For three generations at least the O’Guin family has been identified with the fortunes and affairs of Hickman County, Tennessee. Thomas O’Guin, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in the county, there grew to manhood, married, and became a prominent farmer. When the Civil War broke out he cast his lot with the Southern Confederacy and entered the army as a private solider. Exposure and hardship incident to military life so impaired his health that he died of tuberculosis soon after being discharged from the service, leaving two sons, the younger of which, Sidney L. O’Guin, was born near Whitfield, Hickman County, in April 1863. In 1884, S. L. O’Guin and Sarah Coble were united in marriage in Lewis County, Tennessee, though she is a native of Hickman County, where she was born in 1856. Three children have been born of this union—Walker W., Alden and Marvin—the first named in Lewis County and the other two in Hickman County. In early life
S. L. O’Guin followed the vocation of a farmer, but later engaged in mercantile pursuits. He is now the proprietor of a shoe and gents’ furnishing store at Centerville. Politically he is a Democrat, and both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church.
Walker W. O’Guin, the eldest of the three children born to his parents, was born in Lewis County, Tennessee, February 1, 1886, but removed with his parents to Hickman County in his early childhood. He was educated in the Hickman County schools and at the Murray Institute, Murray, Kentucky, and until 1909, was engaged in teaching in the public schools of Lewis and Hickman Counties. In 1909 he entered the field of journalism as owner and editor of the Hohenwald Herald. On August 18, 1912, the office and equipment of the paper were destroyed by fire, and soon after that Mr. O’Guin removed to Centerville, where he became the editor of the Hickman County Citizen. This paper has the largest circulation of any newspaper in the county. In national politics it is a supporter of Democratic principles, but in state and local affairs it is independent. Although Mr. O’Guin has been in charge of its editorial columns but a comparatively short time, he has demonstrated his grasp of public questions and his ability as a writer. His long residence in Hickman County and his familiarity with conditions peculiarly qualify him for the position he occupies. He knows the needs of the county and is always ready to further any measure for the social and material uplift of her citizens.
In his political affiliations Mr. O’Guin is an unswerving Democrat. His fraternal relations are with Hohenwald Camp No. 215, Woodmen of the World; Sam Davis Lodge No. 158, K. of P., located at Centerville; and Centerville Camp M. W. A. In all these orders he is popular because of his genial disposition and good fellowship.
In 1907 Mr. O’Guin married Miss Ruby Poore, daughter of J. W. Poore, a well-known resident of Hickman County. Two children have come to bless this union—Harriet Jane and Sydney Lamar. Mr. and Mrs. O’Guin are members of the Christian Church and take a commendable interest in promoting its good works.
