WI BIO - Kenosha Co - AUSTIN, R. J.
The City of Kenosha and Kenosha County, WI. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 
1916, Vol II, pp 203-204

R. J. AUSTIN, a well known representative of the shoe trade in Kenosha, 
Kenosha County, WI, where for 16 years he has carried on business, his being 
recognized as of the most reliable establishments of this kind in the city, 
was born at Hazel Green [Grant County], WI, 09 Jun 1879, his parents being 
James and Lavinia AUSTIN. James AUSTIN was a carpenter by trade, but in the 
later years of his life was engaged in the shoe business.

After completing his public school education by a high school course, R. J. 
AUSTIN went to Kewanee [Henry County], IL, and started out in the business 
world as an employee in a shoe store. Subsequently he went to Madison, Dane 
County, WI, where he entered the employ of his brother, A. E. AUSTIN, who is 
a shoe merchant of the capital city. These experiences brought him wide 
knowledge of the trade and developed his business enterprise and power. He 
was ambitious, however, to engage in business on his own account, and 
carefully saved his earnings until [p 204] his economy and industry had 
brought him sufficient capital to enable him to open a store of his own. In 
Aug 1903 he removed to Kenosha, Kenosha County, WI, where he believed he 
might find a profitable field and here established a shoe store. For the 
past 10 years he has remained at his present location at No. 217 Main Street 
[Main Street renamed 6th Ave]. From the beginning his trade has constantly 
increased until it has now [1916] reached large and profitable proportions. 
His business policy commends him to the support of the public, and he has 
many patrons who have continued to trade with him through the years.

On 12 Nov 1904 R. J. AUSTIN was married to Miss Eva ROBINSON, of Madison, 
Dane County, WI. They are members of the Congregational church, and their 
lives are in accord with its teachings. In fact they upheld all those 
interests and activities which benefit the community and uplift the 
individual, and in the social circles of the city [Kenosha] they are widely 
and popularly known. R. J. AUSTIN maintains an independent political course, 
voting for the man rather than the party. He belongs to the Elks lodge, but 
is most prominent in the Masonic fraternity, being identified with Kenosha 
lodge, No. 47, Free & Accepted Masons; Kenosha Chapter, No. 3, Royal Arch 
Masons, of which he is past high priest; Kenosha Council, Royal & Select 
Masons; and Kenosha Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar, of which he is past 
eminent commander. His life exemplifies the benevolent spirit of the craft 
[Masonry], which is based upon the recognition of the brotherhood of mankind, 
and which inculcates the spirit of helpfulness and charity among its members. 
Those who know R. J. AUSTIN esteem him as a man of personal worth, and in 
business circles he commands the respect of colleagues and contemporaries.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly