The Biographical Dictionary of America/Bourn, Augustus Osborn

BOURN, Augustus Osborn, governor of Rhode Island, was born in Providence, R.I., Oct. 1, 1834; son of George Osborn and Huldah (Eddy) Bourn, and a descendant of Jared Bourn. He was graduated at Brown in 1855; entered his father's employ, becoming a member of the firm, manufacturers of India rubber goods, in 1859. He established the National Rubber Co., at Bristol, R.I., in 1864, and consolidated it with that of his father's in 1867. He served as treasurer until 1887, when the firm ceased to exist, and then became proprietor of the Providence Rubber Shoe Co. He was a member of the state senate, 1876–'83. and 1886–'88; Republican governor of Rhode Island. 1883–'85, and U.S. consul-general to Italy, 1889–'93, resuming business in Providence in 1894.