Othniel Henry Wienges, Jr. (December 27, 1924 – April 2, 2013) 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 Democrat, Democrats, or Democratic may refer to: Politics *A proponent of democracy, or democratic government; a form of government involving rule by the people. *A member of a Democratic Party: **Democratic Party (United States) (D) **Democratic ...

to the state House of Representatives in 1962 and serving several terms until 1972.

Early life

Born in

Calhoun County, South Carolina Calhoun County is a county in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, its population was 14,119, making it the third-least populous county in the state. Its county seat is St. Matthews. Located in a rural upland area long dev ...

in 1924 and named for his father, Wienges grew up in

St. Matthews, South Carolina St. Matthews is a town in Calhoun County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,021 at the 2010 census, a decline from 2,107 in 2000. It is the county seat of Calhoun County. St. Matthews is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metro ...

, on the Singleton Plantation, which his grandfather had acquired in the late 19th century. 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. Wienges served in the

United States Navy The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. It is the largest and most powerful navy in the world, with the estimated tonnage ...

during World War II. Afterward he returned to college, graduating from the University of South Carolina.

Career

Wienges became a horse breeder and took over his family plantation in

, operating as O.H. Wienges & Son. He expanded it to about 2600 acres, and specialized in

Thoroughbred The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word ''thoroughbred'' is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed. Thoroughbreds are c ...

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." Wienges was also active in numerous agricultural and other civic organizations in South Carolina, several related to his alma mater, the state university. Wienges entered politics, joining the

Democratic Party Democratic Party most often refers to: *Democratic Party (United States) Democratic Party and similar terms may also refer to: Active parties Africa *Botswana Democratic Party *Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea *Gabonese Democratic Party *Demo ...

. 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.

Personal life

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

Legacy and honors

*Wienges was chosen 13 times as "South Carolina Breeder of the Year" by the national

Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association {{short description, Organization for Thoroughbred racehorse owners and breeders The American Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) based in Lexington, Kentucky is a trade organization for Thoroughbred racehorse owners and breeders. ...

. *The South Carolina Owners and Breeders Association named its annual award after Wienges, who was the first recipient. *In 1974 he was presented the "Man of the Year Award in New England Racing" by the Northeastern Sportswriters Association.

Notes

1924 births 2013 deaths People from St. Matthews, South Carolina University of South Carolina alumni Members of the South Carolina House of Representatives United States Navy personnel of World War II {{SouthCarolina-politician-stub