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Robert Austin (Early Rhode Island Settler)
Robert Austin was an early Rhode Island Settler and the ancestor and progenitor of a large line of descendants of the Austin surname.

Little is known about the origin and ancestry of Robert Austin, but it is widely accepted that he was born in England in about 1634 and emigrated to America. He is first know to reside in Kings Town, Rhode Island in 1661, where on September 15th of that year his name appears on a list of 65 persons (Who were mainly residents of Newport, Portsmouth and Kings Town, Rhode Island) who were to have lots at the new settlement of Misquamicut (Westerly). The lots measured 12 by 80 rods (6 Acres), and each man was to pay 7 pounds or forfeit his right. The lot Number 12 fell to Robert Austin, but he never made settlement there so far as is known, and comparatively few who drew lots ever went to Westerly. Robert's name does not appear on the tax list of inhabitants on September 15, 1687, so it is assumed that he was deceased before this date. Two of Robert's sons are on this tax list at that date.

Family
Though there is speculation as to Robert's spouse, her name is not know, but he is known to have been married in Kings Town, Rhode Island in about 1660. Their first child was born in about 1661. Robert is known to have had four sons and possibly one daughter. His sons were:


 * Jeremiah Austin b. About 1662 d. About 1754 in Kingstown, RI who married Elizabeth (surname unknown)(8 Children)
 * Edward Austin b. About 1664 d. 1731 in Richmond, RI who married a daughter of Daniel Cromb (2 Children)
 * Joseph Austin b. About 1668 d. before 1743 in Rhode Island who married Mary (surname unknown)(3 Children)
 * John Austin b. About 1671 d. April 17, 1752 in Rhode Island who married Mary (surname unknown)(4 Children)