Closing school at Farmington in 1873, I quit teaching and took up
farming and preaching, as I had teaching and preaching until the year
1907 when I retired at the age of 70. So then I attended school off
and on 10 years, taught 15 years, farmed 35 years, preached 50 years,
working in the aggregate 110 years in a life of 70. The explanation
is that some people can do two things or more at one and the same
time.
On the 28th of June, 1884, indicating just exactly fourteen years of
our (wife's and my) married life, our youngest child was born. In
the meantime during these fourteen years to us (wife and me) were
born seven children viz: Harry H. April 3rd, 1871. Paul P. October
22nd, 1872. Otho O. April 8, 1874. Wiley W. January 4th, 1876.
Clara C. September 24th, 1877. Edith E. January 31st. 1881, Milo M.
June 28th 1884. Do you notice that the above children each has
double initials. This happened so with the two first, with the
others it was purposed so. All of these children were born in the
same home, Farmington, Atchison County, Kansas. But now the parents
are together, alone and lonesome. Not a child near, only in memory.
Yet the seven are. Four are here-- In St. Louis, Harry. In
Prescott, Paul. In Independence, Otho. In New York, Milo. In
Heaven three. Little Wiley went on the 21st day of July 1877. Jesus
said of him, "Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." Edith when on the
8th day of November, 1902. Elder H. E. Ballou said of her: "Fallen
Asleep."
Miss Edith Hastings, daughter of Elder Z. S. Hastings, granddaughter
of Pardee Butler, November 8th, 1902. Age twenty-one years. Was
born of water and of the Spirit February 2, 1894. F. M. Hooton,
minister of the house at Pardee, in which her father and grandfather
preached and which services in memoriam were held. Dear old house,
if thy walls could speak how many, how many things thou woulds't say.
Thou woulds't tell what we can feel, but cannot speak of or write of.
Dear, pure Edith. Ten days of unalarming illness--sudden death. A
surprise to all but her. A great shock. Did the Lord tell her
"tonsillitis" is something fatal?
"May heaven's blessings rest on the family, noble, useful family.
Earthly home is sad now. Heavenly home still nearer and dearer. And
on the church she loved, on the Senior C. E.--we will not forget her
pure sweet talks there--on the Junior C. E. she organized and
superintended until death. On her assistant superintendent and bosom
friend, Miss Maude Tucker. On the school she taught, on students of
county Normal at Effingham, who loved her, on one noble young student
of Drake University who came to sit among the mourners as though he
was already one of the family. All love her at Drake--Yes
everywhere."
Clara went on the 23rd day of May, 1906. Mrs. Prof. J. W. Wilson
said of her:
"A Beautiful Life"
Clara C. Hastings was born at Farmington, Kansas, Sept. 24, 1877.
Married June 28th 1905. Died May 20th, 1906. Graduated from the A.
C. H. S. in the class of '98 and later completed the teachers' course
in Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. Taught nearly two years in
primary grades at Maxwell, Iowa. Resigned during the second year to
stay with her parents after the death of her sister Edith. Spent one
year in Muscotah, Kansa, as primary teacher.
"On June the 28th, 1905 she married Charles G. Sprong, and their
married life was one of happiness, with every prospect of happiness
and usefulness before them. On May 12, 1906 twin daughters came to
bless their home. Four days later little Edith died and on May 23,
Clara closed her eyes on all things earthly and her Heavenly Father
called he home. A bereaved husband, a father, mother, four brothers
and numerous friends mourn her loss. Her life was short but well
lived, for she spent it in doing good. A kind smile and a kind word
for everyone was characteristic of her. Many evidences of her love
and sympathy for others were shown at the funeral by the expressions
of sympathy from the little children and aged alike.
When all hope of life was abandoned and it was thought best by
friends to tell her the end was near, her husband gently reminded her
of little Edith in heaven, and told her she would soon be with her.
Although a little surprised for she thought she was better, she said
it was all right if it was God's will. Her last hours were spend in
comforting those left behind and many loving messages she gave them
that will be a comfort to them and a help to lessen the sting of
death. Her bright mind was active to the last. She called for paper
and pencil and named over many friends to whom she wished messages
sent. Repeating with her father the Lord's Prayer, and telling them
not to mourn for her, her bright pure life closed. She died as she
had lived--a Christian. The funeral services were held at the Potter
church, conducted by Rev. Hilton of Atchison. The floral tribute was
beautiful. A large number of people were present, but owing to the
distance a great many were unable to attend. Those from Effingham
were Hiss Speer, Emma Ellis, Ollie Wilson, Mabel Weaver, Nellie
Grable, Mrs. J. W. Wilson, Mollie Campbell, J. W. Campbell and Ertel
Weaver.
Evangelist Frank Richard wrote of her: "The memory of such a life is
as the lingering twilight after the golden sun has set. It is the
precious memory of a life service. Service to her was a genuine
pleasure. For her Master she served whose guiding hand she trusted.
Her life was genuine, sweet and gentle. A deep religious fervor
characterized it throughout. Pious, consecrated and devout she was.
Her services in the church were highly appreciated. She loved the
church. Her splendid counsel and example were of inestimable worth
to the young people both in and out of the church. In her home the
sweetness of her life was a constant pleasure to her friends and
loved ones. To permeate the home with a Christian spirit was to her
a high aim."
The weight of sorrow brought on us by the death of these two noble
daughters is still so heavy as to bring tears to our eyes and sadness
to our hearts. But we hope in God.
Little Ethel, one of the twins, still lives with her father and a
kind step-mother. May the mantle of her dear mother's goodness fall
upon her and she grow up to be good and happy.
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