Program

NYS Historic

Subject

House, People

Location

6 Bradley St, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA

Lat/Long

42.544147, -76.66664

Grant Recipient

Village of Trumansburg

Inspired by the abolitionist sentiments that pervaded his youth, William Austin moved from Central New York to Kansas in 1857 and established The Kansas Leader. As editor and co-owner, this liberal publication criticized political leadership and the institution of slavery as well as strongly supported Kansas as a “Free State.” The following year, William sold his interest in the newspaper, returned to New York, and became a lawyer.

During the Civil War, William served as Second Lieutenant and Recruiting Officer in Company G of the 109th Regiment of New York State Volunteers. He was wounded and later discharged in 1865. He purchased this property ca. 1869 and lived here with his wife until his death on June 20, 1909. William Austin is buried at Grove Cemetery in Trumansburg, NY.

As of 2022, the marker commemorating William Austin stands outside his former home at 34 Seneca Street, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 and remains a private residence.