Augustus Osborn Bourn was an American politician and the 36th Governor of Rhode Island.
Background
Bourn was born in Providence, Rhode Island, 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 graduated from Brown University and later established a successful career in rubber business, where he started in his father"s company.
Career
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 during the Civil War.
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 United States Consul General in Rome from 1889 until 1893 under the administration of President Benjamin Harrison.
In 1873, Bourn built an opulent Gothic revival mansion in Bristol named Seven Oaks.
The mansion was designed by James Renwick, best known for designing the Smithsonian Castle and Saint Patrick"s Cathedral, and is located at 136 Hope Street near the Herreshoff boat yard. In 1897 he was elected as a compatriot of the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Governor Bourn died on January 28, 1925 and was buried at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence.
Membership
Bourn was a Republican and was member of the Rhode Island State Senate in 1876-1883 and again in 1886-1888. Bourn was an active member of the Freemasons.