Austin, Basil G., 1874-1958.

Austin was born in England on Feb. 25, 1874. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1893, joining his brother, John, in Detroit (Mich.). There, the brothers were employed at Farrand and Votey Co., organ manufacturers. Eventually, they both contributed towards many improvements in the construction of pipe organs. The brothers left Farrand and Votey Co. to work for Clough and Warren Co., another Detroit organ manufacturer. Basil later traveled and installed organs by himself. He went to Alaska to find gold in 1897, and stayed there until July 1900. His diaries describe his experiences in Alaska. In July 1900, Clough and Warren Co. was destroyed by fire. The brothers then started the Austin Organ Co. in Hartford (Ct.). Basil married Clara L. Shea on Oct. 19, 1904, in Hartford. In 1935 the brothers retired and liquadated their firm, founding a smaller company. Basil was honored in 1933 by the American Organist which published his portrait and biography, and listed his many inventions. He died on April 6, 1958. (Information from the collection.) For information on John Cumming, see his papers which are also at the Clarke Historical Library.