Anthony Austin

Anthony Austin was born 1636 in Titchfield, Hampshire, England. He was the son of Richard Austin and Elizabeth Betsy ____. Anthony died on August 22, 1708 in Suffield, Hampshire, Massachusetts and is buried in Old Venter Cemetery, Suffield, Connecticut. Anthony emigrated with parents, aunt and her children, and older brother Richard aboard the ship "Bevis" setting sail in April 1638 from Southampton, England, and landing at Boston Harbor on May 16, 1638. Anthony\'s father (Richard Austin) died soon after arriving in the US. The bereaved family settled in Charleston, Massachusetts. Anthony married Esther Huggins on October 19, 1664 in Rowley, Essex, Massachusetts. The couple moved to Rowley, Massachusetts for 8 years in 1666. They had 7 children: Captain Richard Austin, Ensign Anthony Austin, Lieutenant John Austin, Dr. Nathaniel Austin, Elizabeth Austin, Elizabeth Austin, Esther Austin. On May 19, 1669 Anthony made Freeman (a person not under legal constraint). Around December 1674, Anthony became the original proprietor of Suffield, Connecticut. He was granted 50 acres along Feather Street on July 17,1674. In May 1678, Anthony was appointed a Sergeant of a Foot Company of Suffield. Esther’s family was also granted land in Suffield. On October 12, 1681, Anthony was promoted to Lieutenant, being the first officer to command the Foot Company of Suffield. This company was engaged in frequent battles with the Indians. Anthony was listed on the first voting list of Suffield on March 9, 1682. Three days later on March 12, he was the first Town Clerk in Suffield and served for 26 years. Many of the original records of Suffield are in Anthony’s beautiful handwriting. In 1696 Anthony accepted office of schoolmaster and served for 11 years. Anthony achieved rank of Captain in 1697. His wife died on March 7, 1698 at age 55. Anthony was widowed for 9 years.