James Augustus Austin, clerk of the county court, etc., is a son of James Austin, one of the yeomanry of the county of Peel, and was born in the township of Toronto, in this county, February 5, 1835. The maiden name of his mother was Eleanor Aikins. Both parents are dead.
James was reared on the farm, attending a common school in his younger years, and subsequently spending three years at Victoria College, Cobourg, intending at one time to study for the medical profession, but not completing his College course on account of failing health. He continued farming in the township of Toronto until 1867, when he was appointed clerk of the county court, deputy clerk of the Crown, and registrar of the Surrogate Court, at which time he
removed to Brampton, the county town. His variety of clerkships he is attending to with the utmost care, being always at his post. While on the farm, he acted part of the time as a director of the local Agricultural Society. Before taking a county office, Mr. Austin interested himself a good deal in the success of the Reform party. He belongs to the Methodist church of Canada, and sustains a consistent christian character. At times, when his health would admit it, he has been a good worker in the Sunday school.
November 5, 1868, he married Miss Susan Graham, of the township of Toronto Gore, and they have three children and have buried one son.