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Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott
for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/
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Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott
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Oceana County Pioneers and Business Men of To-day
by L. M. Hartwick, W. H. Tuller



          Page 101

          JUDGE GIDDINGS DIES. - AUGUSTINE H. GIDDINGS, whose portrait
       appears on page 67, closed his earthly career in the saddest
       possible manner in a Philadelphia hospital, in the latter part of
       the year 1876. He ascended the bench of the Judicial Circuit to
       which Oceana County was part, in 1869, upon the death of Judge
       HOPKINS. By his urbane manners, dignified bearing and courteous ways
       he secured the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in con-
       tact. He was, however, addicted to the use of intoxicating drinks,
       and to this terrible habit that held him in its vicelike chains and
       from which he made many a heroic struggle to free himself, was due
       his failure to obtain the highest reward to the ambitious disciple
       of the law, namely, a position on the Supreme Bench, and his death
       among strangers while yet in the prime of life. His appetite seemed
       to take possession of him at long intervals, between which he never
       tasted liquor, but when the desire came upon him nothing could pre-
       vent his gratifying it. He realized the disgrace which his course
       brought upon him, and several times during a half lucid interval,
       attempted suicide. Notwithstanding the fact that Court business was
       seriously interfered with by his acts, wherever he appeared he was
       accorded unusual marks of esteem by attorneys and litigants. He died
       without having been married, but many people sincerely mourned his
       departure.

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