Richard Austin (1598 - 1638) was an early colonist who arrived in Massachusetts in May, 1638[1] on board a ship called The Bevis.[2][3][4] Richard Austin is the immigrant ancestor of a family named "Austin" that prospered, ultimately settling parts of Missouri and Texas; noteworthy descendants include Stephen F. Austin, Moses Austin, Emily Austin Perry, Guy Morrison Bryan, Moses Austin Bryan, Stephen Samuel Perry, and hundreds of others. Richard settled in Charlestown, Massachusetts.[5] There are few references to Richard Austin, but in 1651, Richard Austin or a descendant by the same name held some public offices in Charlestown, Massachusetts.[6]
Most information about Richard is derived from genealogical research. Austin records go back to Kent, England in 1522[7].
Richard's wife, Elizabeth (last name unknown) was born in 1610 in Titchfield, Hampshire, England, and died in Charlestown, Suffolk, Massachusetts.[8] Richard was born in 1598 to Richard Austin and his wife Annis in Titchfield, Hampshire, England, and died after 1638 in Charleston, Suffolk, Massachusetts.[9] Richard was buried in Watertown, Massachusetts.[10]
Elizabeth and Richard Austin had a son, Richard Austin III, born November 15, 1632 in Bishopstoke, Hampshire, England, and died August 15, 1703 in Charlestown, Suffolk, Massachusetts.[11] Anthony Austin was born 1636 in Bishopstoke, Hampshire, England, and died August 22, 1708 in Suffield, Hampshire, MA.[12]