Rushden Research Group: Austin of Irchester

The Austin Family

Knuston Farm in the 1960s when
George Willmott was the farmer

John Turnell Austin, brother Basil and father Jonathan

Jonathan Austin, with his wife Charlotte, lived at Manor Farm, Podington. Their daughter, Ada was born there in 1869, followed by John Turnell Austin in 1870, Harry in 1871, Basil George in 1874 and Charlotte in 1876.

The following year Charlotte died. By 1880 Jonathan had taken the family to Knuston and employed a housekeeper to look after his young family.

It seems that John Turnell Austin went to America, probably in 1890, where he became well-known as an organ builder. He had returned home in the late 1890s to see the family now living at Knuston Farm. Whilst here he and his father built an organ, later installed in the Old Baptist Church at Rushden.

Brother Basil also left Knuston Farm, and went out to the Klondike to join the "gold-rush" in the late 1890s. He sent back an interesting letter.

Rushden Echo, 28^th June 1901

Marriage of Miss Austin of Knuston

An exceedingly quiet wedding was celebrated at Irchester Parish Church yesterday (Thursday) morning, by the Rev. E. W. Thomas, the contracting parties being Miss Ada Mary Austin (daughter of Mr. Jonathan Austin, of Knuston), and Mr. William Thomas Brawley (of Penarth, Cardiff). The best man was Mr. Harry White Austin, while the bride, who was dressed in white muslin, was given away by her father. The other relatives and friends present were Mrs. H. W. Austin, Master Harry John Eric Austin, and the Rev. F. W. Winterton (Wellingborough). The honeymoon is being spent on the South Coast. Mr. Jonathan Austin returned from America only the night before, he having been on a visit to his son.

see also Early Schools

see also Park Road Baptist Church Organ

William Sargent & the Organ at the Baptist Church

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