Dennis E Austin Again

So I've been working on family a little closer on the time line than John Stout Drake and Lucia Cahoon.  I started dabbling a little with Dennis E Austin who would be Illda's dad.  He died when she was quite young and she adored him until the day SHE died. 

In broad strokes, Dennis was born in Michigan to Leman Austin Jr. and his wife Elizabeth.  He eventually went to work for the railroad, and Illda lead me to believe that he was an engineer.  Sometime in the early 20th Century, while still living at home with his folks and two brothers, they moved from Michigan to Texas.  Eventually, he would move back with Minnie and Illda.  I believe he was speculating in building in Houston Heights. 

Before I forget, Leman Jr. and his family lived next door to the James Moore family.  A little girl named Elizabeth was part of that family.  Leman and Elizabeth would end up getting married. 

Dennis died of malarial fever in 1912. 

Here is a letter that he wrote his parents.  It is transcribed by me, exactly as written, although, I have broken it into paragraphs for easier reading:

"Oct 2 1910

My Dearest Parents  I am going to surprise you with a good long letter to pay for the long wait.  I expected to get the money every day + would then write but I was stood off with $236.00 until I began to think I would never get it.  If I did not have help to pay + materials to pay for I could have met this sum almost any time but I had lots of work and then buying the $600 lot at Oak Lawn + Building the cottage got me a little close to the edge.  But I finished it up at last Friday + it is sold for 2075 it cost $1750.00 all complete.  I wanted to make $500 to the good, + will do it again just as soon as I find an idle time, at present I have three jobs contracted for one at $270 + one at 170 and one at 152 which will hold me till Nov 15th.

Well we had  nice shower today + I am going to get busy and get in my winter garden as it makes one feel that way when the Mocking Bird begin to sing in the morning.  We got your pa of seed ok. + Illda enclosed some palm seed which I suppose you had batter wait until spring to plant.

We are all well + strong this fall + everybody is hitting the ball for we begin to see a little farm in Mich now.  It has been quite dry here this summer + of course everyone says this is the worst one yet.  They say the same about the cold weather.  So you can draw your own conclusions.

I have not told you but the lot at San Leon that we bought for the kid in July at 240 we can take 480 for now.  All other property going up same way + as the ship channel is sure things are going up fast (even eating).  I had to buy a pair of $1.00 trousers a couple of weeks ago + it nearly broke my heart.  I am enclosing a p.o. order for $50 + int so make a not for the other 100 + I bet you will get it on time, hoping this reaches you in time to be of use I am with bets love and kisses to you both

Your Dennis

 

Dennis E Austin

Dennis E Austin was my great grandfather, father of Illda Martha Austin and husband of Minnie Martha Austin.  I don't ever remember anybody ever even talking about him. I think he was rather handsome.

That moustache would later be waxed and curled in a typical handle bar style.

Dennis E Austin was born on 04 January 1867 in Michigan and died 02 Aug 1912 in Harris County, Texas from malarial fever. I believe Dennis, Minnie and Illda were living in Houston Heights.  He grew up on a farm, but also lived in Texas as a youngster. As an adult, he made a living as a railroad conductor and later as a decorator, painter and paper hanger.  From the letters I have that he wrote him, I think he was speculating in real estate in Houston around the turn of the century.

His father was Leman Austin, his mother Elizabeth "Lizzie" Moore Austin.  He had two brothers:  WM Austin (aka Wibur, aka Will) and Claude Austin (aka Claudie, Clauddie).  Dennis and Minnie had one daughter, my granny Illda Martha Austin -- who was born in Toledo, Ohio.

I have transcribed a letter he wrote home to his parents.  Some of it is difficult to read.  I am typing it exactly as it is written, with bad spelling and punctuation.  It is written on hotel stationery.

"Summit House
        J.B. Taylor, Proprietor
                   
First Class Accommodations
        Headquarters for Traveling Men
                 Located in Central Part of City
                            Rates $1.50 to $2 per day

Saturday, May, but March

                                                          Marquette, Mich., May 5/88

Dear Parents,

              I came to Marquette last night.  I am feeling quite well, for all I am 500 miles from home.  We went to Battle Creek that night and had to stay there until 10 O clock next day for the west end local and by so doing we had no fare to pay until we got to Allegan.  We got there at noon and went north on the GR (unreadable word) Road at five o clock and got in Grand Rapids at 7.  we had to layover until 11.00 before we got out of there.  got to Macinaw City at 10.30 staid all night and crossed the straits at seven o clock.  it is 8 miles across to st. I______.  We (unreadable word) an ore train at 1 o'clock in the afternoon and came another 120 miles further north.  got here 3.30 this morning.  I struck another pardner at st Ignace and as I could get a ride (unreadable word) could not I came ahed.  So Fred telegraphed for a pass yesterday and will get here today and I will meet him here and go on to gether 125 miles further. When we get there we will be about 600 miles from home.  I am writing before my breakfast so I will have to close.  Give my love to Will & Pearl.  Tell them to write when I get there I will write again so you will know where to write.

                                                                  Yours son,
                                                                      D.E. Austin
When we came across yesterday morning the straits was (unreadable word) on each side full of ice.  It was terrible rough so everybody said the wind blew like a hurricane but I thought it was fun.  Some of them were pucking they probably didn't see any fun in it.

                                                                      D.E.A."

I found out today that Wilbur M Austin, Dennis' little brother had married Pearlie Sheeler in 1889.