James Austin was one of thirteen children for parents Philip Gordon Austin and wife Catherine Elisabeth Rogers. He lived in Taylor County, West Virginia all his life. He was employed by the B&O RR.

James married Dessie May Shaffer on February 18, 1911 in Grafton, West Virginia. They had eight children: Rosa; Hector; Mary; Lawrence; Paul; Martha; Alfred; Alice.
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John_Austin_Mono_VA Genealogical Database

CITATION: Grafton Sentinel (microfilm at WV Archives), Grafton, Taylor Co.,WV newspaper, WV Archives, Charleston WV.
RAILROAD MAN PASSES AWAY

James W. Austin, Retired Car Oiler, Succumbs To Illness

James W. Austin, 71, retired Baltimore and Ohio car oiler for forty-two years of active service, died at his home in Blueville this morning at 8 o'clock after an illness of several years.

In failing health for several years the former B & O man's condition only recently became critical. Death this morning was not unexpected.

Born in Taylor County on October 1, 1866, the deceased was the son of the late Gerdie Austin and Mrs. Catherine Rogers Austin.

He is survived by his widow, the former Dessie Schaffer, also the following children: Miss Martha Austin; Alfred Austin; Miss Alice May Austin; Mrs. Rose Brown, all at home; Hector L. Austin and Mrs. Mary Armstrong, all of this city; Paul Austin, Pittsburgh, Pa. Three brothers, Perry Austin and George Austin, of this city, and John Austin, residence unknown. Three sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Keener of this city; Mrs. Mary Sommers, White Day, W. Va., and Mrs. Minnie Butcher of Fairmont.

The deceased was a member of the Christian church of Grafton and the B & O Veterans.

Funeral services will be held at the home at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, with the Rev. Taylor of the Christian church officiating.

The B & O Veterans will conduct services at the home in Bluemont at 6:30 o'clock this evening.

Interment will be made in the Bluemont cemetery under the direction of G.T. Bartlett.