William David Austin, son of George and Emma Austin, was born on his
     parents Valley Township claim OCtober 16, 1887. Times were hard and by the 
     time he was 5 years, he was working horses in the field. Will attended 
     Franklin rural school. He graduated from Kansas State in 1910. While there,
     he ran on track and set a record for the 1 mile that was unbroken for 10 
     years. He also ran the 2 mile and the 4 mile.
          While in college he met Margaret Keys of Winchester, Kansas (born
     October 4, 1888 at Burdette, Kansas). They were married December 31, 1912. 
     They lived on the Austin farm between Isabel and Nashville until they moved
     to Medicine Lodge in 1945. Their daughter, Wilma, was born April 12, 1920
     in the house where her father was born.
          Margaret's life was "Christ first." She attended the Nashville
     Presbyterian Church faithfully, taught a Sunday School class, and was 
     president of the Missionary Society 18 years. Other activities were Snow-
     flake Club, Isabel Garden Club, Valley Builders Unit, and WCTU. She enjoyed
     sharing her flowers.
          Will was likewise faithful in his work at the Nashville Presbyterian
     Church, serving as an elder and being treasurer 16 years. He helped organize
     the AAA in 1933-36. Will was a Barber County Commissioner from 1950-58, for
     12 years was a Boy Scout Director, was secretary-treasurer of Barber County
     Soil Conservation District 6 years, Federal Land Director 10 years, was
     local weather observer 10 years, tested soils for the Extension Service
     12 years, and was an active member of the Medicine Lodge Lions Club 25 years.
     Will had an obvious zest for living and a compassion for people. He was
     never happier than when he was doing something for others. During his life,
     he amassed an extensive mental file of jokes and stories. He seemed to 
     know a story for every occasion. Rev. Merle Salser and Will toured Mexico
     and Canada. In his late seventies, he studied Spanish and memory courses.
          Margaret died December 24, 1962. Will followed her April 29, 1970. 
     Both are buried at Nashville.
              
     Source: Isabel, Kansas - The First 100 Years, 1887 - 1987,  pg. 36
     
     Submitted by: Wilma Austin Bell