Pipe Organ Database

From the OHS Database Builders Listing editor, August 18, 2016. -

The Austin Family

Several members of the Austin family were organ builders:

Jonathan Austin 1800s - Gentleman Farmer and Amateur Organ Builder, Podington, England; built the organ for St. Margaret's Church in Denton, 1886 which was still in use in 2014 according to the Northhampton District Organists Association. Three of Jonathan's sons emigrated to the United States and worked in various capacities for the family organbuilding firm which John T. and Basil F. established in Hartford, Connecticut.

• John T. Austin 1869-1945 (son of Jonathan Austin) - established Austin Organ Co. of Hartford, Connecticut, with his brother Basil Austin, 1889;
• Basil George Austin 1874-1958 (son of Jonathan Austin) - established Austin Organ Co. of Hartford, Connecticut, with John T. Austin, 1889;
• Basil F. Austin 1908-1967 - co-founder of Austin Organs Inc, secretary, 1937-?,
• Harry White Austin 1870-1931 (son of Jonathan Austin, brother of John T. and Basil G.) worked with his brothers' firm.
• Frederic Basil Austin 1903-1990 (son of Harry W.) - co-founder of Austin Organs Inc., president, 1937-73, chairman of board until 1990.
• Donald Basil Austin 1933-2004 (son of Frederic B., husband of Marilyn, father of Kimberlee) - with Austin Organs, president, 1972-1990, chairman of board from 1990-2004.
• Kimberlee J. Austin (daughter of Donald B.) - with Austin Organs, president, 1998-2005?
• John E. Austin (son of Harry W.; brother of Frederic B.) purchased organ supplies, c. 1980s.

The Family Business

The business remained in the family through two re-organizations (1889 when Austin Organ Co. was established as a separate business rather than a division of Clough & Warren, and 1935 when Austin Organs, Inc. was established as the successor firm). The company stopped new production in 2005, but remained in business doing service work. Shortly thereafter, the company was purchased from the shareholders by Michael Fazio, and Richard G. Taylor who retained Marilyn Austin as consultant. The business resumed production under the new owners.