HASTINGS, Samuel L. 1831 - 1876

HASTINGS, BUSK

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 5/14/2024 at 23:09:04

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Thursday, May 18, 1876
Page 3, Column 7

DIED.

HASTINGS.--May 14, 1876, at his residence in this city, Samuel L. HASTINGS, in the 44th year of his age.

The deceased was born Dec. 14, 1831, in Washington county, Pa. When three years old his parents removed to Lebanon, Ohio, where he resided for twenty-two years. Feb. 14th, 1856, he married Miss Elizabeth BUSK, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and soon after determined to seek his fortune in the West, and on the 16th day of April following he settled in Fairfield, Iowa, and at once entered upon a business career that only terminated with his life. For twenty years he struggled manfully with disadvantages and reverses of fortune that would have discouraged many, but that indomitable energy and force of character peculiar to himself, as fast as reversese would come, enabled him to rise above them and press for a still higher work beyond. There is a point, however, behind which none dare go with safety. This, perhaps, proved trie in his case. The financial embarrassment of last year that tried so many of our business men, reached him also, taxing the mental forces to such an extent for months that when relief came the reaction, aided by a chronic difficulty with which he had been afflicted for several years, brought the strong man to his bed.-- Medical aid was secured, but all that could be done by physicians, a kind family and friends, was of no avail. His days were numbered, and as the fearful hour drew nigh his friends at a distance were advised by telegraph. His aged father, oldest brother and sister, living at Iowa City, and his youngest sister, from Chicago, arrived a few hours before his death. Sabbath morning, while the good people of our city were preparing for the earthly sanctuary, to celebrate the resurrection of their risen Lord, heavenly visitants assembled in that upper room, and as the loving wife was holding with the one had the aching head, and with the other pressing for the last time the cup of blessing to the lips that were never again to cheer her aching heart with sweet words of love and comfort, one clothed with authority stepped forward--with one hand removed the cup and closed the lips of clay, and with the other He pointed forward and said to the disembodied spirit of Samuel L. HASTINGS

"Land ahead! its fruits are waving
O'er the hills of fadeless green,
And the living waters laving
Shores where heavenly forms are seen.
Onword hark! the cape we're rounding,
See the blessed wave their hands,
Hear the harps of God resounding
From the bright immortal bands.

Now we're safe from all temptation,
All the storms of this life are past,
Praise the rock of our salvation,
We are safe at home at last.
Rocks and storms I'll fear no more
When on that eternal shore;
Drop the anchor, furl the sail,
I am safe within the vale."

Thus he passed away without a struggle or groan. The deceased had been a consistent and worthy member of the Baptist Church in this city for about ten years. During that time his seat was seldom found vacant. Often during his sickness he expressed a desire to recover for the benefit of his family, but said repeatedly to his pastor, "I am ready at any moment my Lord may call for me." At one time he said, "For years and years there has not been a day but what I have realized the presence of my Savior, and now there is not one cloud or dark spot between me and my God." He said to his wife, "The Lord will take care of you and the children." To his little son and daughter he said, "Be honest, truthful and good to your mother."

Thus passed away one of our best and most useful citizens, an esteemed brother, a loving husband, a kind and tender father. But we sorrow not as those who have no hope. On the 15th inst., a very large concourse of sympathizing friends and citizens assembled at his late residence, where appropriate religious services were conducted by Rev. Jas. Frey, pastor of the Baptist Church, assisted by Prof. Wilson and Rev. Sparr. A short sermon was preached by Rev. Frey, founded on Second Corinthians, 5th Chap. and 6th verse, after which the body, according to the request of the deceased, was taken charge of and buried by the Order of Free Masons, of which Order he had long been a member.

He left to mourn his loss, his dear companion, one son and daughter, an aged father and mother, two brothers, three sisters, and a large circle of loving friends. May the arms of a loving Redeemer be ever around the afflicted family.

Com.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, IA, in Lot Old.P.316. Wife Elizabeth died in 1923 and was buried with him.