Bourn was Consul General in Rome for the USA in 1889-93.

He died on January 28, 1925 and was buried at Swan Point Cemetery

Swan Point Cemetery

Swan Point Cemetery is a cemetery located in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Established in 1846 on a 60 acre plot of land. It has approximately 40,000 interments.- History :...

in Providence.

Sources

• Sobel, Robert and John Raimo. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978. Greenwood Press, 1988. ISBN 0-313-28093-2