Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Becky Jones

Page 198

Hiram Austin, a farmer of Lyndon Township, resident on section 4, is the oldest son of Stewart and Eliza (Reynolds) Austin. He was born Sept. 4, 1828, in Rutland Township, Tioga Co., Pa., where his parents were early settlers. As soon as he obtained a suitable growth he aided his father in the pioneer labors of the farm, helping to clear the timber away, and in the tillage of the soil. He obtained his education, attending school in the winter seasons. His father came to Illinois in 1847, leaving him to arrange the incomplete affairs relating to the estate. He set out to rejoin the family in September, 1848, leaving Elmira, and traveling to Buffalo on the canal. He came from there on a steamboat to Chicago, and walked from that city to Lyndon in three days. His first labor in Whiteside County was with a threshing-machine, and the next year he worked on his father’s farm.

In January, 1855, he was united in marriage to Laura, daughter of William C. and Emmeline (Monroe) Morse. She was born Nov. 21, 1836, in Luzerne Co., Pa. Mr. Austin and his brother had purchased the homestead, and on the event of his marriage he took up his residence thereon. He still occupies the place, of which he is sole owner, having bought the interest of his brother. The farm comprises 180 acres, in the best condition of agricultural purposes, all in tillage, and fenced, with substantial buildings, fruit and shade trees. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Austin, eight in number, were named Celestia E., Lyman R., Emma, Cora Belle, Lester M., Clara May, Phebe I. and Raymond H.; Emma died in infancy.