Augustine Tolton
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Augustine Tolton (April 1, 1854 - July 9, 1897) was born the son of slaves, Peter Paul Tolton and Martha Jane Tolton and was baptised in St. Peter Church in Brush Creek, Missouri. Augustine's father was a veteran of the Civil War fighting on the Union side, his mother seized this opportunity and ran away from their masters with Augustine and his siblings.
After arriving in Quincy, Illinois Augustine and his brother began work at the Herris Tobacco Company making cigars. After the death of his brother, Augustine met Father Peter McGirr who gave him the chance to attend St. Peter School, during the winter months when the tobacco factory was closed.
