Benedict Austin was a martyr for the Catholic faith.
I'm still looking for information on Benedict's ancestors. His children and
siblings intermarried with many of the wonderful Catholic families of
Kentucky: YATES, RALEY, HOBBS, BRIGHT, WILLETT, PIERCEALL, CISSELL, CAMBRON,
HAYDEN, TOON, BOWLES, GREENWELL, and many others.
Here are his parents:
1 James Austin b: June 11, 1765 in near Harper's Ferry, Virginia d:
July 23,
1850 in Sacred Heart Cem., St. Vincent, Union Co., KY
+Ann Nancy Howard b: August 22, 1765 in Virginia m: Abt. 1790 in St.
Rose, Washington Co., KY d: December 12, 1833 in St. Rose's Priory
Cemetery, near Springfield, Washington Co., KY
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From The Lexington "Observer and Reporter," July 18, 1849. Copied by Anthony
Kent Austin, Prospect, Kentucky.
"Fatal Rencounter. -- The Paducah Kentuckian, of Saturday last, has the
following account of a fatal rencounter in that place between Judge Campbell
and Mr. Austin, (Both candidates for the Convention) in which the latter was
killed:
On Monday last an unfortunate rencounter between the Hon. James Campbell and
Benedict Austin, occurred at the Courthouse which resulted in the death of
Mr. Austin. Mr. Austin and Judge Campbell were both candidates for the
Convention. Mr. Austin at Mr. Allen's some week ago, used very insulting and
contemptuous language towards the Judge and his family. No notice of his
remarks was taken by the Judge at that time. They afterwards met on the
stump at Wyatt's Campground, where Mr. Austin was very polite and courteous
towards the Judge, and after the speaking Judge Campbell remarked to Mr.
Austin in a friendly way, saying: 'Benedict, I felt a little inclined to give
you a flaking for your conduct at Allen's, but your conduct today has been
such that I freely forgive you.' They then shook hands and dined together.
On Monday last, Mr. Austin spoke first, and in his remarks was very abusive,
and stated that Judge Campbell at Allen's had trumped up a falsehood to
injure him on account of his religion, he being a Roman Catholic. The Judge
had, by the way of illustrating the sovereignty of the people in this
country, related a conversation between himself and Mrs. Adair. Mrs. White,
the daughter of Gov. Adair, was at Rome, was anxious to see the Pope, but
when informed that all who visited the Pope, less than sovereigns, were
required to kiss the Pope's big toe. Mrs. White was unwilling to do this, and
remarked that she was a sovereign, etc. The anecdote had been related by the
Judge on several occasions before Mr. austin had become a candidate. Mr.
Austin on Monday last in his speech was very abusive and charged the Judge
with falsehood. The Judge politely asked for an explanation, and enquired of
Austin if he intended to say the anecdote was untrue or had I (Judge
Campbell) told a falsehood. Mr. Austin in a very insulting manner remarked,
'Your statement was as false as hell.' Advancing towards the Judge and
clinching his fist in a hostile and menacing attitude. They were on the
Judge's platform. As Mr. Austin advanced the Judge struck him a feeble flow
with his fist. Mr. Austin advanced and struck the Judge several blows in the
face, the Judge was driven back to the steps, as far as he could retreat
without danger of being thrust backwards over the steps some five feet high,
he still facing Austin, drew a pistol and fired, killing Mr. Austin
instantly. The Judge immediately gave himself up. On Tuesday he was brought
before a court of inquiry, four magistrates sitting, and was discharged
without a dissenting voice.
A son of Mr. Austin publishes a card in the Paducah Kentuckian, in which he
says that he and all his family freely forgive Judge Campbell, and his
language goes to exonerate the Judge from all blame in the transaction.
Judge Campbell wished to withdraw from the canvass for the Conventiion after
this occurence, but the citizens of Paducah held a public meeting and
requested him not to do so."