Austin family history began in Jefferson County when Joseph Edward Austin came with his wife, Autievy, in 1893 to build his home in northern Field Township.

J. E. "Ed" Austin was born November 28. 1870 in Bon County. second of the eight children of Joseph Wilson an" Mary Louise Koonce Austin. The eight children were Ella Joseph E.; Myrtie; Emma; Ida; Christeena and Christopher twins; and Lulu. Most of them remained to make their home ­in Bond County. Mary Louise Koonce had been born October 13, 1838 in Illinois. Joseph Wilson Austin had been born December 28. 1848 in Illinois, the son of Joseph Christopher and Mary Ann Grigg Austin.

Upon the death of his father, Ed, as the eldest son, was Ie: much of the responsibility of the family at age 12. He was married to Autievy C. Beesley on November 27. 1890. Their first dwelling in Jefferson County was a barn. The farm animals were housed on ground level, and the family lived upstairs. At night they could hear wild animals prowling outside.

Of their 59 years together, 55 were spent in Field Township. Ed and Autievy were members of the Panther Fork Baptist Church for 63 and 50 years. respectively.

Source: Facts and Folks of Jefferson County, Illinois Page 78
Submitted by Sandy Whalen Bauer