Thomas Austin

Thomas Austin (181515 December 1871) was an English settler in Australia who is generally noted for the introduction of rabbits into Australia in 1859, even though rabbits had been brought previously to Australia by the First Fleet. Personal life Thomas Austin was born at Baltonsborough, Somerset, England, the youngest son of John Austin and Nancy, née Lucas. In 1831 he arrived with other members of his family in Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). Established the first ferry crossing the Derwent River, with his uncle and cousin in the township which is now Austin’s Ferry.