Background
John Augustus was born in 1785 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. His success began at the age of 18 as a probation officer.
philanthropist probation officer
John Augustus was born in 1785 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. His success began at the age of 18 as a probation officer.
In 1841 he was a humble shoemaker in Boston, employing several assistants. Present in the police court one day that year, he became interested in a man charged with being a common drunkard. At Augustus's request and offer of bail, sentence was deferred for three weeks and the man released. At the end of that short probation the man was able to convince the judge of his reformation, and received a nominal fine. Thereafter, Augustus was present daily, at first in the police, and later in the municipal court, acting as counsel for prisoners, and furnishing bail.
He also found homes for juvenile offenders, and made possible a fresh start in life for men and women who through intemperance or vice had gone wrong.
Between 1842 and 1858, according to the court records, he bailed 1, 946 persons, making himself liable during that period to the extent of $243, 235.
For five years after taking up this work, Augustus conducted his shoe shop, often working all night, he says, to make up the time spent in court.
In 1846 he gave up his business, having acquired, apparently, a meager income upon which to support himself. He was never the agent of any sect or society and never received salary or remuneration. The sentiments and convictions which underlay his activities have won general approval, and work similar to his is now carried on widely by institutions private and public.
He helped different people and devoted his whole life to charitable organizations, and never received a salary or a reward. At his death, it was noted that of the 2, 000 people for which he forfeited bail only four proved unworthy. The sentiments and convictions which underlay his activities have won general approval, and work similar to his is now carried on widely by institutions private and public. Augustus also devoted all his earnings to his philanthropies. Others voluntarily contributed, though never large amounts, his receipts for five years averaging $1, 776.
Augustus was warm-hearted, impulsive, and direct of speech, often in trouble with court officials, sometimes because they thought him presumptuous and a hindrance to the transaction of business, and often because his activities lessened their fees.
Augustus is described as a thin man, of medium height, his face somewhat wrinkled, and his features of a benevolent expression.
No record of his family can be found.
