His father died when he was quite young, and having been raised by his mother, he was greatly influenced by her piety and her involvement in the First Presbyterian Church in the Northern Liberties of Philadelphia.
"[4][5] While at Warrenton, he was elected to serve as chaplain of the United States House of Representatives.
[7] Tustin was one of fourteen Presbyterian ministers to serve as Chaplain of the Senate, to date.
Thereafter he served in an appointed government position in Washington, D.C., until the time of his death, as well as stated supply pastor of the Fifteenth Street Colored Presbyterian Church.
[10] Tustin was married to Eliza Maria Balch (born 1802), daughter of Rev.