Born in Wigan, Austin joined the Journeymen Steam Engine and Machine Makers' Friendly Society in 1847.
He soon moved to Bury and helped bring about the merger which formed the Amalgamated Society of Engineers (ASE) in 1851.
[1] In 1863, he was appointed as the Manchester Vacant Bookkeeper for the society, and became known for his honesty and devotion to duty in the post.
[3] In 1886, Austin was elected as general secretary of the ASE, defeating John Anderson by 9,956 votes to 9,100.
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