The Biographical Dictionary of America/Austin, Benjamin

AUSTIN, Benjamin, statesman, was born in Boston, Mass., Nov. 18, 1752. He was a frequent contributor to the newspapers, writing principally articles opposing the administration of John Adams, which subjected him to much criticism. Under the pen names of "Honestus" and "Old South" he wrote numerous articles for the Independent Chronicle, some of which were published in book form in 1803. He was appointed commissioner of loans for Massachusetts by President Jefferson, and was elected at different times to both houses of the state legislature. He died in Boston, May 4, 1820.