THE LATE W.W. AUSTIN
Renfrew Mercury June 21, 1912
On Sunday afternoon as Mr. J. McN. Austin was at Mr. Eady’s funeral, a messenger came to him with the tidings that his father, Mr. W.W. Austin of Douglas, who had been ailing for the last six months, had been taken seriously ill and was sinking. The end came peacefully on Monday morning. Mr. Austin was a native of Bennie’s Corners, Lanark County, and spent most of his early days in the neighbourhood of Pakenham. Some 50 years ago he became a resident of Renfrew County, establishing himself at Eganville, as a general merchant and lumber jobber. Of hospitable and social instincts, he took an active part in the business and political affairs and in the general life of the neighbourhood; being in special demand at political meetings. His home was always the home of the most of the early ministers of both the Anglican and Methodist churches, for he had married Miss Sarah McNiece of Drummond, a devoted Methodist. After her death some thirty years ago, Mr. Austin moved to Douglas and then lived for a time with his sons at Chapleau. Twenty years ago he came back to Douglas, where he has since lived, retired.
In 1882 he was married to Mrs. Andres of Douglas, who survives him. By his first marriage there were four children; Ida now Mrs. Elliott of Nelson B.C.; Albert who died in 1890; James McN. of Renfrew; and Charles of Chatham Ont. By Mr. Austin’s wish he was interred in the family plot at Eganville, to which place the funeral took place Wednesday, from Douglas by G.T.R. train.
At Douglas, services were conducted by Rev. Messrs. Richards of Cobden and Moore of Douglas and at St. John’s Cemetery, Eganville by Rev. Mr. Green. A number of Renfrew citizens attended the services to show their respect for the memory of he departed. The pall-bearers were George A. McNab, A. Andrews, P. McGregor, Duncan Stewart, Jos Philips and Wm Dunn.