Ship's Crew
Benjamin Austin
Rank(s): Surgeon’s Mate
Dates of Service: 7/24/1813 - 6/27/1815
Birth Date: 4/9/1794
Death Date: 81839
Early Life
Benjamin Austin, Jr., son of the Honorable Benjamin Austin and Jane Ivers, was born April 9, 1793 or 1794 in Boston, MA.
Benjamin Austin married Anna Brewster Cleland on October 29, 1821 in Boston. Together they had eight children.
Austin received his commission as surgeon’s mate in the US Navy on July 24, 1813. He reported for duty on August 26, 1813 and left the ship on furlough on June 27, 1815.
Surgeon’s mates assisted the surgeon in his duties. The surgeon’s mate was akin to the modern medical student gaining valuable on-the-job training. Surgeon’s mates berthed in the cockpit (or steerage) and ate there with the warrant officers. They received $30.00 per month plus two rations per day.
Battles and Engagements
He participated in a war cruise of USS Constitution , capturing one small British man-of-war and two merchantmen. He was also aboard during victories over HMS Cyane and HMS Levant on February 20, 1815. He was awarded a Congress ional Silver Medal and shared $45,000 prize money with the crew. He received $126.93 as his share for Levant .
On June 8, 1815 Austin requested a furlough because of “some urgent business o which I am unexpectedly call’d to attend.” His furlough was approved on June 13, 1815, but by August 23 he requested orders. Austin resigned his commission on November 22, 1824. Austin journeyed to Texas sometime after April 8, 1836. On May 1, he was commissioned a surgeon in the Texas Army. He appears to have left Texas service on or around August 13, 1836. He died in March 1839 in Richmond, Texas.
Crew ID
370
