The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Middle Township, page 712
Austin Pierson, one of the leading citizens of Middle Township, was born June 12, 1826, in Shelby County, Ky. He was a son of William and Nancy Pierson, who were natives of Virginia. From Kentucky they came to Hendricks County, Ind., in 1834, locating in Marion Township, where the father died. He was County Commissioner of this county. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom survive--Augustus, Thomas, John, William, Austin, Sarah, Elizabeth and Nancy. Our subject was reared to manhood in this county, receiving but a limited education, and was here married, March 6, 1851, to Miss Mary J. Smith, of Hendricks County. They have had a family of twelve children. Those living are--James M., Mereen, George B., Joseph M., Robert E., Nancy E., Sarah, Mary and Ann E. Henry, Harvey and Oliver are deceased. Mr. Pierson settled where he now resides, in the fall of 1851. He has met with success in his agricultural pursuits and is the owner of 160 acres of land. He is at present serving his second term as Township Trustee.