Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2012, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Biographical History of Genesee County, Michigan Author: H.H. Bennett Publisher: B. F. Bowen & Co., Indianapolis, IN., 1908. Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Page 271 - 272 JAMES S. AUSTIN James S. Austin, one of the best painters doing business in the city of Flint, was born in Devonshire, England, September 15, 1862. His father, William Austin, was a practical farmer, and died in Devonshire. His mother, Frances (Sanford) Austin, gave birth to fourteen children and proved a capable and efficient manager for this large and interesting family. James was the ninth child in the order of birth and received such education as circumstances would permit. Natuarally, as he grew to man- hood it became necessary for him to turn his attention to some means for making a livelihood, and the usual custom prevailed of becoming an apprentice at some trade. He chose the painter's trade and for seven years applied himself to the learning of his work, and this was done in the most thorough manner. It is generally conceded by contractors and employers in America today that English workmen are among the most thorough employes available. They may not at all times be as quick as the Americans, but they do their work well, and in the long run are the more desirable workmen. This is due largely to their thorough preparation in learning their business. They do not spend a few weeks at their work and then pose as experts, but they are required to learn all phases of their business by actual experience before they are rated as first-class workmen. At the age of twenty James came to America bent on making his way --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 272 in the world by coming to the land that means opportunity. He arrived at Detroit, and for the next eight years plied his trade in that city. In 1892 he came to Flint and established himself in business and has so con- tinued up to the present time. While living in Detroit he was married to Miss Harriet Zuger, who was born at Crystal Falls, Michigan. Their union has been blessed with three sons, William H., Lee J., and Sylvester. Mr. Austin has not only been a successful business man, but has also been an active and helpful worker among the local lodges. He has held important offices in the order of Odd Fellows, in the Masonic fraternity and in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is a leading member in the Loyal Guards, having held the principal chair in Lodge No. 1 for four years. His interest has never abated and he daily practices the principles maintained by the orders for the spread of the fraternity, benevolence and charity. ==========================================================================