Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Austin, James B 1823 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 9, 2007, 12:20 am

Author: Portrait & Bio Album, 1890

JAMES B. AUSTIN. This gentleman bears the reputation of being one of the most 
public-spirited citizens of Homer Township, and he is closely identified with 
its agricultural interests, successfully tilling one hundred and fifty acres 
of land on section 11, and in addition to this makes a specialty of fine 
Norman horses. For the past nine years he has officiated as Highway 
Commissioner and School Director, and may always be found on the side of the 
enterprises calculated for the advancement of the community, socially, morally 
anrl financially. In politics he is a sound Republican, thoroughly in accord 
with the principles of his party, which he has always labored earnestly to 
advance. He is more than ordinarily intelligent and well-informed, keeping up 
with the topics of the day, and in his social life has always distinguished 
himself as one of the must hospitable men of his neighborhood. The subject of 
this notice was the eldest in a family of six children, and was born in 
Ontario County, N. Y., July 4, 1823. He lived with his parents until a boy of 
eight or nine years, then went to live with his uncle, Ira Austin, with whom 
he remained until reaching his majority. When he was sixteen years old he came 
with his uncle to this county, and after becoming of age took up one hundred 
and sixty acres of land on section 11, where he built up the comfortable home 
which he now owns and occupies. He was married in Du Page Township November 
19, 1851, to Miss Laura Saunders. The young people settled in their own home, 
where were born to them four children and where the mother died July 2, 1865. 
Their first-born child, a son, William, died when about one year old; Albert 
remains at home with his father ; Estella became the wife of William Orahood 
and died in Homer Township, December 1, 1879; Lyman is a resident of Dakota. 
Mr. Austin contracted a second marriage, in Homer Township, October 22, 1867, 
with Miss Betsey McGregor. This lady was born in Scotland, November 17, 1845, 
and when five years old came with her parents to America. The latter were 
Henry and Jeanette (Malcom) McGregor, both of whom were also born in the Land 
of the Thistle, but are now residents of Cook County, this State. To Mr. 
Austin and his present wife there have been born nine children, viz: Jenny, 
who died when ten years old; Buell P.; Ira W., who died at the age of three 
years; Charles H., who died when four years old; James H., John McG., Homer 
C., Hattie J. and George W. The latter died when about four years old. Mrs. 
Austin is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 
August, 1862, Mr. Austin entered the Union army, enlisted in company F, One 
Hundreth Illinois Infantry, and served two and one-half years, until February 
1, 1865. His duties were mostly in the Quartermaster's department, and he 
consequently took part in no battles. He belongs to Lockport Post, No. 401, G. 
A. R., at Lockport. Lyman Austin, the father of our subject, was, like 
himself, a native of Ontario County, N. Y.,and married Miss Sarah Hecock, who 
was also a native of that county. They lived there for a time after their 
marriage, then removed to Medina County, Ohio, and from there to Cass County, 
Mich. After a sojourn of some years in the Wolverine State they joined their 
son in Homer Township, this county, and here spent their last days. They were 
honest and upright people and without making any great stir in the world 
performed life's duties in a creditable manner and are kindly remembered by 
all who knew them.

Additional Comments:
Portrait and Biographical Album of Will County, Illinois, Containing Full Page 
Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens 
of the County; Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1890

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