Hastings, Lorenzo S.

HASTINGS, MURRAY, ROBINSON, WALROD

Posted By: Volunteer Transcribers
Date: 1/28/2003 at 13:39:42

LORENZO S. HASTINGS 
For over a third of a century this gentleman was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in Clinton county, and still owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres two miles from DeWitt, but he is now living retired in that village, enjoying a well-earned rest. He was born in Steuben county, Indiana, January 18, 1848, a son Sanford H. and Eunice (Murray) Hastings. The father was a native of Vermont and an early settler of Steuben county, Indiana, where he followed farming many years, but he finally came to Iowa in 1865 and located in Clinton County. He bought a farm near DeWitt and devoted his time attention to its operation for several years, but spend the last fifteen years of his life in retirement from active labor in DeWitt, where he owned a comfortable residence. There he died in December, 1898. His wife survived him only about a month, dying January, 1899. Of the three children born to this worthy couple, Lorenzo S. is second in order of birth. The oldest, Maria, grew up and married but is now deceased. Edson M., the youngest, is now a resident of Roswell, New Mexico.
Lorenzo S. Hastings was seventeen years of age when he came with the family to Iowa, and has since made his home in this county. He had good school privileges and completed his education at the Orland Academy. During his minority he gave his father the benefit of his labors, and engaged in the operation of the old home farm for several years after his marriage.
On the 19th of November, 1869, Mr. Hastings wedded Miss Eliza J. Robinson, who was born in Indiana, but was reared in this county, having come to Iowa with her father, J. M. Robinson, when quite young. They have two children, namely, Eva M., who is not the wife of Warren Walrod, a farmer of this county, and has two children, Harold and Hazel; and Earl L., who is married and is now engaged in farming and the raising of fine stock on his father’s farm.
On leaving the old homestead Mr. Hastings bought a farm which he now owns. In connection with farming he was also engaged in raising and breeding pureblooded short horn, Cruickshank and polled Durham cattle, which he had on exhibition at the county fairs for many years and on which he won many premiums. In 1899 he rented his farm and removed to DeWitt, where he has since lived a retired life. He bought a lot and erected thereon a very pleasant residence.

In religious faith Mr. Hastings is a Congregationalist and hold membership in the church at DeWitt, while in political sentiment he is a stanch Republican, having been identified with that party since casting his first presidential ballot for General U.S. Grant in 1872. He has long been connected the fair association; has been one of its director for twelve years; and has borne a very important part in making it a success. As a citizen he ever stand ready to discharge any duty devolving upon him, and has done much toward the upbuilding and advancement of his adopted county.
Source: The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.