 |
 |
What's
New | Bios | Birth/Marr/Death | Cemeteries | Census | Courts | Directories/Lists | History | Maps | Military | Photos | Resources | Schools
1907 Past and Present Biographies
Rev. Dinsmore Austin Click image to enlarge There is no position held by man more important than pastor of a church, nor is there a position that has attached to it greater importance or responsibility when properly conceived and conscientiously discharged. There have been few men by character and education better fitted to preside over a people in all these relations in life than the late Rev. Dinsmore Austin, who was born in Surry, New Hampshire, February 4, 1833. He was the son of Thomas Austin, of English ancestry, a well known agriculturist of New Hampshire, the state in which he lived and died. He was a most devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Rev. Austin obtained his early education in the common schools of his native place, but being one of a family of twelve children did not receive the individual attention that the sons of smaller families are so fortunate in having. In consequencce it was by his own industry that he became a splendid student, in fact, he went through the conference course of studies alone. Fortunate in being able to remain on his father’s farm until he was fifteen years old, he received, under the parental roof, a religious and moral training from which he could never get far away, but he realized that he must earn his own living and during his sixteenth and seventeenth years he was a clerk in a store at Randolph, Massachusetts. At the end of this time he returned to his father‘s farm, where his assistance was needed and where he remained for two years. At the end of that time he began to learn the chairmaking trade with his brother Will at Gardner, Massachusetts, but again was called to the farm, where he assisted for the two years following. He then removed to Burlington, Vermont, where he worked at the trade which he had previously learned. At the age of twenty-five Mr. Austin was converted and received into the church, at once becoming an exhorter. Two years later he was licensed to preach and in 1865 was ordained by Bishop Simpson, at Montpelier, where for ten years he was a most beloved local preacher. He came to Iowa in 1869, locating at Webster City, where he met with many misfortunes. His wife was in delicate health and the change of climate did not improve her. His funds were low, and in order to keep the wolf from the door he was obliged to peddle goods furnished him by a friend. The first week he made ten dollars and in this way he was able to get along. But his wife passed away at this place and was mourned by many friends who, during their short acquaintance with her, had learned to love and admire her. On October 30, 1870, Mr. Austin was married to Maggie A. Calvert, who was born in Burlington, Vermont, September 30, 1840. She was a daughter of William and Catherine (O’Brien) Calvert. Her father was a well known agriculturist, who spent his entire days in his native state. For four years Mr. Austin resided in Webster City, where he served as a local preacher, organizing many churches. In 1874 he came into the Des Moines conference, seeking an appointment, and his first charge was at Russell, where he lived for two years. He then served in the following places: Murray, two years; Corydon, three years; Denison, three years; Bedford, three years; Red Oak, one year; Chariton, four years; Jefferson, four years; Nevada, two years. He had worked so hard and earnestly to establish the various churches and to build them up that his health failed and he returned to Jefferson, where he erected a handsome residence on East Main street, where his widow still lives. His death occurred four years later. He was a great and good man who was intensely loyal to what he considered right and yet was tolerant of the faith of others. He possessed a keen mind, quick perception, and was courageous in his undertakings. He was a Knight Templar Mason and gave his political support to the republican party. In addition to his position as a minister Mr. Austin had what few men in that line possess - a splendid business ability. It was this that enabled him to keep his churches out of debt and in so managing his own affairs that he was able to present a two hundred acre farm to Simpson College at Indianola and to own two valuable residences in Jefferson. He was one of the organizers of the Jefferson Savings Bank, having served as one of its directors and the stock which he held is now in possession of Mrs. Austin, who has added to it and is serving as one of the directors. She is a most estimable lady and one who, while doing her duties in her own home, is always ready to assist in whatever she believes will promote the public good. She is president of the library board and superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school. Like her husband, Mrs. Austin is widely and favorably known and well merits the high regard in which she is universally held. Rev. Austin was a scholarly gentleman, but was first and foremost a minister, and the friend of every man, woman and child with whom he came in contact. |
Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead," by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver, Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.  Site Terms, Conditions & Disclaimer |