The Biographical Dictionary of America/Austin, Samuel

AUSTIN, Samuel, educator, was born in New Haven, Conn., Oct. 7, 1760. He was graduated at Yale college in 1783, and, entering the Congregational ministry, officiated as pastor of the churches at Fair Haven, Conn., and Worcester, Mass. In 1815 he was chosen president of the University of Vermont. He resigned this position in 1821, and from that time until 1825 had charge of a small congregation at Newport, R. I. Yale and the College of New Jersey made him A. M. in 1783 and 1785, respectively, and Williams gave him the degree of D. D. in 1807. His published writings include, beside occasional sermons and addresses, "A View of the Church." "Controversial Letters on Baptism" (2 series, 1805-'06), and a "Dissertation on Christian Theology" (1826). He also collected and edited the "Works of Jonathan Edwards" (8 vols., 1809). He died at Glastonbury, Conn., Dec. 4, 1830.