In 1842, our subject (Thomas H. Austin), in company with his father, made a trip to the West for the purpose of viewing the country prior to making a location and while on that trip visited this county. This was his first introduction to Wisconsin, which was to be his future home. The father purchased 1100 acres of land in Rock County, and after returning for his family settled permanently in this community, where he engaged quite extensively in farming until his death, which occurred July 31, 1872. He was born in 1789. Mrs. Austin departed this life in 1847, when forty-five years of age. Thomas was unmarried, when, with his father, he made his first trip to Wisconsin, nor did he make a home for himself until several years later. Returning to the Empire State, he remained with the family until their preparations for removing to Wisconsin were completed, when, with the others he started for the new home, reaching Milwaukee on the 1st day of June, 1845.
