Edward Challinior Hastings, age 68 years, two months and two days, died at the Wesley hospital in Wichita, Saturday afternoon, April 30th. Until a few weeks ago he had been in fair health, being able to engage in work about his home and to attend to business affairs. Several times during the past year he had complained of stomach and bronchial trouble and his disorder was characterized by extreme difficulty in breathing. On Wednesday night he suffered another attack, and as his condition seemed to grow worse, he was taken to the Wesley hospital Friday morning where his was pronounced a severe case of cardiac Asthma. He grew weaker after entering the hospital Friday and the end came at 4 p.m., the following day. Mrs. Hastings, who accompanied him to the hospital, also Chas. Ray of Wichita and E. E. Smith of this city were present when death occurred. His son, Ralph Hastings and wife of West Allis, Wisconsin arrived Sunday evening.The body was brought to Wilmore Monday, and the funeral services were conducted from the Baptist church at 4 p.m., the pastor Rev. T. F. Sowers being in charge. The Masons had charge of the burial services in the Wilmore cemetery.
Mr. Hastings was a native of Massachusetts, having been born in Boston, on February 28, 1859. When his father died, he went to live with his aunt at Chatsworth, Illinois, when he was six years old. There he grew to manhood. After the death of his aunt, he went with his Uncle to Burchard, Nebraska, in 1883, and later purchased a farm near that city.
On March 25, 1886, he married Miss Minnie LaMunyon, a teacher in the Burchard schools. To this union one son was born, Ralph Hastings of West Allis, Wisconsin. For many years after their marriage, Mr. Hastings was engaged in farming and stock raising in Pawnee county, Nebraska. In March, 1911, the deceased moved to Wilmore, Kansas, and has since been engaged in farming and in the feed and draying businesses.
Mr. Hastings united with the First Baptist church of Burchard, twenty five years ago. His membership was moved to the Wilmore Baptist church in 1911. He is a member of the Wilmore Lodge, A. F. & A. M., a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the local O. E. S. chapter.
After coming to Kansas, the deceased soon became well known in the ranchmen and farmers of this country through his feed business. He was honest, just and considerate and held the esteem of all who knew him.
As a neighbor, there was none better. His deeds and kindness to them, and those about him, will not soon be forgotten.
"Uncle Ed" or "Daddy Hastings" as he was most often called, started his career as a farm laborer in Nebraska in 1883. He sacrificed in the bad years and prospered by the good ones. After coming to this county, 17 years ago, he purchased a farm adjoining the city limits of Wilmore. Here he was successful in farming an in business. He invested in more land, in property and in businesses about the city.
He was always a true friend in time of need. People went to him with their troubles and he always showed a willingness to help them out when it was within his power to do so.
It was very unusual for him to be in a unhappy mood. He had a pleasant word for everyone and delighted in conversing and joking with his fellow citizens. People seldom knew about his illness as he was not a man to complain about his personnel feelings. Only a few days before his death he was about town attending to some business affairs.
Although suffering much at the hospital he was apparently in good spirits and was conscious up until the time of his death.
Besides his devoted wife and son, the deceased is survived by four grandchildren, Edward, Loraine, Clarence and Grace Hastings, of West Allis and three sisters, Hariette, Agnes and Grace Hastings of Wellesley, Mass., and a number of other relatives.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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