The Biographical Dictionary of America/Austin, Jonathan Loring

AUSTIN, Jonathan Loring, statesman, was born in Boston, Mass., Jan. 2, 1748. He was graduated from Harvard college in 1766, going then to Portsmouth, N. H., where he entered upon a mercantile career. He was appointed major in Colonel Langdon's regiment at its organization, served on General Sullivan's staff, and until October, 1777, was attached to the Massachusetts board of war as its secretary. He was sent to France with despatches for the American commissioners, remained with Dr. Franklin as his private secretary, and was sent by him to England as his agent. Upon his return he carried despatches from the commissioners to Congress, arriving in Philadelphia in May, 1779. The following year he returned to Europe to obtain a loan for the state of Massachusetts. He was captured on his vessel, and upon his arrival in England was released. Failing to negotiate the loan, he returned to America in 1781. He was selected as the orator at the Boston Fourth of July celebration in 1786. He afterwards was elected to the Massachusetts senate, serving a number of terms. He also held the offices of state treasurer and secretary of state. He died in Boston. May 10, 1826.