HASTINGS, Elias - CW - Putnam

Ellis G. Hastings, son of Isaac and Malinda Hastings was born in Morgan County, Indiana on Sept 8, 1874. He was the youngest son of the family two brothers, namely Robert Hastings of Hammond, Indiana, Isaac Hastings of Greencastle, Indiana two half brother, Jerry Hastings now deceased, William Hastings of Arkansas, three half sister, Keziah Kiefer, now deceased Plina Unversaw of Martinsville, and Laura Unversaw now deceased. His father died when he was only two years old. As he grew up with his mother he realized the duty he owed her and always cheerfully and willingly faced the obligations which fell upon him to the best of his ability. At 17 his mother was called to the World beyond thus leaving him with his sisters and brothers to face the battles of life. He has lived all his life in Morgan County, Indiana. On April 24, 1899 he was married to Miss Anna Steiger of Morgan County. To this union were born two children, William age 19 and Earl age 12, both now living. He was a member of the Christian Church in Martinsville, having joined April 2, 1915 and he was also a member of K of P Lodge, Brooklyn, Indiana. He departed this life on oct 10, 1920. He was always very active, upholding the standards of his county. In 1898 when the American flag was assailed he voluntarily left his work and enlisted in Co. K, 158th Indiana Volunteers.  No personal call was necessary – alone with his conscience he made the decision and served throughout the period of the war, being honorably discharged at its end.  In the late war he stood ready to go although the father of a family.  He worked very earnestly raising food for the boys who had gone and bought Bonds, War Savings Stamps and contributed to every war auxiliary as much as his circumstances would permit. Life fully lived is like the arc of the Sun on its approach in the morning we see the prospect for the future day. Battling against clouds and mists it forces them away and warmth, cheer and comfort bless the recipient to its rays. He had only reached the apex of the arc of his life but like the sun was shining direct rays of help and comfort all around.  The world is better for his having lived and suffers a great loss at his departure. Although we think untimely we do not know. His record in Life carried to a Higher Court for Justice is perfect.  In the noonday of his life, without pain or warning alone with his wife he left us. Friendship, charity and benevolence had been showered on his friends and love on his family. He had no enemies. From the Great Beyond by his life work he silently sends the message, “It pays to be good.”  He is now in the hands of the Great Judge where justice never fails.  Words to be equity to this man’s life fail, we search in vain for them but like music without the living spirit behind, they fail to carry the perfection and sweetness to its hearers. But in its sublimest degree in parting we class him as a Patriot, Husband, Father and Friend.

Card of Thanks – We wish to extend our sincere thanks to our neighbors, friends and relatives for their kindness and sympathy shown us during the sad bereavement and departure of our dearly beloved husband and father, Ellis G. Hastings.  Also for their beautiful floral offerings. We also wish to thank Rev. Montgomery for his consoling words and Mr. Mannan, Mrs. Bryce, K of P Lodge and Mr. Wilhite for their kind and efficient service – wife and sons.