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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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AUSTIN NAUSLEY is a prominent and well known farmer residing on section 5, Elkville Township, Jackson County, and a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this community. Away back in the early days, when St. Louis was a trading post, and Brownsville the most important town in Illinois, Adam Nausley and his wife, Frances, parents of our subject, emigrated from Columbus, Tenn., and located in Jackson County, Ill. The trip was made in 1825. On a flat-boat they floated down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, from which they disembarked at Bennett’s Landing, below Grand Tower. From that point they continued their journey and at length made a location between Carbondale and the Big Muddy River. Indians were still in the neighborhood, and bears and wolves were numerous. In 1830 they settled in Elk Prairie, and later removed to a point seven miles to the southwest. The father was a farmer, and followed that occupation throughout his entire life. Upon their farm in this community he and his estimable wife spent their last days, and in their declining years they were surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, for their earnest and untiring efforts had brought to them a most comfortable competence.

Austin Nausley was born sixty-two years ago, and is a typical pioneer a man of more than average intelligence and ability, and one of the leading citizens of this community. By indefatigable industry, economy and perseverance, he has accumulated a valuable property, comprising four hundred acres of good land and an extensive sawmill plant. He carries forward to a successful completion whatever he undertakes, and has therefore worked his way upward to a position of affluence.

In 1853, Mr. Nausley was united in marriage with Miss Mary S., daughter of Philip Glotfelty, a pioneer of Jackson County. Seven children were born of their marriage, of whom four are still living: Edward, Philip, Eliza and Sudie. The first-named was born on the old homestead in 1854, and married Miss Sarah A. McGowan, daughter of Coleman and Catherine McGowan. They have one child, Gussie E., who was born in 1886.

Mr. and Mrs. Nausley are members of the Christian Church, and are people whose sterling worth and many excellencies of character have gained them the high regard of all. The well spent life of our subject has won him universal confidence and esteem, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers this record of his life.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Jackson County, Illinois family biographies here: Jackson County, Illinois Biographies

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