Austin, Moses (1761–1821)
Austin, Moses (1761–1821)
Moses Austin (b. 4 October 1761; d. 10 June 1821), founder of the American lead industry and father of Stephen F. Austin. Reared in Connecticut, Moses Austin moved to Richmond, Virginia, in 1785 to manage a mercantile business. An entrepreneur, he revived the lead business, making considerable money before experiencing business reverses. He then moved to Spanish Upper Louisiana, where he received a land grant for his lead enterprise. He founded Potosi, Missouri, in 1798 and prospered until the War of 1812. Bankrupt by 1820, Austin saw his economic revival in establishing a colony in Texas, for which he secured permission from the Spanish government. His son, Stephen Fuller, established the colony after his father's death.
See alsoIron and Steel Industry .
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Eugene C. Baker, The Austin Papers (1924–1928) and David B. Gracy II, Moses Austin: His Life (1987).
David B. Gracy II