Othniel Wienges Explained

Othniel Henry Wienges, Jr. (December 27, 1924 – April 2, 2013)[1] was an American Thoroughbred horse breeder and politician in South Carolina. He won numerous state and industry honors in breeding. After establishing prominence in the industry, Wienges entered politics, being elected as a Democrat to the state House of Representatives in 1962 and serving several terms until 1972.

Early life

Born in Calhoun County, South Carolina in 1924 and named for his father, Wienges grew up in St. Matthews, South Carolina, on the Singleton Plantation, which his grandfather had acquired in the late 19th century.[1] He learned horse breeding with his father, who first raised Standardbreds (used for trotting and pacing races), shifting to Thoroughbreds in the mid-20th century, which specialize in flat racing.[1]

Wienges served in the United States Navy during World War II. Afterward he returned to college, graduating from the University of South Carolina.[1]

Career

Wienges became a horse breeder and took over his family plantation in St. Matthews, South Carolina,[1] operating as O.H. Wienges & Son.[2] He expanded it to about 2600 acres, and specialized in Thoroughbred horses used for racing. He was active in the industry in the state for decades and raced his horses along the East Coast. His most successful stallion was the Mr. Prospector horse Kokand, which "sired progeny who have earned more than $14 million and 10 stakes winners, including half-million dollar earner Big Rut."[1] Wienges was also active in numerous agricultural and other civic organizations in South Carolina, several related to his alma mater, the state university.[1]

Wienges entered politics, joining the Democratic Party. He was first elected to the local school board, and later to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1962. He was reelected to several terms, serving to 1972.[3]

Personal life

He married Carolyn "Callie" Phillips (January 21, 1927 - February 3, 2016).[4] Together they had two children, Carol and John.[1]

Legacy and honors

Notes and References

  1. News: Othniel Wienges, prominent South Carolina breeder, dies at 88. Daily Racing Form. April 17, 2013. August 12, 2020. March 26, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160326074208/http://www.drf.com/news/othniel-wienges-prominent-south-carolina-breeder-dies-88. live.
  2. Web site: O.H, Wienges & Son. Manta.com. August 12, 2020. August 12, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200812191751/https://www.manta.com/c/mbsp973/o-h-wienges-son. live.
  3. Web site: Othniel Henry Wienges, Jr." 1924 - 2013 . Dukes-Harley Funeral Home and Crematory. Orangeburg, South Carolina. August 12, 2020. August 12, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200812190914/https://www.dukesharleyfuneralhome.com/?action=obituaries.obit_view&o_id=2043707&fh_id=1229. live.
  4. Web site: Carolyn 'Callie' Phillips Wienges: 1927 - 2016. Dukes-Harley Funeral Home and Crematory. Orangeburg, South Carolina. August 12, 2020. August 12, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200812190059/https://www.dukesharleyfuneralhome.com/obituary/3584207. live.