Life Long Resident of Gravette Passes Away

Joseph Shelton Austin (12 January 1858 - 20 July 1940)

Funeral Services were Conducted at the Baptist Church Monday Afternoon

"Jody" Austin, 82 year old retired farmer and orchardist, and life long resident of Gravette, passed away at his home west of Gravette, Saturday afternoon, at 1:30 o'clock.

Mr. Austin had owned and operated the farm, where he spent his last days, for more than 45 years, and was very active in farm and orchard circles until the past few years, when his health failed and he was forced to retire.

Joseph Shelton Austin was born near Gravette, Arkansas, on January 12, 1858, and departed this life July 20, 1940, at the age of 82 years eight months and eight days.

He was united in marriage to Margaret Rebecca Redfearean in 1881. To this union were born ten children: William and Elmer of Gravette; Dee of Stillwater, Oklahoma; Jay and Hugh of Coffeyville, Kansas; Clint, Sudan, Kansas; Jeff of St. Josesph, Missouri; Claud, Lawrence, Kansas; Mrs. Minnie Hall of Geneseo, Kansas; one daughter, Mrs. Dell Chance, preceded him in death in 1932. He also reared two grand children, Eugene and Helen Austin.

Mr. and Mrs. Clint Austin and Mr. and Mrs. Dee Austin arrived a short time before Mr. Austin passed away. All of the children were present at the funeral.

While Mr. Austin never united with any church he loved to read his Bible, and in his last days he seemed to realize his time was near and said he was ready to go.

Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon at the Baptist church, conducted by the pastor, John B. Stephen. Burial was made in the I. O. O. F. cemetery with Pyeatte's Funeral service in charge of arrangements. Six of Mr. Austin's sons acted as pallbearers.

Other Citations:

1. Benton County Arkansas Cemetery Index

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