He was married Nov. 15, 1846, to Myra A. Gary. She was born in Rushford, Allegany Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of Charles and Eunice (Spaulding) Gary. Soon after the event of his marriage Mr. Austin bought a portion of the land owned by his father in the town where he was born, on which he built a log house, and set about the work of reclaiming his land, which was in timber. Later he built a frame addition. In 1854 he sold his property in Indiana, and emigrated to Whiteside County. He bought a tract of unimproved land in Ustick Township, residing in Mt. Pleasant Township while engaged in its improvement. In 1862 he purchased wild land in Mt. Pleasant Township on section 31. Two years later he made a purchase of land adjoining, lying on the same section, which was supplied with a comfortable frame dwelling, of which he took possession with his family, and which they occupied until 1879. In that year Mr. Austin rented his farm in Mt. Pleasant, and went to Lyndon, where he remained three years. In 1882 he went back to his farm. In 1884 he again rented his place, and again went to Lyndon. He owns 131 acres of land, under good improvements and all enclosed.

Mrs. Austin died April 18, 1874. Following is the record of her surviving sons and daughters: Myra J. is the wife of J. G. McGregor; Celia married N. C. Vest, and lives in Lake City, Iowa; George W. resides near Storm Lake, Iowa; Charles W. resides in Cloud Co., Kan.; Augustus E. is a resident of Morrison; John is living in Cloud Co., Kan. Mr. Austin contracted a second matrimonial alliance Oct. 22, 1877, with Mrs. Priscilla (Magner) Hurd, a native of Richland Co., Ohio. Lou Belle is their only child. Thomas H. Hurd, the first husband of Mrs. Austin, died June 4, 1866. Their marriage occurred June 11, 1861. Their children were named William H., Arthur O. and Mary G.

Contributed by Marji Turner form Portrait & Biographical History of Whiteside Co 1885. Pg 462