Among the oldest and most prominent contractors and builders of this city, the subject of this sketch deserves special mention. He is a native of Genesee County, New York, and was born October 8, 1826. At the age of seventeen years he emigrated to La Porte County, Indiana, and began the trade which he now follows. In 1869 he removed to Worth County, Missouri; was one of the first contractors in Grant City, and has built most of the large buildings in this place. He was united in marriage November 8, 1855, to Miss Mary L. Russ, a native of New York. They have been glessed with five children, Albert D., Frank, George, Hattie and Charles. Mr. Austin has been president of the town board of Grant City for five terms, and is the present incumbent of that position.
The History of Gentry and Worth Counties, Missouri, National Historical Co., St. Joseph, Missouri, p. 724.