Sir Francis William Austen (1774 - 1865)

Son of Rev George Austen, rector of Steventon in Hampshire and brother of Jane
Austen, the novelist. Born on 23 April 1774, he entered the Royal Naval Academy
at 12 years of age in April 1786. In December 1788 he joined the Perseverence
frigate, and served in her in the East Indies. In December 1792 he was made a
lieutenant and after six years of active service he was promoted to commander on
3 February 1799.

From 1807 to 1809 he commanded the St Albans of 64 guns and in her made at
least two voyages to the East Indies in charge of the convoy.

He attained the rank of Rear Admiral in July 1830, vice-admiral in June 1838,
Commander-in-chief in the West Indies from December 1844 to 1848, Admiral in
August 1848, rear-admiral of the United Kingdom on 5 June 1862, vice-admireal of
the United Kingdom 11 December 1862, and Admiral of the Fleet on 27 April 1863.

He was made K.C.B.; G.C.B. in May 1860, and "full of years and honours, he died
on 10 August 1865".

From Leslie Stephen, ed., Dictionary of National Biography, Vol 11, London,
Smith, Elder & C0. 1885.