The Augustus Holmes Alston family of Georgia and Alabama were English settlers who arrived in North Carolina in 1691. Augustus Holmes (A.H.) Alston (1847-1918), son of William and Elizabeth Howard Alston (1847-1918) served as an attorney and supernumerary circuit judge. He was born in Bibb County, Georgia, educated in Georgia public schools, and, just before attending college, he enlisted in the Civil War. Alston served in General Basil Duke's Brigade under General John T. Morgan, Ninth Tennessee Cavalry Regiment, and Company C. Alston married Anna Maria Ott (1845-1928) on December 17, 1867. The couple had ten children: Augusta Holmes Alston Lee (1869-1957); Edward Ott Alston (1871-1969); Robert Cotten Alston (1873-1938); Louise Alston Adams (1876-1971); Philip Henry Alston, Sr. (1880-1962); Elizabeth Drake Alston Grubbs (1884-1945); William Ott Alston (1887-ca. 1940); and Augustus Holmes Alston, Jr. (1890-1936). Alston moved his family to Alabama to practice law. In 1882, he was appointed judge of the probate court of Barbour County, Alabama, and served two terms. In 1889, Alston was elected as supernumerary judge and was re-elected twice, first in 1904 and second in 1910. He also worked as chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of the 3rd District and of Barbour County. Alston's sons graduated from the University of Alabama; several sons became lawyers and moved to Atlanta, Georgia.