Walter G. Austin

Walter G. Austin, manager of the Austin estate and president of the Austinville Savings Bank, was born in Washington town ship, this county, on the 20th of December, 1872. He is a son of Henry and Sarah M. (Smith) Austin, the former born in England in 1844 and the latter in New Jersey in 1840. The father came to America when he was two years and a half old and settled with his parents in Michigan, but he grew to manhood in Grant county, Wisconsin. He afterward moved to Washington township, Butler county, Iowa, and remained one of the prominent and representative farmers of that locality until his death, which occurred in 1911, he having survived his wife six years. They were the parents of three children: Walter G., of this review; Alice E. ; and Clarence W.

Walter G. Austin acquired his education in the district schools of Washington township and in the Waterloo Business College, which he attended for three years. After he laid aside his books he settled in Austinville, where in 1893 he took charge of his father's grain, coal, lumber and live-stock business. For the past three years he has been manager of the Austin estate, which is large and important, calling for the services of a man of unusual business ability and executive power. Mr. Austin is also president of the Austinville Savings Bank and a powerful factor in financial circles.

On the 12th of May, 1897, Mr. Austin married Miss Cora F. Dahn, a daughter of Fred E. and Minnie (Filk) Dahn. Mr. and
Mrs. Austin have three children. Marguerite, Donald and Beryl. Mr. Austin is a member of the Presbyterian church and a republican in his political beliefs. He is one of the prominent businessmen and highly respected citizens of Austinville and of Washington township, and he enjoys the esteem and good-will of all who are brought in contact with him.