AUGUSTUS H. TITUS is a man that has a wide range of experience both in the affairs of life in its ordinary occupations and also in pioneer experiences, having passed through practically all the various vocations usually met with in frontier life, as mining, camping, opening up a new farm, as well as the incidents of danger and adventure with which such existence is frequently attended, beside much fighting with the savages in various places; universally manifesting both a cool and wise judgment and capabilities and valor and courage that are the constituent parts of the true man and progressive spirit.
Mr. Titus was born on July 17, 1843, in Morgan county, Illinois, being the son of Noah and Melissa Titus, and when a child was taken by his parents near Quincy, Adams county, in the same state. He remained on the farm with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, and then followed the advice of Horace Greeley, and embarked on the weary journey across plains and mountains to the Pacific coast. When as far as the Black Hills on their journey, they were attacked by the Indians, who killed four men, one colored boy, and captured two women, one of whom was released in a few days and the other was detained for three years before she made her escape. The train proceeded from this time to the date of landing in Rye valley without further episode of danger, and Mr. Titus stopped at the last named place and commenced to mine. A short time after he went on to the Willamette valley, and soon was on his way back to Boise, where he mined for a time, and then in 1866 went back over the emigrant road on horseback to southeastern Kansas, where he remained for a number of years.
On January 17, 1872, Mr. Titus married Miss Susan Garner, and to them was born one child, Alice M., now the wife of E.P. Perkins. Mrs. Titus was called hence by death on September 29, 1875, and then shortly after Mr. Titus came to the Willamette valley and in 1877 migrated thence to Baker City, remaining there until 1899, when he again returned to the Willamette valley. In 1899, Mr. Titus again came east of the mountains, and this time settled on a fine farm two miles west from North Powder, where he owns three hundred and twenty acres, which is well improved and has fine buildings, such as a large barn and comfortable and commodious house.
On April 22, 1883, Mr. Titus was married a second time, and the lady of his choice on this occasion was Miss Nettie, daughter of James and Jane Wilson, and they have become the parents of six children: Roland A., Nora J., James, Maud M., Robert N. and Bessie L. Mrs. Titus’ father is dead, but her mother is still living near North Powder. Mr. Titus has had extensive dealings in the various capacities in which he has acted in the many places in which his lot has been cast, and this varied and valuable experience, added to natural sagacity, has placed him in a commanding position of knowledge of the affairs of life, and he is looked up to and esteemed by his fellows generally. In addition to the trouble with the Indians that he encountered in the journey across the plains, he has had several skirmishes with them and has displayed both courage and bravery in these times. In addition to the other pursuits of frontier life he was engaged for some time in freighting. He also now handles much stock as well as raising the fruits of the ground, and he is one of the leading farmers and stockmen of the vicinity.