The late Judge John Austin’s unrivalled collection of books and documents related to the history of Warren County, its towns and families has been reassembled as a reference library in the Warren County Clerk’s Office. There, hundreds of books, folders and much more, including documents that are particularly useful for those who research genealogy, are accessible to
researchers by appointment.
A large portion of the collection pertains to Queensbury residents along with documents and books related to Irish lineage, information about local immigration from Ireland, and material from the Mayflower Society.
When Austin passed away in June 2019 at the age of 84, the former county judge, historian and Queensbury Town Supervisor left behind the trove of books and documents dating back to
the 1600s that were accumulated during decades of research that stemmed from his devotion to history and genealogy. He wanted to make sure anyone who was interested could benefit from the work he had done.
Austin went so far as to leave money in his will to Warren County to display and preserve the collection, so taxpayers would not have to foot the bill when it was opened to the public.
A combined effort by the Warren County Historian’s Office and Warren County Clerk’s Office has resulted in a new library of his collection being made available to the public.
“John was an amazing man, and his hope before he passed was that we could find a way to make this available for the public to use,” said Warren County Historian Dr. Stan Cianfarano.
“There are many, many books about New York history and New England history, not just genealogy,” Cianfarano said. “It’s really amazing what a wide variety of materials John had accumulated.”
After Austin passed away, retired Warren County Clerk Pam Vogel stepped in and spent hundreds of hours going through the material and organizing it so the public could use it, as per
Austin’s wishes. When Vogel passed away in October 2025, she left a list of tasks related to cataloging Austin’s collection that she had yet to finish.
A formal unveiling of the collection was made to members of the Warren County Board of Supervisors on April 17. Kevin Geraghty, Chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, said: “We are very thankful for this gift from Judge Austin. He was a great man and dedicated public servant, and it is fitting that even after he has passed, his lifetime of work will
live on to benefit all of us.”
The public is welcome to review Austin’s collection, which is now housed at the Warren County Clerk’s Office record room, by appointment only. Those who are interested should call Cianfarano at (518) 761-6544.
A version of this article first appeared on the Lake George Mirror, America’s oldest resort paper, covering Lake George and its surrounding environs. You can subscribe to the Mirror HERE.
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