|
No history of Vernon county,
especially that part which refers more particularly to the town of
Nevada, would be complete without mention of the name of Thomas H.
Austin, for his connection with its affairs dates back to a period which
only a few can remember, when Vernon county was a wilderness and its
inhabitants few and far between. He came originally from East
Tennessee, Anderson
county, where he was born July 28, 1818, the oldest of eight children,
four boys and four girls, which blessed the union of Daniel and Nancy
Austin, nee Edwards. The latter was born in Maryland. Daniel Austin
was a native of Green county, Ky., though he afterwards lived in
Alabama, and finally moved to Putnam county, Ind., from whence in 1835
he came to Missouri, settling in what was then Pulaski but is now Miller
county. This was his home until going to Buchanan county, and some five
years later, or in 1846, he came to Vernon county, continuing to live
here until his death. He wife also passed away in this county. Thomas
H. Austin was brought up on the old homestead and very naturally
acquired a knowledge of agricultural pursuits. His educational
advantages, however, were somewhat limited, owing to the scarcity of
schools in that early day. He accompanied his father on the various
moves made by that person, as already enumerated, and finally in 1846
took up his residence in this county, which has since been proud to own
him as one of her citizens. Upon his location here he entered 240 acres
of land and 40 acres of this tract were afterwards taken for the site
upon which Nevada
now stands. Some little idea can therefore be formed of the part which
Mr. Austin has taken in the up-building and growth of Vernon county. In
1869 he moved to a place on Osage river, known as Belvoir, and for 10
years conducted a ferry across the river at that point. In 1879 he
moved into Nevada, where he has since remained. He was the first
postmaster of the place then called “Haletown,” and for some years
filled the position of justice of the peace, also serving as coroner of
Bates county for two years. Though not a political aspirant he was
never found wanting in the discharge of the duties of those positions to
which he was called. In April, 1841, Mr. Austin was married to Miss
Louisa Blevans, a native of Alabama, and daughter of Stephen A. Blevans.
Seven children which have been born to them are now deceased. He is a
member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter
and Commandery. Of late years Mr. Austin has retired from the active
duties of every-day life, after a lifetime spent in earnest, sincere
toil. He still owns 100 acres of land adjoining the city and is in the
enjoyment of a competency which years of industry have awarded him. His
acquaintance throughout the county is almost unlimited, and those who
know him best enjoy the friendship of a man in very sense of the term.
His reserved and unassuming disposition, together with his true worth,
have caused him to be placed among the representative citizens of Nevada.
|
